GE VMIVME-7750-734 | VMEbus Single Board Computer (SBC) – PowerPC G4 Processor & Specifications

Description

System Architecture & Operational Principle

Core Functional Blocks

1. Processing Unit:
   • CPU: Freescale MPC7448 PowerPC G4 processor (1.0–1.4 GHz), featuring a 128-bit AltiVec vector processing unit (SIMD) for accelerated signal/image processing.
   • Cache: 1 MB L2 cache (on-chip) for reduced memory latency.
   • Memory: Up to 2 GB DDR2 ECC SDRAM (soldered or socketed) for error-free data storage and retrieval.
2. Bus Interface:
   • VME64x: Supports 32/64-bit addressing, 32-bit data paths, and DMA transfers (up to 133 MHz) for high-speed communication with VME backplanes.
   • PCI-X: 133 MHz local bus for connecting mezzanine cards (PMC/XMC) and onboard peripherals.
3. I/O Subsystem:
   • Ethernet: Dual 10/100/1000BASE-T ports (Marvell Yukon controllers) for high-speed network connectivity.
   • Serial: 2x RS-232/422 ports (16C950-compatible UARTs) for legacy device integration.
   • Mezzanine Expansion: One PMC (32-bit PCI) site (for legacy FPGA/GPIO cards) and one XMC (PCI Express x1) site (for modern SSDs/GPUs).
4. Power & Cooling:
   • Power Consumption: ~25–35 W typical (depends on CPU load and mezzanine cards).
   • Cooling: Conduction-cooled (no fans) for reliable operation in harsh environments (-40°C to +85°C); ideal for vacuum, high-vibration, or sealed enclosures.

Operational Workflow

1. Power-Up: The SBC draws power from the VME backplane (+5V DC) and initializes the BIOS/UEFI firmware.
2. Boot Process: The firmware configures the CPU, memory, and I/O interfaces, then boots the operating system (e.g., VxWorks, Linux).
3. Task Execution: The PowerPC G4 processor executes real-time control programs (e.g., signal processing, PID loops) and communicates with field devices via VME64x or Ethernet.
4. Data Transfer: High-speed DMA transfers move data between the SBC and VME backplane, while the Ethernet ports handle network communication (e.g., SCADA data upload).

   

   GE VMIVME-7750-734

Core Technical Specifications

Customer Value & Operational Benefits

1. Deterministic Performance for Real-Time Applications​

2. Rugged Reliability for Harsh Environments​

• Aerospace: Avionics systems (e.g., flight control computers).
• Defense: Naval sonar processing, armored vehicle control.
• Industrial: Oil & gas refineries, power generation (turbine control).

3. Long-Term Availability & Lifecycle Support​

4. Flexible Expansion for Custom Applications​

The PMC/XMC mezzanine sites​ allow users to add custom functionality (e.g., FPGA-based signal processing, GPU-accelerated analytics) without modifying the core SBC. This flexibility is ideal for prototype development​ and system upgrades.

GE VMIVME-7750-734

Field Engineer’s Notes (From the Trenches)

When installing the VMIVME-7750-734, always use a torque wrench to tighten the VME backplane connectors—over-tightening can damage the pins, while under-tightening causes intermittent communication. I once saw a technician strip the VMEbus pins because he used a pipe wrench instead of the recommended tool.

Verify the conduction-cooling interface​ (thermal pad/heat sink) before powering up—poor contact can lead to overheating and premature failure. Use a thermal imager to check for hot spots if the SBC shuts down unexpectedly.

Test the Ethernet ports​ (ping the device’s IP address) after installation—use a crossover cable if connecting directly to a laptop. I’ve spent hours troubleshooting “no comms” faults only to find a bad Ethernet cable.

Real-World Applications

1. Defense: Naval Sonar Processing​

2. Aerospace: Flight Control Computer​

3. Industrial: Power Generation Turbine Control​