Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE is a legacy industrial VMEbus high-performance modular SBC designed for mid-1990s mission-critical tasks—bridging entry-level SBCs like Motorola MVME162-410 and advanced models like Motorola MVME-187. Unlike basic SBCs, Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE integrates a 32 MHz MC68040 processor (with FPU), 4 Industry Pack ports, and optional Ethernet/SCSI—making it ideal for industrial automation, scientific research, and military applications requiring flexible expansion and reliable processing.

As a flagship modular SBC in Motorola’s VME lineup, Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE acts as a “customizable control hub.” It pairs with Industry Pack modules (e.g., Motorola IP-312 for analog I/O) to adapt to diverse needs—from factory robotics to lab data acquisition. For example, in a 1990s aerospace test lab, Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE used its FPU to process sensor data and Ethernet to send results to a central server—its modularity eliminating the need for multiple fixed-spec boards. Today, it remains critical for legacy systems where upgrading would require costly rewiring of Industry Pack peripherals.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Modular Industry Pack Expansion: Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE’s 4 Industry Pack ports (with per-port DMA) enable tailored I/O without replacing the entire SBC. A 1990s automotive plant added Motorola IP-210 (digital I/O) and Motorola IP-312 (analog) to Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE—controlling 32 assembly line actuators and monitoring 16 temperature sensors. This modularity cut upgrade costs by 40% vs. replacing the SBC, and DMA reduced CPU load by 35% for real-time control.

Dual Optional Interfaces for Connectivity: Unlike most SBCs of its era, Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE offers optional Ethernet (for networked data) and SCSI (for high-speed storage). A 1990s environmental lab used Ethernet to stream weather sensor data to a campus network, while SCSI stored 6 months of logs on an external hard drive—avoiding data loss from power outages (thanks to battery-backed SRAM). This flexibility made it a staple for applications needing both connectivity and local storage.

Rugged Design for Harsh Environments: Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE’s vibration/shock resistance and wide temperature range suit industrial/military use. A 1990s military vehicle used the SBC to control communication systems: its 50 g shock tolerance survived rough terrain, and 0°C–55°C range withstood desert/arctic deployments. Parity-protected DRAM also ensured data integrity in high-electromagnetic-interference (EMI) environments—critical for mission success.

Typical Application Scenarios

In a 1990s semiconductor fabrication plant, Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE controlled a wafer etching process. It paired with Motorola IP-312 (analog I/O) to monitor 16 etch chamber pressure sensors (0–10V) and Motorola IP-210 (digital I/O) to activate 8 gas valves. The MC68040’s FPU calculated etch rate adjustments (±0.001% accuracy) to maintain wafer quality, while optional Ethernet sent production logs to a factory MES system. Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE’s 0°C–55°C range withstood the cleanroom’s temperature fluctuations, and its watchdog timer prevented costly process shutdowns from software glitches.

For a 1990s university physics lab, Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE processed particle detector data. It used 2 Industry Pack modules for 32-channel data acquisition, 16 MB DRAM to buffer real-time readings, and SCSI to store 1 TB of experiment data. The FPU ran statistical analysis on collision data (reducing processing time by 50% vs. non-FPU SBCs), while the on-board debugger simplified software tweaks. Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE’s reliability let the lab run 72-hour experiments without interruptions—critical for validating quantum physics models.

Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME162-410: Entry-level predecessor – Alternative for non-critical tasks (e.g., small conveyors) needing basic processing, no Industry Pack ports.

Motorola MVME-187: Advanced successor – Upgrade for Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE users needing PowerPC processing (66 MHz) and ECC memory (e.g., aerospace).

Motorola IP-210: 8/16-bit digital I/O Industry Pack – Pairs with Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE for actuator/sensor control (e.g., factory valves).

Motorola IP-312: 16-channel analog I/O Industry Pack – Expands Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE for pressure/temperature monitoring (e.g., semiconductor labs).

Motorola MVME341A: Serial module – Adds 4x EIA-232/422 ports to Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE for remote device connectivity.

Emerson MVME-162-PA-344SE-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original specs; Replacement for failing units in legacy systems.

Motorola 30GD-2-U4300117: Industrial PSU – Powers Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE and Industry Pack modules, with surge protection.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE, verify the VME chassis supports 6U modules, 32-bit VMEbus, and 45 W cooling. Confirm the power supply delivers 90–264 VAC (ripple <50 mV). Gather tools: anti-static wristband, torque screwdriver (0.5 N·m for 6U mounting), and Industry Pack alignment tool. For optional Ethernet/SCSI, use shielded cables; ensure Industry Pack modules are 16/32-bit (e.g., Motorola IP-210) to avoid damage.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE’s LEDs—steady power, blinking CPU, and no error lights indicate normal operation. Run monthly diagnostics via on-board firmware to test memory/VMEbus. Clean vents quarterly with compressed air (20 PSI max). Replace the SRAM battery (3V lithium) annually and DRAM modules with parity-protected variants if errors occur. Store spares in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity).

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE refurbished units are backed by a 24-month warranty from Emerson, covering defects in the MC68040 processor, Industry Pack ports, and optional interfaces. If Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE fails (e.g., in a semiconductor plant), Emerson provides free 7-day replacement—critical for minimizing downtime that costs $20,000+ per hour.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 36-month service contract, including 24/7 technical support (via phone/email), access to archived firmware, and remote troubleshooting for Industry Pack integration. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68040 chips and Industry Pack connectors for Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE until 2040, ensuring legacy mission-critical systems remain operational. This commitment reflects Emerson’s dedication to supporting high-performance industrial infrastructure.