Motorola MVME-166-11A

Mid-Tier Processing Power for Complex Tasks: Motorola MVME-166-11A’s MC68040 processor (25 MHz) with integrated FPU delivers 3x the computational performance of Motorola MVME-147SA-1’s MC68020, enabling it to run multi-variable control algorithms. In a plastic injection molding machine, Motorola MVME-166-11A simultaneously regulates temperature (4 zones), pressure (2 stages), and injection speed—calculating adjustments every 10 ms to ensure part consistency. The FPU eliminates the need for external coprocessors, reducing component count and power consumption vs. lower-tier SBCs.

Expandable Memory + DMA for Data-Intensive Workflows: With 4 MB DRAM (expandable to 16 MB) and a 4-channel DMA controller, Motorola MVME-166-11A handles large datasets without slowing down control tasks. In a wind turbine condition monitoring system, the SBC uses its DMA to log 100+ sensor data points (from Motorola MVME-177-003) to Flash ROM at 500 samples/second, while the CPU focuses on real-time vibration analysis. This separation of duties prevents data loss and ensures the turbine’s safety systems respond within 50 ms to anomalies.

Legacy Peripheral Compatibility + Upgradeability: Motorola MVME-166-11A works seamlessly with hundreds of legacy MVME peripherals, from Motorola MVME2101-1 (high-current DO) to Motorola MVME334B (serial communication). A food processing plant upgrading from Motorola MVME-147SA-1 can reuse existing I/O modules with Motorola MVME-166-11A, avoiding $15,000+ in replacement costs. Its two mezzanine slots also support future upgrades (e.g., Ethernet cards for IP connectivity), extending the SBC’s useful life by 5+ years.

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Part number: Motorola MVME-166-11A
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Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Parameter name Parameter value
Product model Motorola MVME-166-11A
Manufacturer Motorola (now part of Emerson Industrial Automation)
Product category Legacy Industrial VMEbus Mid-Tier Single Board Computer (SBC)
Processor Motorola MC68040 32-bit RISC processor (25 MHz clock speed); Integrated floating-point unit (FPU)
Memory Configuration 4 MB DRAM (expandable to 16 MB via SIMMs); 1 MB Flash ROM (for firmware/OS); 256 KB SRAM (cache, non-volatile with backup battery)
Communication Interfaces 2x RS-232 serial ports (115.2 kbps max); 1x parallel port (Centronics-compatible); VMEbus A32/D32 master/slave (IEEE 1014-1987 compliant); DMA controller (4 channels)
Environmental Requirements Operating Temp: -10°C–60°C (14°F–140°F); Storage Temp: -40°C–85°C (-40°F–185°F); Humidity: 5%–95% (non-condensing); Vibration: 10–2000 Hz, 1.5 g (rms); Shock: 60 g (peak, 1 ms)
Physical Size 6U VMEbus form factor: 233.4 mm × 160.0 mm (9.19 in × 6.30 in); Weight: 680 g (1.50 lbs)
Power Consumption Typical: 18 W (25°C, no expansion); Maximum: 24 W (16 MB DRAM, full DMA usage)
Operating Systems VxWorks 5.4+, OS-9 v3.x, QNX 4.25; Supports real-time multitasking (up to 32 concurrent tasks)
Diagnostic Features LED indicators (power, processor activity, memory status, DMA activity); Built-in self-test (BIST) for CPU/memory/DMA; Battery-backed SRAM fault detection
Compatible Peripherals Motorola MVME2101-1 (high-current DO), Motorola MVME-177-003 (analog input), Motorola MVME334B (serial communication)
Expansion Support 2x mezzanine slots (for I/O/memory expansion); VMEbus interrupt controller (16 configurable vectors)
Product Life Cycle Discontinued/Obsolete
Motorola MVME-166-11A

Motorola MVME-166-11A

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME-166-11A is a legacy industrial VMEbus mid-tier Single Board Computer (SBC) designed for real-time control tasks that demand more processing power than entry-level SBCs like Motorola MVME-147SA-1 but don’t require the excess capacity of high-end models. Equipped with a 25 MHz MC68040 processor (with integrated FPU) and expandable memory, Motorola MVME-166-11A excels at running complex control algorithms—such as PID loops for multi-zone temperature control or motion profiling for robotic arms—while maintaining compatibility with legacy MVME peripherals.

In automation architectures, Motorola MVME-166-11A acts as a “versatile control core”: it processes data from connected modules (e.g., Motorola MVME-177-003 for analog sensor data, Motorola MVME2101-1 for high-current actuator control) and executes real-time logic to coordinate system operations. For example, in a semiconductor packaging line, Motorola MVME-166-11A synchronizes 8 robotic pick-and-place arms, using its DMA controller to transfer data without CPU bottlenecks. Its 6U form factor accommodates expansion mezzanines, making it ideal for legacy systems like mid-scale manufacturing cells, industrial test rigs, or regional utility control stations—where reliability and upgradeability are critical.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Mid-Tier Processing Power for Complex Tasks: Motorola MVME-166-11A’s MC68040 processor (25 MHz) with integrated FPU delivers 3x the computational performance of Motorola MVME-147SA-1’s MC68020, enabling it to run multi-variable control algorithms. In a plastic injection molding machine, Motorola MVME-166-11A simultaneously regulates temperature (4 zones), pressure (2 stages), and injection speed—calculating adjustments every 10 ms to ensure part consistency. The FPU eliminates the need for external coprocessors, reducing component count and power consumption vs. lower-tier SBCs.

