Motorola MVME-162-512A

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME-162-512A

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME-162-512A is an entry-to-mid tier industrial VMEbus Single-Board Computer (SBC) from Motorola (now integrated into Emerson’s portfolio), a cost-focused model in the MVME-162 series—engineered to deliver essential real-time processing capabilities for small-to-mid scale automation tasks. Positioned below the Motorola MVME162-520A, the Motorola MVME-162-512A targets applications that require more reliability than entry-level Motorola MVME-167-01B but don’t need the 600 MHz processor or dual Ethernet ports of the MVME162-520A, such as small manufacturing lines, regional HVAC control, and light-duty water treatment plants.

In automation systems, the Motorola MVME-162-512A acts as a “compact processing node”: it collects data from 20–50 peripheral sensors (via modules like Motorola MVME-717 digital input or basic analog I/O cards), processes it using its 400 MHz PowerPC 740 processor, and sends control commands to low-to-medium current actuators (e.g., small conveyor motors, solenoid valves). Its single Fast Ethernet port enables data transmission to local SCADA/HMI systems, while the low-profile PMC slot supports limited customization (e.g., adding extra serial ports for sensor connectivity). This makes the Motorola MVME-162-512A a budget-friendly choice for industries like small-scale automotive parts manufacturing, commercial building HVAC, and rural water treatment—where performance needs are moderate and cost control is a priority.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Cost-Optimized Performance for Basic Automation: The Motorola MVME-162-512A features a 400 MHz PowerPC 740 processor with 64 KB L2 cache and 128 MB expandable SDRAM—delivering sufficient power for basic real-time tasks (e.g., monitoring 30 sensors, executing simple PID loops) while costing 30% less than the Motorola MVME162-520A. For example, in a small plastic injection molding plant, the Motorola MVME-162-512A processes 200+ data points/second (mold temperature, injection pressure) to adjust machine settings, maintaining production quality without the premium of higher-tier SBCs. Unlike the Motorola MVME-167-01B (25 MHz MC68040), it avoids processing bottlenecks in mid-scale tasks like multi-sensor data aggregation.

Simplified Connectivity for Local Networks: A key strength of the Motorola MVME-162-512A is its streamlined communication suite—1x 10/100 Base-T Fast Ethernet and 1-lane Serial RapidIO—optimized for small-scale, local automation networks. The Ethernet port reliably connects to on-site SCADA systems (e.g., sending daily production logs to a factory office PC), while Serial RapidIO enables low-latency links to nearby VMEbus modules (e.g., Motorola MVME-910-2 Ethernet gateways) at 0.625 Gbps. This simplified design reduces unnecessary costs (vs. dual Ethernet in MVME162-520A) while meeting the connectivity needs of small facilities—ideal for rural water treatment plants where only local data transmission is required.

Durable Design for Light Industrial Conditions: Built to withstand moderate industrial stresses, the Motorola MVME-162-512A operates in temperatures from -20°C to 60°C—suitable for heated factory floors, commercial building mechanical rooms, and sheltered outdoor enclosures (e.g., rural solar inverter cabinets). It resists 1.0 g rms vibration (10–500 Hz) and 50 g peak shock (1 ms), protecting components from mechanical stress in applications like small conveyor systems. The SBC uses industrial-grade components: wide-temperature DDR SDRAM (-20°C to 85°C) and dust-resistant VMEbus connectors, ensuring a mean time between failures (MTBF) exceeding 200,000 hours. Unlike commercial SBCs, it requires no active cooling in most environments, lowering installation and maintenance costs.

Low-Profile PMC Expansion for Targeted Needs: The Motorola MVME-162-512A includes a 32-bit/33 MHz low-profile PMC slot—enabling cost-effective customization for specific I/O needs without overengineering. For example, adding a low-profile PMC analog I/O card (e.g., Motorola MVME-220) allows monitoring of 8 temperature sensors in a commercial HVAC system; a PMC serial card adds 2 RS-485 ports for connecting distributed air quality sensors. This expandability means one Motorola MVME-162-512A can adapt to multiple small-scale projects (e.g., switching from HVAC control to small manufacturing line monitoring), reducing inventory costs compared to single-purpose controllers.

Typical Application Scenarios

In small automotive parts manufacturing (e.g., windshield wiper assembly), the Motorola MVME-162-512A controls a 3-station production line. It connects to 25 proximity sensors (via Motorola MVME-717 modules) to track part position and 8 temperature sensors (via a low-profile PMC analog I/O card) to monitor assembly tool heating. The SBC processes 200+ data points/second, adjusting conveyor speed and tool temperature to maintain a production rate of 300 units/hour. Its Fast Ethernet port sends daily production logs to a local office PC, while the CompactFlash slot stores 3 months of quality data. The Motorola MVME-162-512A’s 18 W typical power consumption fits within the plant’s small control cabinet power budget, and its -20°C to 60°C operating range withstands seasonal temperature fluctuations in unheated facilities.

