GE VMIVME-7750 VME Single Board Computer

Description

• Model / Part: VMIVME-7750 (variants such as VMIVME-7750-73400, VMIVMME-7750)
• OEM Part Number: 350-027750-73400 (K / “73400” suffix variant)
• Product Nature: VME Single Board Computer (SBC)
• Core Features:
  • Intel Pentium III CPU (up to 1.26 GHz)
  • Supports up to 512 MB PC-133 SDRAM via SODIMM slot
  • Dual Ethernet ports (10/100) & integrated VGA graphics controller
  • One PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) expansion site for modular I/O

Overview & Role

The GE VMIVME-7750 is a rugged, single-slot VMEbus single board computer (SBC) built around the Intel Pentium III architecture. It brings modern PC capabilities into VME-based embedded systems, enabling control, visualization, data acquisition, and communication tasks in industrial, power, defense, and process applications.

Variants such as VMIVMME-7750-73400 or the version with part number 350-027750-73400 (sometimes suffixed with “K”) typically indicate a particular configuration: speed grade, front panel revision, or additional features (e.g. conformal coating, temperature rating, or shipping kit). The core hardware remains the VMIVME-7750 platform, but these suffixes allow precise matching to system requirements.

This board is frequently used as a system controller or CPU node in VMEbus backplanes, running real-time OSes such as VxWorks, Linux, QNX, or custom embedded software stacks. It may also act as a peripheral CPU in more complex architectures.

Technical Features & Benefits

Processor and Memory

• Up to 1.26 GHz Pentium III with 512 KB of on-die L2 cache in high speed variants.
• Supports up to 512 MB PC-133 SDRAM via a single 144-pin SODIMM, dual-ported to the VMEbus.

Graphics & Local Display

• Integrated AGP SVGA controller with a 4 MB external synchronous DRAM cache. Supports resolutions up to 1600×1200 × 256 colors (single view mode).
• Standard BIOS and video BIOS are stored in reprogrammable flash memory.

I/O & Communication

• Dual Ethernet ports supporting 10BaseT / 100BaseTX.
• Two RS-232 serial ports (16550 UART compatible), located on front panel micro DB-9 connectors.
• USB support: onboard USB host controller with front panel connectors.
• PMC site (PCI mezzanine card) allows expansion for additional I/O or interface modules.

VMEbus Interface

• Uses a Tundra / Universe II (or Universe IIB) PCI–to–VME bridge chip, supporting VMEbus master/slave operations, window mapping, and DMA transfers.
• VMEbus features include support for BLT32/BLT64, A32/A24/A16, D32/D16, and requester/intrrupt capabilities.
• Byte-swapping support for bridging little-endian (PCI/Intel) to big-endian VME modules.

System Features

• Timers: Two 16-bit timers and two 32-bit timers, plus system timers.
• Watchdog Timer: Software-programmable watchdog; if not serviced, triggers reset or VMEbus SYSFAIL.
• Nonvolatile SRAM: 32 KB battery-backed or flash-backed SRAM to preserve state across power cycles.
• BIOS and Booting: BIOS in flash, supports booting from CompactFlash or network via remote Ethernet boot (BootWare).
• Rugged / Industrial Configuration: Typically supports standard ambient range (0–50 °C) or extended options, noncondensing humidity, VME 6U form factor.

Specification Table

Installation & Maintenance Notes

From field experience and manual references:

• Board Insertion / Extraction: Use the board’s ejector / handle mechanism; ensure the card is fully seated to avoid bus faults.
• Cooling / Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow in the VME chassis; heavy CPU loads or high ambient may require forced cooling.
• Grounding / Shielding: Proper chassis bonding is crucial, especially for VME backplane noise suppression.
• Memory / Flash Upgrades: When replacing memory or flash components, ensure compatibility (PC133 SODIMM for SDRAM).
• Firmware / BIOS Updates: Apply firmware from trusted sources; backup existing BIOS and parameter sets before patching.
• RTC / Battery / SRAM Check: If equipped with battery-backed SRAM, verify battery health periodically to avoid data loss.
• Diagnostic Tools: Use onboard BIST (Built-In Self-Test) and hardware monitor logs post power-up for health checks.

Variants and Suffix Interpretations

Suffixes like “73400 / K / 350-027750-73400” generally identify:

• Specific speed grade or temperature-rated variant (e.g. 734 variant)
• A specific front-panel configuration or revision (K may denote a packaging / kit)
• Internal ordering / revision number used by GE / VMIC for tracking manufacturing differences

For example, a listing for VMIVME-7750-734 shows dimensions (263 × 58 × 28 mm) and a weight of ~0.43 kg.

Always verify with the hardware label or supplier datasheet to confirm the exact variant.

Use Cases & Industry Context

Because of its VME architecture and general-purpose capability, the VMIVME-7750 is widely used in:

• Industrial control systems (e.g. SCADA front-ends)
• Power plant control and monitoring
• Embedded automation systems requiring both compute and field interface
• Legacy VMEbus infrastructures needing modern CPU upgrade
• Defense, aerospace, test & measurement systems using VME as a standard

Over time, many installations replacing aging VME boards have used the VMIVME-7750 to modernize control nodes without changing the overall system topology.