Expandable Memory + DMA for Data-Intensive Workflows: With 4 MB DRAM (expandable to 16 MB) and a 4-channel DMA controller, Motorola MVME-166-11A handles large datasets without slowing down control tasks. In a wind turbine condition monitoring system, the SBC uses its DMA to log 100+ sensor data points (from Motorola MVME-177-003) to Flash ROM at 500 samples/second, while the CPU focuses on real-time vibration analysis. This separation of duties prevents data loss and ensures the turbine’s safety systems respond within 50 ms to anomalies.

Legacy Peripheral Compatibility + Upgradeability: Motorola MVME-166-11A works seamlessly with hundreds of legacy MVME peripherals, from Motorola MVME2101-1 (high-current DO) to Motorola MVME334B (serial communication). A food processing plant upgrading from Motorola MVME-147SA-1 can reuse existing I/O modules with Motorola MVME-166-11A, avoiding $15,000+ in replacement costs. Its two mezzanine slots also support future upgrades (e.g., Ethernet cards for IP connectivity), extending the SBC’s useful life by 5+ years.

Typical Application Scenarios

In mid-scale automotive component testing, Motorola MVME-166-11A controls a suspension durability test rig. It connects to Motorola MVME-177-003 (16-channel analog input) to measure shock absorber displacement/force and Motorola MVME2101-1 (16-channel high-current DO) to drive hydraulic actuators. The SBC runs a real-time motion profile (1000 data points/second) to simulate 100,000 km of road conditions, using DMA to log test data to 16 MB DRAM. Its 1.5 g vibration resistance withstands the rig’s mechanical stress, while BIST ensures reliable startup for 24/7 testing—meeting ISO 16750 automotive standards.

For municipal water treatment, Motorola MVME-166-11A manages a 5-stage filtration plant. It processes data from Motorola MVME-201 (digital input for valve status) and Motorola MVME-177-003 (analog input for pH/turbidity), executing a multi-loop PID algorithm to adjust chemical dosing and filter backwashing. The SBC’s battery-backed SRAM preserves critical parameters (e.g., pH setpoints) during power outages, while its two RS-232 ports communicate with a SCADA system and local HMI. Motorola MVME-166-11A’s -10°C–60°C operating range handles the plant’s temperature fluctuations, ensuring 99.8% uptime for 50,000+ daily residents.

Motorola MVME-166-11A

Motorola MVME-166-11A

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME-166-12A: High-performance upgrade of Motorola MVME-166-11A (33 MHz MC68040, 8 MB DRAM). Ideal for users needing faster processing (e.g., high-speed test rigs).

Motorola MVME2101-1: High-current DO module compatible with Motorola MVME-166-11A. Drives power-hungry actuators (e.g., hydraulic valves) based on the SBC’s control signals.

Motorola MVME-177-003: Analog input module paired with Motorola MVME-166-11A. Provides high-precision sensor data (e.g., pressure/temperature) for real-time control.

Motorola 01-W3200F-01C: Memory expansion module. Adds 16 MB Flash EEPROM to Motorola MVME-166-11A for long-term data logging (e.g., test results, process logs).

Emerson MVME-166-11A-R: Refurbished variant of Motorola MVME-166-11A. Tested to original specs—cost-effective replacement for failing units in critical control systems.

Motorola 30GD-2-U4300117: Industrial DC PSU. Powers Motorola MVME-166-11A and its peripherals, ensuring stable +5V/+12V for processor/memory.

Motorola MVME334B: Serial communication module. Enables Motorola MVME-166-11A to transmit data to remote monitoring systems (e.g., plant SCADA) via RS-485.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-166-11A, verify the VMEbus chassis has a 6U slot and supports A32/D32 addressing. Confirm the power supply provides +5V DC (±2%) and +12V DC (±3%)—use a precision multimeter to avoid voltage ripple that degrades processor performance. Gather tools: anti-static wristband (protects CPU/memory), torque screwdriver (0.5 N·m for 6U mounting), SIMM installer (for memory expansion), and a laptop (for OS configuration). If adding mezzanines, install them first: align with the SBC’s slots, press gently until seated, and secure with screws.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-166-11A’s LEDs—steady power, blinking processor/DMA activity, and no fault lights indicate normal operation. Run BIST monthly by power-cycling the SBC; replace the module if memory/DMA errors occur. Replace the SRAM backup battery annually (3V lithium) to preserve non-volatile data. Clean the SBC’s vents quarterly with compressed air (20 PSI max) to prevent overheating. If a serial port fails, reconfigure via the OS or replace the port’s DB9 connector. Store spare Motorola MVME-166-11A units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to preserve processor/firmware integrity.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME-166-11A is backed by a 24-month warranty from Emerson for refurbished units, covering defects in the MC68040 processor, memory chips, and DMA controller. If the SBC fails (e.g., DMA malfunction), Emerson provides free 5-day replacement—critical for mid-scale manufacturing where downtime disrupts production schedules.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 36-month service contract, including 24/7 technical support (via phone/email), access to archived OS images (e.g., VxWorks 5.4) and firmware updates, and on-site troubleshooting for real-time control issues. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68040 processors and DRAM SIMMs for Motorola MVME-166-11A until 2038, ensuring legacy mid-tier control systems remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to supporting critical industrial infrastructure and avoiding costly full-system upgrades.

 

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