Motorola MVME172PA-642SE

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME-162-532A

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME172PA-642SE is a legacy industrial VMEbus high-density digital I/O module designed to manage large volumes of discrete sensor and actuator signals for mid-1990s–2000s industrial control systems. Unlike low-density modules like Motorola MVME172-001 (16 channels), Motorola MVME172PA-642SE delivers 64 channels (32 in/32 out) with optical isolation and overcurrent protection—making it ideal for pairing with high-performance SBCs such as Motorola MVME-187 to control complex systems like assembly lines, conveyor networks, or process valves.

As a workhorse I/O component in Motorola’s VME lineup, Motorola MVME172PA-642SE acts as a “discrete control hub” between field devices and control systems. It converts raw sensor signals (e.g., “limit switch triggered” from a conveyor) into digital data for SBCs and sends output commands (e.g., “activate relay” for a valve) to actuators. For example, in a mid-1990s automotive assembly plant, Motorola MVME172PA-642SE monitored 32 robot position sensors and controlled 32 welding relays—its optical isolation preventing electrical noise from disrupting critical safety signals. Today, it remains critical for legacy systems where replacing it would require rewiring dozens of field devices to match newer module channel layouts.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

High-Density Channels for Space Efficiency: Motorola MVME172PA-642SE’s 64 channels (in a double-high 6U form factor) deliver 4x the I/O density of 16-channel modules—reducing VME chassis slot usage and simplifying wiring. A mid-1990s electronics manufacturing plant used two Motorola MVME172PA-642SE modules to manage 128 discrete signals (64 in/64 out) for a PCB assembly line: this setup used 4 slots, whereas 8x 16-channel modules would have required 8 slots—cutting chassis size by 50% and reducing cable management time by 30 hours per month. For a logistics warehouse, a single Motorola MVME172PA-642SE handled 32 conveyor stop sensors and 32 sorting gate actuators—proving its ability to streamline large-scale I/O deployments.

Optical Isolation for Safety and Noise Immunity: Motorola MVME172PA-642SE’s 2500V AC optical isolation protects both the module and connected SBCs (e.g., Motorola MVME-187) from ground loops and electrical surges—common in industrial environments with high-voltage equipment. A mid-1990s steel mill used Motorola MVME172PA-642SE to monitor sensors near 480V motors: its isolation prevented voltage spikes from damaging the module or corrupting input data, which would have triggered false safety shutdowns costing $5,000+ per hour. Non-isolated modules would have required external isolators, adding 20% to hardware costs and increasing failure points.

Per-Channel Protection and Feedback: Overcurrent protection and output status feedback in Motorola MVME172PA-642SE minimize downtime from wiring errors or actuator failures. A mid-1990s food processing plant used the module to control 32 valve actuators: when a valve short-circuited, the module’s self-resetting overcurrent protection shut down only the faulty channel (not the entire group), allowing production to continue with minimal disruption. Status feedback also alerted technicians to an open load on a second valve—enabling repairs before the issue affected product quality. This level of fault tolerance was unavailable in basic digital I/O modules, which would have required manual troubleshooting of all 32 channels.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a mid-1990s automotive paint shop, Motorola MVME172PA-642SE paired with Motorola MVME-187 to manage the paint curing oven’s safety and control systems. The module monitored 32 input signals (e.g., oven door position, temperature sensor alarms) and controlled 32 output devices (e.g., conveyor motors, heater relays). Its optical isolation protected against noise from nearby high-voltage heaters, while overcurrent protection prevented damage from shorted motor windings. Motorola MVME172PA-642SE’s -40°C–70°C operating range withstood the paint shop’s warm, humid environment, and its 64-channel density eliminated the need for additional I/O modules—saving valuable chassis space for other control components.

For a mid-1990s municipal waste management facility’s sorting system, Motorola MVME172PA-642SE managed 32 proximity sensors (detecting waste containers) and 32 sorting gate actuators. It sent sensor data to a Motorola MVME162-532A SBC, which directed the gates to route waste to the correct bins. The module’s debounce configuration (5 ms) filtered out vibration-induced false signals from the sensors, while output status feedback confirmed gate activation. During a thunderstorm, the module’s isolation prevented a power surge from damaging the SBC, keeping the sorting system operational while a neighboring facility with non-isolated modules experienced a 4-hour outage.

Motorola MVME162-510

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME-187: High-performance SBC – Primary pairing for Motorola MVME172PA-642SE; Processes high-volume discrete I/O data for real-time control (e.g., automotive paint shops).

Motorola MVME172-001: 16-channel digital I/O module – Alternative for Motorola MVME172PA-642SE users needing fewer channels (e.g., small-scale conveyor control).

Motorola MVME177-004: High-precision analog input module – Complement to Motorola MVME172PA-642SE; Adds analog sensor monitoring (e.g., temperature, pressure) to mixed-signal systems.

Motorola MVME341A: Serial communication module – Expands systems using Motorola MVME172PA-642SE; Sends I/O status data to remote SCADA systems via RS-485.

Emerson MVME172PA-642SE-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original isolation and I/O specs; Critical replacement for failing Motorola MVME172PA-642SE units in legacy control systems.

Motorola MVME172PA-641SE: 64-channel sourcing output variant – Upgrade for Motorola MVME172PA-642SE users needing sourcing (vs. sinking) outputs for inductive loads (e.g., solenoids).

Motorola 30GD-2-U4300117: Industrial DC PSU – Powers Motorola MVME172PA-642SE and paired SBCs, ensuring stable +5V/+12V for reliable I/O operation.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME172PA-642SE, verify the VME chassis supports double-high 6U modules and A16/D16 addressing (compatible with SBCs like Motorola MVME-187). Confirm the power supply provides +5V DC (±5%) and +12V DC (±10%) – use a precision multimeter to check ripple (<50 mV, critical for digital signal stability). Gather tools: anti-static wristband (protects module circuitry), torque screwdriver (0.5 N·m for 6U mounting), and crimping tool (for secure wire connections to terminal blocks). Label input/output wires by channel and function (e.g., “Conveyor 1 Limit Switch”) to avoid misconfiguration; ensure ground connections are secure to maximize isolation effectiveness.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME172PA-642SE’s LEDs – steady power, “module ready” light, and no fault indicators mean normal operation. Test input channels monthly by triggering connected sensors (e.g., pressing limit switches) and verifying data reception on the host SBC. For outputs, activate each channel and confirm actuator response + status feedback. Inspect terminal blocks quarterly for loose wires or corrosion (common in humid environments). Replace the module’s internal logic power fuse (500 mA, fast-blow) only with identical ratings if it fails. Store spare Motorola MVME172PA-642SE units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to preserve optical isolation components.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME172PA-642SE is backed by a 24-month warranty from Emerson for refurbished units, covering defects in the optical isolation circuits, output transistors, and communication interface. If Motorola MVME172PA-642SE fails (e.g., in an automotive paint shop), Emerson provides free 7-day replacement—with pre-tested isolation and I/O functionality to avoid downtime for revalidation.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 36-month service contract, including 24/7 technical support (via phone/email, with digital I/O specialists), access to archived configuration software, and on-site isolation testing. Emerson maintains a global stock of optical isolators and output transistors for Motorola MVME172PA-642SE until 2040, ensuring legacy systems retain the high-density I/O and fault tolerance needed for large-scale industrial control. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to supporting critical infrastructure components—even for obsolete modules.