Motorola MVME162-213 High – Performance VMEbus Single – Board Computer (SBC)

Description

Real-World Use & Application Scenarios

The Motorola MVME162-213 is a compact VMEbus single board computer tailored for industrial automation environments where computing reliability and performance must be balanced with space and power efficiency. Found in manufacturing plants controlling assembly lines, robotic arms, and motion control systems, this board excels in scenarios that require real-time processing and robust signal management. It is also applicable in advanced machine vision installations, serving as a frame grabber host or image processing node, handling complex image data streams critical for quality control and robotic guidance systems.

Industries such as transportation, aerospace, telecommunications, and defense also rely on the Motorola MVME162-213 for embedded control tasks, network communications, and mission-critical operations. Its ability to interface with multiple I/O standards makes it invaluable in systems where integration with legacy and modern peripherals is necessary. This model addresses the challenge of delivering high-performance computing in compact industrial cabinets and harsh environments with consistent uptime and minimal maintenance, making it a trusted choice in industrial automation and embedded control applications.

Product Introduction & Positioning

The Motorola MVME162-213 is a single board computer designed around the MC68060 microprocessor, known for its enhanced processing speed and efficient instruction execution, ideal for embedded and industrial control applications. As a member of the MVME162 series, this board fits into VMEbus-based control architectures, providing the processing horsepower needed for contemporary automation and communication systems. It offers a modern 32-bit RISC hybrid architecture that supports both floating-point and integer operations, balancing power and precision.

Within a VMEbus system, the Motorola MVME162-213 often functions as the main processor module, orchestrating data acquisition, device control, and network communication. Its design ensures compatibility with various I/O modules and interface standards, enabling engineers to customize system configurations for specific tasks. The board delivers robust hardware features such as DMA controllers and local bus mastery, improving system throughput. For system integrators and engineers, it represents a blend of performance, flexibility, and reliability that streamlines the implementation of complex industrial and embedded control solutions.

Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The Motorola MVME162-213 centers around the MC68060 microprocessor running at a speed that provides a significant boost in processing power compared to earlier models. Its superscalar architecture enables multiple instruction execution paths, enhancing both integer and floating-point performance, essential for real-time control algorithms and complex mathematical computations. This improved processing capability supports faster response times and increased throughput in data-intensive industrial tasks.

Hardware-wise, the board is designed to fit a single VME slot with an emphasis on compactness without sacrificing functionality. It features up to 64MB of SDRAM with ECC options for hardware memory error detection and correction, reinforcing system stability and data integrity during prolonged operation. The integration of the Motorola VMEchip2 ASIC for VMEbus interface operations optimizes data transfer rates, supporting 64-bit data width modes for enhanced throughput.

The Motorola MVME162-213 also boasts flexible I/O capability, including support for up to two IndustryPack modules that allow the addition of specialized input/output functions, such as analog and digital signal processing. Its embedded peripherals include timers, serial ports, and a hardware watchdog timer to maintain system reliability and prevent lockups. These design features collectively contribute to long-term operational stability in industrial automation and embedded control environments.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

MVME162-031 – Lower memory variant in the MVME162 line, for applications with less demanding data requirements.
MVME167-33B – Higher-end processor board with MC68040 at 33 MHz and ECC memory, suitable for demanding control systems.
MVME172P2 – Advanced VMEbus board with MC68060 processor offering module support through IndustryPack interface.
MVME147 – Compatible VMEbus single board computer for simple embedded control tasks.
MVME160 – Entry-level compatible CPU module for legacy industrial systems.
MVME177 – Enhanced processing power for complex, time-sensitive industrial applications.

Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

When installing the Motorola MVME162-213, it is crucial to verify that your VME chassis supports single-width cards and to ensure healthy airflow through the chassis with forced air cooling to maintain the device within its thermal limits. Given its industrial design, provide proper grounding and use shielded cables for all external interfaces to reduce electromagnetic interference. Adequate clearance around the card within the chassis helps prevent hot spots and allows easy access for future maintenance or firmware updates.

Maintenance should include regular visual inspection of connectors and cooling paths to avoid dust accumulation and connector corrosion, common culprits of system failures. Employ the built-in watchdog and timer diagnostics to keep tabs on device health and system responsiveness. Keeping firmware updated using vendor-provided tools can sustain performance enhancements and security patches. Maintaining comprehensive documentation of firmware versions and configuration settings is recommended to support system audits and rapid troubleshooting.