For commercial building HVAC control (e.g., a 10-story office tower), the Motorola MVME-162-512A manages 40+ zone thermostats and 15 air handling units (AHUs). It uses RS-232 serial ports to communicate with thermostats and a PMC serial card to link to AHU controllers, processing temperature and occupancy data to adjust heating/cooling output. The SBC runs a simple PID loop to maintain zone temperatures within ±1°C, reducing energy consumption by 15% vs. manual control. Its IDE interface connects to a 250 GB HDD for storing 1 year of energy usage data, while the Fast Ethernet port sends real-time status to a building management HMI. The Motorola MVME-162-512A’s dust-resistant design and 1.0 g vibration resistance ensure reliable operation in the building’s mechanical room.

In rural water treatment plants (serving 10,000 residents), the Motorola MVME-162-512A monitors 15 flow meters and 10 chemical dosing pumps. It collects analog data (flow rate, pH level) via a basic analog I/O module, processing it to adjust chlorine dosing based on water demand. Its Serial RapidIO port links to a Motorola MVME-712/M digital output module to control pump activation, with <15 ms latency to avoid over/under-dosing. The CompactFlash slot stores 6 months of treatment logs for regulatory compliance, and the Fast Ethernet port (when connected to a cellular modem) sends weekly status reports to a regional water authority. The Motorola MVME-162-512A’s 22 W max power consumption runs on the plant’s solar-backed battery system, ensuring operation during grid outages.

Motorola MVME-162-512A

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME162-520A: Mid-tier upgrade of the Motorola MVME-162-512A with 600 MHz processor, 256 MB expandable memory, and dual Ethernet. Ideal for scaling to larger automation (e.g., 50+ sensors) where the MVME-162-512A’s 400 MHz is insufficient.

Motorola MVME-167-01B: Entry-level alternative to the Motorola MVME-162-512A with 25 MHz MC68040 processor. Suitable for basic tasks (e.g., single-machine control) where budget is the top priority.

Motorola MVME-220: Low-profile PMC analog I/O card for the Motorola MVME-162-512A. Adds 8 analog inputs/4 outputs, enabling temperature/pressure monitoring in HVAC or water treatment.

Motorola MVME-717: Digital input module compatible with the Motorola MVME-162-512A. Provides 32 isolated channels for connecting proximity sensors in small manufacturing lines.

Motorola MVME-050: Industrial power supply for the Motorola MVME-162-512A. Delivers stable ±5V/±12V output (85–264 VAC input) to power the SBC and one low-profile PMC card, handling its 22 W max load.

Motorola MVME-910-2: 10 Base-T Ethernet gateway for the Motorola MVME-162-512A. Extends network connectivity to legacy VMEbus modules (e.g., old digital I/O cards) in small facilities.

Motorola MVME-712/M: Digital output module for the Motorola MVME-162-512A. Offers 16 low-current (1 A) channels to control small actuators (e.g., solenoid valves, small motors).

Motorola MVME-110-1: DRAM expansion module for the Motorola MVME-162-512A. Adds 64–128 MB of memory, useful for users needing to run slightly more complex control logic without upgrading to MVME162-520A.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing the Motorola MVME-162-512A, verify the VMEbus chassis supports 6U modules and provides stable ±5V/±12V power (use a multimeter to confirm voltage tolerance within ±5% for basic operation). Gather tools: anti-static wristband (to protect the 400 MHz processor and DDR SDRAM), Phillips screwdriver (0.4 N·m for chassis mounting), Fast Ethernet cable tester, and a laptop (for OS configuration via IDE storage). If installing a low-profile PMC card, ensure it is compatible with the SBC’s slot—align with the guides, press gently until seated, and secure with the locking screw. Power off the chassis, clean the VME backplane connector with a dry cloth to remove dust, then slide the Motorola MVME-162-512A into the backplane until fully seated (inspect for bent pins to avoid short-circuits).

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, inspect the Motorola MVME-162-512A’s LEDs—steady green power, solid Ethernet link, and no fault LED indicate normal operation. A red fault LED signals issues (run basic BIST via the OS to diagnose processor/memory faults). Clean the SBC’s exterior monthly with a dry, lint-free cloth (avoid compressed air to prevent dust from entering internal components). Every 6 months, back up the IDE/CompactFlash data to a secure server and check the Flash ROM for firmware updates (via Emerson’s legacy support portal). If the Motorola MVME-162-512A experiences Ethernet connectivity issues, verify cable integrity and reconfigure IP settings (subnet mask, gateway) via the OS. Store spare units in anti-static bags in a climate-controlled environment (-10°C–30°C, 40%–60% humidity) to preserve component life.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

The Motorola MVME-162-512A is backed by a 24-month factory warranty from Emerson, covering defects in materials and workmanship (e.g., processor failures, Ethernet port malfunctions, PMC slot issues). If a defect is identified during the warranty period, Emerson provides free 3-day replacement for in-stock units—minimizing downtime for small-scale operations where extended outages disrupt local services (e.g., rural water treatment). For extended support, customers can purchase budget-friendly service contracts (up to 36 months) including weekday technical support, annual remote health checks, and access to legacy firmware updates.

Emerson maintains a regional stock of critical components for the Motorola MVME-162-512A (e.g., PowerPC 740 processors, 128 MB DDR SDRAM modules) to support legacy users until 2035. Technical engineers specialize in entry-tier MVME SBCs, offering remote troubleshooting via email/phone and step-by-step guides for common issues (e.g., PMC card integration, BIST failure resolution). This commitment ensures the Motorola MVME-162-512A delivers long-term value, whether powering small manufacturing lines or upgrading aging HVAC control systems.