Motorola MVME-332XT

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME-332XT

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME-332XT is a legacy industrial VMEbus serial controller designed for cost-sensitive discrete communication and printing tasks—streamlining the feature set of its sibling Motorola MVME-332XTS by removing non-essential components (e.g., touchscreen) to focus on core functionality. Unlike the multi-protocol Motorola MVME-333-2 (which supports RS-422/RS-485), Motorola MVME-332XT specializes in RS-232C communication and integrated parallel printing, making it ideal for legacy systems that prioritize reliable serial data transfer and on-demand logging over advanced network connectivity.

In automation architectures, Motorola MVME-332XT acts as a “serial-print hub”: it connects 8 RS-232C devices (e.g., barcode scanners, legacy HMIs) to host SBCs like Motorola MVME-147SA-1 and directly drives industrial printers via its Centronics port—for example, printing batch logs from a food processing line or inventory labels from a warehouse. Its compact 3U form factor and expandable RAM balance functionality and cost, making Motorola MVME-332XT a staple for 1990s–2000s era systems like small manufacturing cells, regional utility monitoring stations, or standalone test equipment—where replacing it would require rewiring serial devices and reconfiguring print workflows.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Focused Serial-Print Integration: Motorola MVME-332XT combines 8 RS-232C ports and a parallel printer port in one 3U slot—eliminating the need for separate serial and print modules. A warehouse using Motorola MVME-147SA-1 can use Motorola MVME-332XT to connect 6 barcode scanners (tracking pallets) and 2 weight scales (via serial ports), then print shipping labels directly via the parallel port—avoiding the $800+ cost of adding a standalone print adapter. This integration also reduces wiring complexity, cutting installation time by 30% vs. mixed-module setups.

Dual Synchronous/Asynchronous Support: Unlike basic serial modules limited to asynchronous communication, Motorola MVME-332XT handles both synchronous (for legacy industrial equipment like old PLCs) and asynchronous (for modern scanners) RS-232C traffic. A water treatment plant with a mix of 1980s-era flow meters (synchronous, 9600 bps) and 2000s-era pH sensors (asynchronous, 19.2 kbps) can use Motorola MVME-332XT to unify communication—no need for two separate modules. This flexibility extends the life of legacy equipment, delaying costly replacements by 5+ years.

Expandable Memory for Data Buffering: Motorola MVME-332XT’s 128 KB RAM (expandable to 512 KB) provides critical buffering for high-volume serial data or large print jobs. In a pharmaceutical packaging line, the module buffers 100+ batch records (each 512 bytes) from serial sensors before printing them—preventing data loss if the printer pauses for paper replacement. The expandable RAM also supports larger firmware files, enabling compatibility with updated host SBCs like Motorola MVME-166-11A without hardware replacement.

Typical Application Scenarios

In small-scale food processing, Motorola MVME-332XT is paired with Motorola MVME-147SA-1 to control a cookie packaging line. It uses 5 RS-232C ports to connect “package present” sensors (asynchronous, 9600 bps) and 3 ports for “oven temperature” legacy controllers (synchronous, 4800 bps). The parallel printer port outputs batch logs (including timestamp, temperature, and package count) every 15 minutes—critical for FDA compliance. Motorola MVME-332XT’s 0°C–60°C operating range withstands the plant’s warm, humid environment, while its loopback test simplifies troubleshooting if a sensor stops communicating—reducing downtime by 40%.

For regional utility meter reading, Motorola MVME-332XT connects Motorola MVME-166-11A to 8 RS-232C-based electric meters (synchronous, 2400 bps) in a rural area. The module collects daily usage data, buffers it in expanded 512 KB RAM, and prints monthly summaries via a parallel printer for customer billing. Its 1.2 g vibration resistance ensures stable communication in utility cabinets near roadways, while low power consumption (5 W typical) makes it suitable for battery-backed remote sites. Motorola MVME-332XT’s compatibility with legacy meters avoids the $20,000+ cost of upgrading to IP-based meters.

Motorola MVME-332XT

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME-332XTS: Feature-rich sibling of Motorola MVME-332XT (adds touchscreen, keypad). Ideal for users needing local human interaction (e.g., on-site print job selection).

Motorola MVME-333-2: 8-port multi-protocol serial module. Upgrades Motorola MVME-332XT with RS-422/RS-485 support for long-distance communication (e.g., 1200 m sensor networks).

Motorola MVME-147SA-1: Entry-level SBC compatible with Motorola MVME-332XT. Provides processing to manage the module’s serial/print workflows for small systems.

Motorola 30GD-2-U4300117: Industrial DC PSU. Powers Motorola MVME-332XT and its connected devices, ensuring stable +5V/+12V for processor/memory.

Emerson MVME-332XT-R: Refurbished variant of Motorola MVME-332XT. Tested to original serial/print specs—cost-effective replacement for failing units in legacy setups.

Motorola MVME131DON: Digital I/O module complementary to Motorola MVME-332XT. Adds discrete sensor/actuator control (e.g., packaging line conveyor switches) to serial-focused systems.

Motorola MVME945B-001: Ethernet module. Paired with Motorola MVME-332XT to add IP connectivity (e.g., remote print job monitoring) for modernized legacy systems.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME-332XT, verify the VMEbus chassis has a 3U slot and the host SBC (e.g., Motorola MVME-147SA-1) supports A16/D16 addressing. Confirm the power supply provides +5V DC (±5%) and +12V DC (±10%)—use a multimeter to avoid voltage ripple that corrupts serial data. Gather tools: anti-static wristband (protects processor/memory), torque screwdriver (0.3 N·m for mounting), serial cable tester, and a parallel printer (for port validation). Use shielded RS-232C cables (max 15 m) and standard Centronics printer cables—route away from power cables (min 10 cm) to reduce EMI.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME-332XT’s LEDs—steady power, blinking serial transmit/receive, and “printer ready” lights indicate normal operation. Run loopback tests on serial ports monthly to detect faulty ports; replace the module if tests fail. Clean the RAM/SIMM slots quarterly with compressed air (15 PSI max) to prevent dust buildup. If the printer port fails, verify cable continuity and reconfigure the port via the host SBC. Store spare Motorola MVME-332XT units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to preserve EPROM/firmware integrity.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME-332XT is backed by a 12-month warranty from Emerson for refurbished units, covering defects in the MC68010 processor, serial transceivers, and printer port circuitry. If the module fails (e.g., serial port communication loss), Emerson provides free 7-day replacement—critical for systems where print logs are required for compliance (e.g., food/pharmaceutical manufacturing).

For extended support, customers can purchase a 24-month service contract, including weekday technical support (via phone/email), access to archived firmware/ drivers (e.g., OS-9 v2.x), and remote troubleshooting for serial/print issues. Emerson maintains a global stock of MC68010 processors and RAM SIMMs for Motorola MVME-332XT until 2035, ensuring legacy serial-print systems remain operational. This commitment helps users avoid costly full-system upgrades while retaining reliable communication and logging capabilities.