Description
VMIVME-5530M: Product Overview
The GE VMIVME-5530M is a fiber optic repeater link module designed for VMEbus-based industrial automation systems. As a critical component of the VME ecosystem, it enables reliable communication between multiple VME systems located in different chassis or distant locations, overcoming the inherent distance limitations of traditional VMEbus copper cabling.
Role in Automation Systems:
Positioned as a “system expansion hub” in VMEbus architectures, the VMIVME-5530M performs two primary functions:
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Signal Regeneration: Receives VMEbus signals from a host chassis and regenerates them for transmission over long distances via fiber optic cables, compensating for signal attenuation.
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Electrical Isolation: Provides complete electrical isolation between linked VME systems, eliminating ground loops and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) in industrial environments.
Core Functionality:
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Fiber Optic Link: Uses multimode fiber optic cable to transmit VMEbus signals over long distances (up to several kilometers), ensuring reliable communication in large industrial facilities (e.g., power plants, manufacturing plants).
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Paired Operation: Works in conjunction with the VMIVME-5531S (slave repeater) to form a complete fiber optic repeater link. The VMIVME-5530M acts as the master repeater, while the VMIVME-5531S acts as the slave, enabling bidirectional communication between VME systems.
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Plug-and-Play Operation: Requires no additional configuration; the link is automatically established when both repeaters are powered on and connected via fiber optic cables.
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Status Indication: Equipped with LED indicators to display link status (e.g., “Link Active” or “Link Down”), simplifying troubleshooting and maintenance.
GE VMIVME-7700RC
Platform Benefits (VMEbus Series):
The VMIVME-5530M leverages GE’s VMEbus platform, which is renowned for:
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Reliability: Industrial-grade components and a rugged design ensure 24/7 operation in harsh environments (e.g., high temperature, vibration).
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Scalability: Supports expansion with additional repeater links to accommodate growing system demands (e.g., adding more VME chassis to a network).
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Integration: Seamlessly integrates with VMEbus-based controllers and other I/O modules, reducing setup time and effort.
Technical Specifications
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Model Number: VMIVME-5530M (Variant: VMIVME-5530M-000)
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Manufacturer: GE (General Electric)
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Product Type: VMEbus Series Fiber Optic Repeater Link Module
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Series: VMEbus
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Bus Standard: VMEbus Rev. C.1 (supports 8/16/32-bit data transfer)
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Repeater Type: Fiber optic repeater link (master/slave pair)
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Transmission Medium: Multimode fiber optic cable (62.5/125 µm core)
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Data Transfer Rate: Up to 1 MB/s (typical)
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Isolation Voltage: 1500 V AC (channel-to-channel)
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Operating Temperature: 0°C to +55°C (32°F to 131°F)
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Storage Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
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Humidity: 5–95% non-condensing
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Dimensions: 160 mm × 100 mm × 20 mm (6.3 in × 3.9 in × 0.8 in) (standard VMEbus single-slot)
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Weight: 0.2 kg (0.44 lbs)
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Certifications: CE, UL (inferred from GE industrial product standards)
Core Features & Customer Value
1. Long-Distance Communication:
The VMIVME-5530M enables VMEbus systems to communicate over long distances (up to several kilometers) via fiber optic cables, eliminating the need for expensive copper cabling and repeaters. This is critical for applications like power plants, where turbines and control rooms are often located far apart.
2. Electrical Isolation:
Complete electrical isolation between linked VME systems prevents ground loops and reduces EMI, ensuring reliable communication in industrial environments with high electromagnetic noise (e.g., near motors, generators, or power lines).
3. Plug-and-Play Operation:
No additional configuration is required; the link is automatically established when both repeaters are powered on and connected via fiber optic cables. This reduces setup time and effort, allowing engineers to focus on system integration rather than troubleshooting.
4. Scalability:
Supports expansion with additional repeater links to accommodate growing system demands. For example, a power plant can add more VME chassis to its network by installing additional VMIVME-5530M/5531S pairs, without replacing existing hardware.
GE VMIVME-7700RC
Typical Applications
The GE VMIVME-5530M is widely used in industrial automation systems for:
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Power Generation:
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Links VMEbus systems between turbines and control rooms in gas/steam power plants, enabling real-time monitoring and control of turbine operations.
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Manufacturing:
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Connects distant assembly lines and equipment in manufacturing plants, allowing centralized control and monitoring of production processes.
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Petrochemical Industry:
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Extends VMEbus communication distance in refineries and chemical plants, enabling reliable control of valves, pumps, and other equipment in hazardous environments.
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