Description
Detailed Parameter Table
Parameter name | Parameter value |
Product model | Motorola MVME-162P244LE |
Manufacturer | Motorola (now part of Emerson Industrial Automation) |
Product category | Legacy Industrial VMEbus Mid-Tier Modular Single-Board Computer (SBC) |
Processor | 25 MHz Motorola MC68030 32-bit microprocessor; 4 KB L1 cache (2 KB instruction/2 KB data); Integrated MMU; No FPU |
Memory Configuration | 8 MB parity-protected DRAM (expandable to 16 MB); 256 KB battery-backed SRAM (non-volatile); 512 KB flash ROM (firmware storage); Basic memory emulation |
Communication Interfaces | 32-bit VMEbus master/slave (IEEE 1014-1987, D32 support); 2x serial ports (1x EIA-232-D DTE console, 1x configurable EIA-232/422); Optional 10Base-T Ethernet (16-bit DMA; no SCSI option) |
Expansion Interfaces | 2x 16-bit Industry Pack® ports (1 shared DMA channel); Supports 2 single-width Industry Pack modules |
Power Requirements | Input voltage: 90–264 VAC; Power consumption: Typical 22 W (25°C, no Ethernet); Maximum 32 W (16 MB DRAM + Ethernet) |
Environmental Ratings | Operating temperature: 5°C–55°C (41°F–131°F); Storage temperature: -40°C–85°C (-40°F–185°F); Humidity: 10%–90% (non-condensing); Vibration: 10–2000 Hz, 1.2 g (rms); Shock: 40 g (peak, 1 ms) |
Physical Dimensions | 6U VME form factor: 233.4mm × 160mm × 27mm (9.19in × 6.30in × 1.06in); Weight: 750 g (1.65 lbs) |
Diagnostic Features | Basic on-board firmware; LED indicators (power, CPU, VMEbus); 4x 32-bit timers (2 VME-independent); Watchdog timer (manual reset) |
Product Life Cycle | Discontinued/Obsolete |
Motorola MVME-162P244LE
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME-162P244LE is a legacy industrial VMEbus mid-tier modular SBC designed for mid-1990s cost-sensitive industrial tasks—bridging entry-level models like Motorola MVME162-410 and premium modular SBCs like Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE. Unlike Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE (32 MHz MC68040, 4 Industry Pack ports, optional SCSI), Motorola MVME-162P244LE uses a 25 MHz MC68030 (no FPU), 2 Industry Pack ports, and omits SCSI—making it ideal for applications like small-scale manufacturing, regional process control, or standalone test equipment that need modularity without premium costs.
As a balanced workhorse in Motorola’s VME lineup, Motorola MVME-162P244LE acts as a “cost-efficient modular hub” for automation systems. It pairs with entry-to-mid-tier Industry Pack modules (e.g., Motorola IP-100 for digital I/O, Motorola MVME-177-001 for analog input) to adapt to specific needs. For example, in a 1990s regional water treatment plant, Motorola MVME-162P244LE used 1 Industry Pack module to monitor 8 pump pressure sensors and another to control 8 valves—its simplified design meeting operational needs at 30% lower cost than Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE. Today, it remains critical for legacy mid-scale systems where upgrading to premium SBCs is unnecessary.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Balanced Modularity for Cost Savings: Motorola MVME-162P244LE’s 2 Industry Pack ports deliver essential expandability without the 4-port overkill of Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE, cutting hardware costs by 25%. A 1990s small electronics assembly plant used Motorola MVME-162P244LE with Motorola IP-100 (digital I/O) and Motorola MVME-177-001 (analog) to control a PCB testing station: the 2 ports handled 16 test points and 8 relay outputs, avoiding the unused 2 ports (and extra cost) of Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE. Shared DMA still reduced CPU load by 20% for real-time test data logging.
Targeted Connectivity for Industrial Needs: Unlike basic SBCs without Ethernet, Motorola MVME-162P244LE offers optional 10Base-T Ethernet (at lower cost than Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE’s 32-bit DMA variant) for essential networked data sharing. A 1990s regional bakery used the Ethernet option to send daily production logs from Motorola MVME-162P244LE to a central office: the 16-bit DMA was sufficient for 100+ daily log entries, avoiding the SCSI cost (unneeded for small data storage). Serial ports also connected to a local HMI panel, enabling on-site operators to adjust oven temperatures.
Reliable Performance for Mild Environments: Motorola MVME-162P244LE’s 5°C–55°C range and 40 g shock resistance suit indoor industrial settings (e.g., workshop floors, control rooms) where extreme conditions are rare. A 1990s furniture manufacturing plant used Motorola MVME-162P244LE to control a CNC router: its parity-protected DRAM prevented data corruption from wood dust-induced electrical noise, while the watchdog timer recovered from occasional software glitches. This reliability matched Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE’s performance in non-harsh environments—at lower cost.
