MOTOROLA MVME-167-04B

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

MOTOROLA MVME-167-32B

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME-167-04B is a legacy mid-tier SBC from Motorola’s MVME-167 series, engineered to deliver balanced performance and cost-efficiency for mid-scale VMEbus-based automation systems. As a 3U VME device, it bridges the gap between entry-level SBCs like the Motorola MVME712-101 and high-memory models such as the Motorola MVME-167-32B, offering ECC DRAM (critical for data integrity) and integrated I/O—without the 32 MB memory overhead of its higher-end sibling.

In automation architectures, the Motorola MVME-167-04B acts as a “right-sized processing node”: its 25 MHz MC68040 processor handles moderate computational tasks (e.g., basic PID control), 4 MB ECC DRAM ensures error-free data storage for daily operations, and integrated serial/Ethernet/SCSI enable seamless connectivity. For example, in a regional food processing plant, the Motorola MVME-167-04B can monitor 6 mixing tanks (via serial sensors), log batch data to a SCSI drive, and send production status to a plant HMI via Ethernet—all without performance bottlenecks. Today, it remains a practical choice for maintaining legacy systems in sectors like beverage manufacturing, municipal water treatment, and small-scale semiconductor testing, where overinvesting in high-memory SBCs is unnecessary.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Cost-Effective ECC DRAM for Critical Data: Unlike entry-level SBCs (e.g., Motorola MVME712-101) with non-ECC memory, the Motorola MVME-167-04B includes 4 MB ECC DRAM—correcting single-bit errors and detecting multi-bit errors—to protect critical data like recipe parameters or sensor logs. In a beverage bottling plant, this means the Motorola MVME-167-04B retains accurate fill-volume settings even in dusty, vibration-prone environments, preventing product waste due to data corruption. This feature reduces data-related downtime by 35% compared to non-ECC alternatives, while costing 40% less than the 32 MB Motorola MVME-167-32B.

Expandable Memory for Growing Needs: The Motorola MVME-167-04B’s DRAM (4–8 MB) is expandable—unlike the fixed 32 MB of the Motorola MVME-167-32B—letting users scale memory as their system evolves. For a small pharmaceutical lab starting with 2 bioreactors, 4 MB suffices to store sensor data and control logic; if the lab adds 2 more reactors later, upgrading to 8 MB (via industry-standard DRAM modules) avoids replacing the entire SBC. This scalability cuts long-term costs by 25%, as users only pay for the memory they need upfront.

Integrated I/O for Simplified Wiring: The Motorola MVME-167-04B integrates 16 digital I/O channels, 2 serial ports, Ethernet, and SCSI-1 in one slot—eliminating the need for 2–3 add-on modules. In a municipal wastewater pump station, this means the Motorola MVME-167-04B can control 8 pump relays (digital outputs), monitor 8 pressure sensors (digital inputs), connect to a remote SCADA system (Ethernet), and store pump runtime logs (SCSI)—all with a single module. This integration reduces chassis slot usage by 50% and simplifies troubleshooting, as all critical interfaces are centralized.

Typical Application Scenarios

The Motorola MVME-167-04B excels in cost-sensitive, mid-scale automation tasks. In a regional brewery’s fermentation control system (paired with Motorola MVME-705-1 for extra serial ports), the Motorola MVME-167-04B manages 4 fermentation tanks: its ECC DRAM stores temperature/PH setpoints, 25 MHz processor runs basic PID algorithms to adjust cooling, 16 digital I/O channels control tank valves, and Ethernet sends daily yield data to the brewery’s ERP system. The module’s 0°C–60°C operating range withstands the brewery’s cool ambient conditions, while ECC DRAM resists EMI from nearby compressors—preventing fermentation errors that would ruin batches.

In a small semiconductor testing lab, the Motorola MVME-167-04B controls a basic wafer probe station: serial ports connect to 4 test sensors (measuring voltage/current), SCSI stores test results for 100+ wafers per day, and digital I/O channels activate probe positioning motors. The expandable DRAM lets the lab upgrade from 4 MB (for small batches) to 8 MB (for high-volume testing) without replacing the SBC. For the lab, the Motorola MVME-167-04B avoids the $50k cost of the Motorola MVME-167-32B, as it meets testing requirements while staying within budget.

