Motorola MVME341A

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME-332XT

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME341A is a legacy industrial VMEbus high-speed serial communication module designed to enable reliable long-distance data transfer for industrial automation systems—filling the gap between basic serial modules (e.g., 2-port low-speed designs) and network-focused modules like Motorola MVME945B-001. Unlike mixed-signal I/O modules such as Motorola MVME-5100-0517 (which prioritizes discrete/analog signal handling), Motorola MVME341A specializes in high-speed synchronous (e.g., SDLC, HDLC) and asynchronous serial communication, making it ideal for connecting remote devices like PLCs, HMIs, and sensor networks.

As a key component in Motorola’s legacy communication lineup, Motorola MVME341A acts as a “serial data bridge” for host SBCs like Motorola MVME-166-11A or Motorola MVME7100-0517. Its ability to support 2 Mbps synchronous speeds and 1200 m RS-485 transmission lets it handle time-sensitive data transfer—for example, sending real-time production data from a remote factory floor to a central control room. In practice, Motorola MVME341A eliminates the need for external serial converters, reducing system complexity and failure points. This design makes it indispensable for legacy systems like pipeline monitoring, regional utility grids, or multi-site manufacturing networks—where replacing it would require costly rewiring of long-distance serial links.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

High-Speed Synchronous Communication for Time-Sensitive Data: Motorola MVME341A’s 2 Mbps synchronous speed (SDLC/HDLC) delivers 17x faster data transfer than basic 115.2 kbps asynchronous modules—critical for applications like oil pipeline monitoring. In a 500 km pipeline system, Motorola MVME341A transmits pressure and flow data from 20 remote sensors to a central Motorola MVME-610 SBC via RS-485, with <100ms latency ensuring rapid response to leaks. The synchronous protocol’s error-checking (CRC) also reduces data loss to <0.01%, outperforming unstructured asynchronous communication.

Long-Distance RS-485 Connectivity for Distributed Systems: With 1200 m RS-485 support (vs. 15 m RS-232), Motorola MVME341A enables large-scale distributed networks without signal repeaters. A warehouse campus with 4 buildings (each 300 m apart) uses Motorola MVME341A to connect 16 barcode scanners per building to a central Motorola MVME7100-0517 system—avoiding the $2,000+ cost of adding RS-485 repeaters. The module’s multi-drop capability (32 devices per port) also reduces VME slot usage, freeing space for other components like Motorola MVME-177-003 analog modules.

Dual-Mode Flexibility + Robust Diagnostics: Motorola MVME341A’s ports are individually configurable for synchronous/asynchronous modes, supporting mixed-device networks. A food processing plant uses Port 1 (synchronous, 500 kbps) to connect to a legacy PLC and Port 2 (asynchronous, 9600 bps) to a local HMI—all via one module. Its built-in loopback test and baud rate detection simplify troubleshooting: if a remote sensor fails to communicate, technicians can run a local loopback on Motorola MVME341A to isolate issues (e.g., faulty cable vs. module port), cutting diagnostic time by 50% vs. modules without built-in tests.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a regional water utility system, Motorola MVME341A is paired with Motorola MVME-166-11A to monitor 8 remote pump stations. Each station uses a Motorola MVME341A to send pump status (on/off, pressure) and water level data to the central SBC via RS-485 (1200 m max distance per station). The module’s synchronous mode (1 Mbps) ensures data is transmitted every 500ms, enabling the SBC to adjust pump speeds in real time to balance water pressure. Motorola MVME341A’s -10°C–60°C operating range withstands outdoor enclosure temperatures, while its vibration resistance handles pump-induced mechanical stress—maintaining 99.97% uptime.

For a multi-site electronics manufacturing network, Motorola MVME341A connects 3 factories (each 800 m apart) to a central MES system. Each factory’s Motorola MVME7100-0517 uses Motorola MVME341A to send hourly production logs (500 KB per factory) via RS-422 (full-duplex, 2 Mbps). The module’s DMA support transfers data without CPU bottlenecks, letting the SBC focus on mixed-signal control tasks. Motorola MVME341A’s parity and flow control prevent data corruption during peak production hours, ensuring accurate inventory tracking across sites.

Motorola MVME-332XT

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME334B: 2-port low-speed serial module – Cost-effective complement for Motorola MVME341A when adding low-speed (115.2 kbps max) RS-232/RS-485 devices (e.g., legacy printers).

Motorola MVME-333-2: 8-port asynchronous module – Upgrade for Motorola MVME341A if more ports (8 vs. 2) are needed, though it lacks synchronous speed (max 115.2 kbps).

Motorola MVME945B-001: 10/100Base-T Ethernet module – Pair with Motorola MVME341A to convert serial data to IP, enabling integration with modern cloud monitoring systems.

Motorola MVME7100-0517: Mixed-signal I/O module – Ideal host companion for Motorola MVME341A; combines serial communication with digital/analog control in mid-scale systems.

Emerson MVME341A-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original speed/Protocol specs; cost-effective replacement for failing Motorola MVME341A units in critical serial networks.

Motorola MVME-177-003: 16-channel analog module – Complements Motorola MVME341A by adding high-precision sensor data (e.g., temperature) to serial-based monitoring systems.

Motorola 30GD-2-U4300117: Industrial DC PSU – Powers Motorola MVME341A and its host SBC, ensuring stable +5V/+12V for serial transceiver performance.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME341A, verify the VME chassis has a 3U slot and the host SBC supports A16/D16 addressing + DMA. Confirm the power supply provides +5V DC (±5%) and +12V DC (±10%) – use a multimeter to avoid voltage ripple that disrupts serial signals. Gather tools: anti-static wristband (protects transceivers), torque screwdriver (0.3 N·m for mounting), serial cable tester, and shielded twisted-pair cable (24 AWG for RS-485, 22 AWG for RS-232). For RS-485, add a 120Ω terminator at the farthest device; route cables ≥15cm away from power lines to reduce EMI.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME341A’s port LEDs – steady power, blinking transmit/receive, and no fault lights indicate normal operation. Test communication weekly by sending a 10KB test packet to remote devices; verify CRC error counts <1. Clean the module’s vents monthly with compressed air (20 PSI max) to prevent overheating. If a port faults, isolate the device (check cable continuity/termination), reconfigure the port via the SBC, and run a loopback test. Store spare Motorola MVME341A units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to preserve serial transceiver components.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME341A is backed by an 18-month warranty from Emerson for refurbished units, covering defects in serial transceivers, DMA controllers, and protocol chips. If Motorola MVME341A fails (e.g., synchronous speed degradation in a pipeline system), Emerson provides free 7-day replacement – critical for applications where serial downtime disrupts safety-critical monitoring.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 36-month service contract, including 24/7 remote troubleshooting (via phone/email), access to archived drivers (e.g., VxWorks 5.4 synchronous protocol stacks), and on-site serial network testing. Emerson maintains a global stock of RS-485 transceivers and SDLC/HDLC chips for Motorola MVME341A until 2038, ensuring legacy long-distance serial systems remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to supporting distributed industrial infrastructure and helping users avoid costly network overhauls.