The MOTOROLA MVME5500 is a high-performance VMEbus single-board computer (SBC) designed as the workhorse of advanced control systems. It sits at the heart of Motorola’s PowerPlus III architecture, bridging field devices like sensors and actuators with supervisory control systems. Unlike basic controllers, it functions as a fully integrated processing unit—running complex algorithms, managing communication between subsystems, and storing operational data for analysis.
Model MVME5500
Brand MOTOROLA
Type VMEbus Single-Board Computer
Power Supply 5V DC (10A max), redundant input capability
Operating Temperature -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Mounting 3U VMEbus card, DIN-rail adapter optional
Dimensions 160mm x 233mm (6.3in x 9.2in)
Weight 450g (15.9oz)
Interfaces 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x RS-232/485, 4x USB 2.0, VME64x backplane
Certifications UL 60950-1, CE Mark, ATEX Zone 2 (optional)
Cooling Passive heat sink with conduction cooling option
Environmental Rating IP54 when installed in sealed enclosures
The MOTOROLA MVME5500 is a high-performance VMEbus single-board computer (SBC) designed as the workhorse of advanced control systems. It sits at the heart of Motorola’s PowerPlus III architecture, bridging field devices like sensors and actuators with supervisory control systems. Unlike basic controllers, it functions as a fully integrated processing unit—running complex algorithms, managing communication between subsystems, and storing operational data for analysis.
MVME5500
In control system architecture, the MVME5500 acts as the “decision layer.” It receives raw data from input modules, processes it against predefined parameters, and sends actionable commands to output devices. This role makes it compatible with both legacy VME-based systems and modern Ethernet/IP networks, a flexibility that simplifies upgrades for factories transitioning from older infrastructure. For integrators, its modular design means easier system expansion—adding new sensors or actuators doesn’t require replacing the entire control unit, just reconfiguring the MVME5500’s software.
MVME5500
Main features and advantages:
What truly sets the MOTOROLA MVME5500 apart is its processing power paired with rugged durability. Equipped with a 1.2 GHz PowerPC processor (in later revisions), it handles parallel tasks—like real-time control loops and data logging—without performance degradation. This matters in automotive assembly lines, where it might simultaneously adjust robotic welders, monitor conveyor speeds, and relay production metrics to a central dashboard.
Its hardware design reinforces this reliability. The board uses industrial-grade components rated for 24/7 operation, with conformal coating to resist dust and moisture. Engineers appreciate the redundant power input feature, which prevents unexpected shutdowns if one power source fails—a critical safeguard in nuclear power auxiliary systems.
Compatibility is another strength. The MVME5500 supports PROFINET, Modbus TCP, and DeviceNet protocols, letting it communicate with everything from Siemens PLCs to Allen-Bradley drives. This interoperability reduces the need for protocol converters, streamlining system design and lowering integration costs.
Over time, its thermal management system—featuring a passive heat sink and optimized component layout—prevents overheating even in enclosed cabinets. Users report an average service life of 8+ years in continuous operation, a testament to its build quality that translates to lower total cost of ownership.
MVME5500
Technical specifications:
Model MVME5500
Brand MOTOROLA
Type VMEbus Single-Board Computer
Power Supply 5V DC (10A max), redundant input capability
Operating Temperature -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F)
Mounting 3U VMEbus card, DIN-rail adapter optional
Dimensions 160mm x 233mm (6.3in x 9.2in)
Weight 450g (15.9oz)
Interfaces 2x Gigabit Ethernet, 2x RS-232/485, 4x USB 2.0, VME64x backplane
Certifications UL 60950-1, CE Mark, ATEX Zone 2 (optional)
Cooling Passive heat sink with conduction cooling option
Environmental Rating IP54 when installed in sealed enclosures
Contact Us Phone:+86 16626708626 WeChat/WhatsApp:+86 16626708626 Email: 3772179818@qq.com
Application areas:
In the high-stakes environments of energy production, where refineries process millions of barrels daily and power plants manage grid stability, reliability isn’t optional—it’s a requirement. This is where the MOTOROLA MVME5500 proves its worth. In offshore oil rigs, where salt spray and constant vibration threaten equipment integrity, the MVME5500 serves as the central processing unit for drilling control systems, coordinating valve operations and pressure monitoring in real time. It’s equally critical in chemical processing facilities, where precise temperature and flow rate regulation prevents costly downtime or safety incidents.
Used in industrial automation setups across these sectors, the MOTOROLA MVME5500 excels at handling complex, multi-task operations. For example, in a large-scale water treatment plant, it synchronizes filtration systems, pump controls, and chemical dosing units—all while logging data for regulatory compliance. Its ability to process 50,000+ I/O points without latency makes it indispensable in facilities where even a 2-second delay could disrupt entire production lines. Whether deployed in extreme temperatures or high-electromagnetic interference zones, this module delivers the consistency engineers trust to keep critical systems online.
Related products:
MVME5100 – Earlier generation SBC, ideal for less demanding applications like packaging machinery control.
MVME7100 – Higher-performance sibling with 2.0 GHz processor, designed for AI-driven predictive maintenance systems.
MVME2100 – I/O expansion module that connects directly to the MVME5500 to add 32 digital input/output points.
MOTOROLA MVME3100 – Communication gateway module that extends the MVME5500’s protocol support to include Foundation Fieldbus.
MVME6100 – Power management module that pairs with the MVME5500 to monitor voltage levels and trigger alerts during fluctuations.
MOTOROLA MVME4100 – Legacy compatible SBC that works alongside the MVME5500 in hybrid systems during upgrades.
MVME8100 – Graphics processing module that adds HMI rendering capabilities when connected to the MVME5500.
Installation and maintenance:
Before installing the MOTOROLA MVME5500, verify the VMEbus backplane version—older 16-bit backplanes require a compatibility adapter. Ensure the mounting rail or card cage provides 0.5mm clearance on all sides for airflow, even with the passive heat sink. Grounding should meet IEC 61000-4-2 standards to minimize EMI interference, especially in facilities with high-voltage equipment.
For maintenance, schedule quarterly inspections to check for corrosion on connector pins—critical in humid environments like food processing plants. Use Motorola’s MVME Diagnostics Tool monthly to run self-tests on memory, Ethernet ports, and I/O interfaces. Firmware updates should be applied annually via the integrated USB port, with a backup of current configurations stored offline to prevent data loss during the process.
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Email: 3772179818@qq.com
Phone: +86 16626708626