MOTOROLA MVME-167-32B

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME-167-32B: High-Memory Upgrade. 32 MB ECC DRAM, 33 MHz processor variant of Motorola MVME-167-04B for data-intensive tasks (e.g., large-scale semiconductor manufacturing).

Motorola MVME712-101: Entry-Level Alternative. Non-ECC memory, 25 MHz MC68020 processor—budget backup for Motorola MVME-167-04B in simple I/O control (e.g., auxiliary conveyor systems).

Motorola MVME-705-1: Serial Communication Module. Complements Motorola MVME-167-04B by adding 8 serial ports (e.g., connecting more sensors in brewery fermentation tanks).

Motorola MVME-050: Digital I/O Module. Expands Motorola MVME-167-04B’s I/O to 32 channels (e.g., controlling extra valves in wastewater pump stations).

Emerson RSTi-EP CPE200: Modern Replacement. Replaces Motorola MVME-167-04B in Ethernet migrations; offers 2 GB RAM, Gigabit Ethernet, and legacy VME I/O compatibility.

Seagate ST31200N: SCSI-1 Hard Drive. Accessory for Motorola MVME-167-04B; 1.2 GB capacity for long-term data storage (e.g., brewery batch logs).

Motorola FLN4234A: Ethernet Gateway. Bridges Motorola MVME-167-04B to cloud platforms; transmits SCSI-stored data for remote wastewater plant monitoring.

Kingston KMM3200/8: DRAM Upgrade. 8 MB ECC DRAM module for Motorola MVME-167-04B; ideal for users scaling from 4 MB to 8 MB memory.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-167-04B, power off the VME chassis and verify compatibility with ±12 VDC (0.5 A max) and +5 VDC (2.4 A max) to prevent electrical damage. Use an anti-static wristband and mat to protect the processor and ECC DRAM from ESD. Gather tools: Phillips screwdriver (chassis mounting), Cat5 Ethernet cable, terminated SCSI-1 cable, torque wrench (0.5–0.8 N·m for terminals), and a serial terminal (for EEPROM configuration). Avoid installing near high-EMI sources (e.g., variable-frequency drives, high-voltage lines) to prevent Ethernet/SCSI signal interference.

Maintenance suggestions: Monthly, inspect Motorola MVME-167-04B’s LEDs—steady green ECC “OK” LED confirms no memory errors; blinking Ethernet “activity” LED indicates data transfer. Quarterly, clean the VME connector with compressed air (low pressure) to remove dust. Every 2 years, replace the TOD clock/SRAM backup battery (3V lithium) and run ECC DRAM self-tests via diagnostic firmware. If expanding memory, use only ECC-compliant DRAM modules to maintain data integrity. If SCSI transfers slow, check cable termination (120Ω at end devices); if I/O channels fail, use the on-board debugger to isolate faults. Store a backup EEPROM with system configurations to minimize downtime during replacement.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

We back Motorola MVME-167-04B with a 90-day warranty for all refurbished units, covering defects in ECC DRAM, processor/FPU performance, and interface functionality. Each unit undergoes rigorous testing: 24-hour ECC error validation (5,000 simulated single-bit errors), SCSI data transfer (5 MB/s, zero packet loss), and temperature cycling (0°C–60°C) to meet original Motorola standards.

Our 24/7 technical support team provides guidance on Motorola MVME-167-04B installation, memory expansion, and integration with legacy VME modules (e.g., Motorola MVME-050). We offer customized maintenance plans: quarterly remote diagnostic checks (via Ethernet) and semi-annual on-site ECC testing. Our spare parts inventory includes critical components (MC68040 processors, ECC DRAM chips) for fast repairs. For users modernizing to Ethernet, we provide free consultation to pair Motorola MVME-167-04B with Emerson’s RSTi-EP gateways, ensuring seamless legacy I/O integration.