Motorola MVME167-33B VMEbus Single-Board Computer

Description

Real-World Use & Application Scenarios

The Motorola MVME167-33B is widely used in demanding industrial automation environments where reliable, high-performance control computing power is essential. You’ll find this single board computer (SBC) employed in sectors such as manufacturing plants, transportation systems, aerospace testing, and military control systems. It is designed to tackle tough challenges like real-time data processing, system control, and communication management across complex industrial automation networks. This model is especially applicable in control systems requiring multi-protocol communication, precise timing, and error-resilient memory, making it a staple in critical automation tasks. For example, in a factory automation line, it ensures seamless control of robotic arms and sensors, while in aerospace, it manages real-time telemetry and diagnostics.

Engineers appreciate the Motorola MVME167-33B for its role in facilitating robust data throughput, hardware-level error protection, and system integration through the VMEbus architecture, which is a core backbone in many industrial control platforms. The unit’s ability to handle multiple serial ports, Ethernet interfaces, and SCSI channels supports diverse device networking and peripheral control, crucial for industrial applications where system uptime and communication fidelity are non-negotiable. This product is often chosen precisely because it fits neatly into broader automated systems to deliver reliability in harsh industrial settings like elevated temperature environments and electrically noisy surroundings.

Product Introduction & Positioning

The Motorola MVME167-33B is a high-performance single board computer designed around the MC68040 microprocessor operating at 33 MHz. It serves as a central processing node within VMEbus-based control and automation systems, often forming the computational core of control racks or embedded computing units. This model is part of the MVME167 series, distinguished by its Enhanced ECC (Error Correcting Code) protected DRAM, which boosts data integrity for critical industrial applications.

In a typical industrial automation architecture, the Motorola MVME167-33B acts as a processor module that interfaces seamlessly with VMEbus backplanes, enabling integration with various I/O boards, communication interfaces, and custom controller modules. This positioning makes it indispensable for systems where processing speed, memory reliability, and versatile I/O handling are required. For electronics engineers and system integrators, it delivers comprehensive hardware watchdogs, multi-channel timers, and embedded peripherals necessary for maintaining control loop stability, fault tolerance, and communication efficiency. Its robust design aligns well with legacy and contemporary VMEbus platforms, making it a versatile choice for upgrades and long-term system maintenance.

Key Technical Features & Functional Benefits

The Motorola MVME167-33B stands out with its 33 MHz MC68040 32-bit microprocessor featuring a built-in floating-point unit and memory management capabilities that contribute to fast and efficient execution of complex control algorithms. Its onboard 16MB ECC-protected DRAM not only offers ample memory space but also enhances stability by detecting and correcting memory errors dynamically, which is pivotal in avoiding data corruption during critical operations.

This board’s hardware layout supports a double-high VMEbus form factor, ensuring durability in industrial racks with robust mechanical support and efficient heat dissipation. Operating reliably within an ambient air temperature range of 0° to 55° Celsius under forced air cooling, it is engineered to withstand the rigor of industrial environments. It integrates multiple communication channels, including four serial ports compliant with EIA-232-D, an Ethernet transceiver interface with DMA, and a SCSI controller bus, which facilitates versatile device connectivity for automation systems handling diverse sensors, actuators, and data acquisition units.

Long-term reliability is a cornerstone of the Motorola MVME167-33B, evidenced by its watchdog timer, multiple tick timers for precise interrupt handling, and battery-backed real-time clock and SRAM for data persistence during power interruptions. Its FCC Class A compliance and EMI mitigation strategies ensure that it operates harmoniously in electrically noisy factory floors without causing system interference, securing both stable operation and regulatory fulfillment.

Detailed Technical Specifications

Related Modules or Compatible Units

MVME167-031B – Similar model with 4MB ECC DRAM, suitable for applications needing less memory.
MVME167-034B – Offers double the onboard memory at 32MB ECC DRAM for higher data processing needs.
MVME147 – A related single board computer targeting lower power or legacy VMEbus systems.
MVME177 – A more advanced VMEbus CPU module with faster processing capabilities for complex control tasks.
MVME160 – Compatible maintenance CPU module for system upgrades or redundancy setups.
MVME162 – Mid-range VMEbus board aimed at embedded control and communication applications.

Installation Notes & Maintenance Best Practices

Before installing the Motorola MVME167-33B, confirm that the VME chassis has adequate space for its double-high form factor. Ensure the cabinet includes sufficient airflow provisions, ideally a forced air system delivering around 490 linear feet per minute (LFM) to maintain operational temperatures within spec. Proper grounding and shielded cables on all external I/O are crucial to prevent electromagnetic interference and maintain FCC compliance. Allow enough clearance around the module and adjacent cards to facilitate airflow and ease of access for diagnostics or removal.

Routine maintenance should focus on periodic visual inspections checking for dust accumulation and connector corrosion, which can affect cooling and signal reliability. Utilize onboard signal diagnostics and watchdog timers to monitor the health of the module actively. Firmware and diagnostic software updates, when available, are recommended to maintain optimal performance and security. Always document update procedures and configurations to ensure quick recovery or replication during system servicing.