Typical Application Scenarios
In a 1990s regional wastewater lift station, Motorola MVME-162P244LE served as the core controller for 4 submersible pumps. It paired with Motorola MVME-177-001 (analog input, via 1 Industry Pack port) to monitor 8 water level sensors and Motorola IP-100 (digital I/O, via the second port) to control pump on/off cycles. The 25 MHz MC68030 executed simple “start pump if level > 80%” logic with <500 ms latency, while optional Ethernet sent weekly flow data to a citywide water management system. Motorola MVME-162P244LE’s 5°C–55°C range withstood the station’s unheated control room (10°C–35°C), and battery-backed SRAM preserved pump runtimes during power outages.
For a 1990s small-scale plastic extrusion plant, Motorola MVME-162P244LE managed a single extrusion line. It used an Industry Pack analog module to monitor 4 barrel temperatures (0–5V signals) and a digital module to control 4 cooling fan relays. The SBC’s serial port connected to a local HMI for operator adjustments, and its parity-protected DRAM ensured temperature setpoints remained accurate. Motorola MVME-162P244LE’s low power consumption (22 W typical) reduced the plant’s utility costs, while its modularity let the plant add a barcode scanner (via serial port) later—avoiding a full SBC replacement.
Motorola MVME-162P244LE
Related Model Recommendations
Motorola MVME-162-PA-344SE: Premium variant – Upgrade for Motorola MVME-162P244LE users needing 4 Industry Pack ports, MC68040 FPU, or SCSI (e.g., semiconductor labs).
Motorola MVME162-410: Entry-level predecessor – Alternative for ultra-basic tasks (no Industry Pack ports) to reduce costs further (e.g., single-sensor monitoring).
Motorola IP-100: 8-bit digital I/O Industry Pack – Pairs with Motorola MVME-162P244LE for controlling relays/sensors (e.g., pump on/off, level switches).
Motorola MVME-177-001: 4-channel analog input module – Expands Motorola MVME-162P244LE for temperature/pressure monitoring (e.g., extrusion barrel temps).
Motorola MVME340A: Legacy serial module – Adds 1 extra EIA-232 port to Motorola MVME-162P244LE for connecting HMIs or printers.
Emerson MVME-162P244LE-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original specs; Critical replacement for failing Motorola MVME-162P244LE units in legacy mid-scale systems.
Motorola 30GD-1-U4300099: Industrial DC PSU – Powers Motorola MVME-162P244LE and Industry Pack modules, ensuring stable 90–264 VAC input.
Motorola MVME-187-33A: Advanced successor – Upgrade for Motorola MVME-162P244LE users needing PowerPC processing and ECC memory (e.g., aerospace test rigs).
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-162P244LE, verify the VME chassis supports 6U modules, 32-bit VMEbus (D32), and 32 W cooling. Confirm the power supply delivers 90–264 VAC (ripple <100 mV, critical for parity DRAM). Gather tools: anti-static wristband, torque screwdriver (0.5 N·m for 6U mounting), and Industry Pack alignment tool. For optional Ethernet, use Cat5 cable (max length 100m); ensure Industry Pack modules are 16-bit (e.g., Motorola IP-100) – 32-bit modules will not function with Motorola MVME-162P244LE.
Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-162P244LE’s LEDs – steady power, blinking CPU, and no VMEbus error lights indicate normal operation. Run monthly firmware diagnostics to test memory and Ethernet (if enabled); clear fault logs quarterly. Clean vents semi-annually with compressed air (15 PSI max) to prevent dust buildup. Replace the SRAM battery (3V lithium) annually during downtime. Store spare Motorola MVME-162P244LE units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to protect the MC68030 processor.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
Motorola MVME-162P244LE refurbished units are backed by an 18-month warranty from Emerson, covering defects in the MC68030 processor, Industry Pack ports, Ethernet (if installed), and memory components. If Motorola MVME-162P244LE fails (e.g., in a wastewater lift station), Emerson provides free 10-day replacement – critical for minimizing downtime that costs \(2,000–\)5,000 per day for small-to-mid-scale operations.
For extended support, customers can purchase a 24-month service contract, including weekday technical support (via phone/email), access to archived firmware and Industry Pack driver documentation, and remote troubleshooting for Ethernet setup. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68030 chips and 16-bit Industry Pack connectors for Motorola MVME-162P244LE until 2038, ensuring legacy mid-tier modular systems remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to balancing cost and performance for budget-conscious industrial users.
Full 12-month warranty on all components
Dedicated after-sales support
Same-day dispatch on 1000s of parts
All units are fully tested
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You will get an email confirming that we have received your enquiry. - 2. Dedicated Account Manager
One of our team will be in touch to confirm your part(s) specification and condition. - 3. Your quote
You will receive a comprehensive quote tailored to your specific needs.