Description
VMIVME-7486: Product Overview
The GE VMIVME-7486 is a VMEbus series processor board designed for industrial automation and embedded control applications. As part of GE’s VMEbus ecosystem, it leverages the VME64 standard to provide reliable, real-time computing power for systems requiring high durability and compatibility with legacy VMEbus architectures.
Role in Automation Systems:
Positioned as the “brain” of VMEbus-based control systems, the VMIVME-7486 performs three primary functions:
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Data Processing: Executes control algorithms and processes data from field devices (e.g., sensors, actuators) via the VMEbus.
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Communication: Acts as a system controller or peripheral CPU, enabling communication between VMEbus devices (e.g., I/O modules, displays) and external networks (via Ethernet or serial ports).
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Legacy Support: Serves as a drop-in replacement for older VMEbus processor boards, extending the lifespan of existing industrial systems without requiring major upgrades.
Core Functionality:
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100% PC/AT Compatibility: The VMIVME-7486 is fully compatible with PC/AT systems, allowing seamless integration with existing software and hardware ecosystems.
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VMEbus Integration: Conforms to VMEbus Rev. C.1, supporting 8/16/32-bit data transfer and seamless integration with VME64 backplanes and controllers (e.g., GE Fanuc 90-30 series).
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Advanced Chipset: The Intel 815E chipset with Advanced Hub Architecture (AHA) separates high-bandwidth I/O (e.g., IDE, USB) from the PCI bus, reducing bottlenecks and improving system performance.
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Robust I/O Capabilities: Includes a parallel Centronics port, two RS-232C serial ports, a PC/AT keyboard interface, and on-board floppy/IDE controllers, enabling connection to a wide range of peripherals.
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Real-Time Clock (RTC): Features an on-board RTC with a battery backup, ensuring accurate timekeeping even during power outages.
Platform Benefits (VMEbus Series):
The VMIVME-7486 benefits from GE’s VMEbus platform, which is renowned for:
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Reliability: Industrial-grade components and a rugged 6U Eurocard form factor ensure 24/7 operation in harsh environments (e.g., high temperature, vibration).
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Scalability: Supports expansion with additional I/O modules or memory to accommodate growing system demands.
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Legacy Integration: Compatible with existing VMEbus systems, reducing the cost and complexity of upgrading industrial control architectures.
VMIVME-7486
Technical Specifications
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Model Number: VMIVME-7486 (Variant: VMIVME-7486-000)
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Manufacturer: GE (General Electric)
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Product Type: VMEbus Series 100% PC/AT Compatible Processor Board
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Form Factor: 6U Eurocard (160 mm × 233 mm)
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Processor: Intel Pentium III (up to 1.26 GHz, PGA370 socket)
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Chipset: Intel 815E (AHA)
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Memory: Up to 16 MB DRAM (expandable via SODIMM)
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Display: Super VGA (1024 × 768 non-interlaced resolution, 1 MB video DRAM)
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I/O Ports:
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1× parallel Centronics port
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2× RS-232C serial ports
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1× PC/AT keyboard interface (PS/2 adapter)
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1× real-time clock (RTC) with on-board battery
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1× floppy controller
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1× IDE controller
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Bus Standard: VME64 (supports A32/A24/D32/D16/D08(EO)/MBLT64/BLT32 modes)
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Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to 185°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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Weight: 0.52 kg (1.15 lbs)
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Certifications: CE, UL (inferred from GE industrial product standards)
Core Features & Customer Value
1. Legacy System Compatibility:
The VMIVME-7486 is designed to replace older VMEbus processor boards (e.g., VMIVME-7450), allowing facilities to extend the life of their existing industrial control systems. This reduces the cost and downtime associated with migrating to new architectures.
2. Rugged Industrial Design:
The 6U Eurocard form factor and wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) make the VMIVME-7486 suitable for harsh industrial environments (e.g., turbine halls, manufacturing plants). Its lack of moving parts (fans) reduces maintenance requirements and improves reliability.
3. Flexible I/O Configuration:
The VMIVME-7486 includes a variety of I/O ports (parallel, serial, keyboard, floppy/IDE), enabling connection to a wide range of peripherals. This flexibility reduces the need for additional hardware changes, saving time and money during installation.
4. Reliable Timekeeping:
The on-board real-time clock (RTC) with battery backup ensures accurate timekeeping even during power outages. This is essential for industrial applications where timestamping of data is critical (e.g., turbine performance logging).

VMIVME-7486
Typical Applications
The GE VMIVME-7486 is widely used in industrial automation systems for:
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Manufacturing:
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Controls assembly lines, robotic arms, and other automated equipment in factories.
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Processes data from sensors (e.g., temperature, pressure) to optimize production efficiency.
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Power Generation:
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Manages turbine control systems in gas/steam power plants, ensuring stable power output.
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Interfaces with VMEbus I/O modules to monitor and control generator parameters.
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Chemical Processing:
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Controls valves, pumps, and other equipment in chemical plants, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
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Processes data from hazardous area sensors (e.g., flame detectors) to prevent accidents.
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Aerospace & Defense:
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Used in radar systems and missile guidance systems to provide real-time processing power.
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