MOTOROLA MVME162-13

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

MOTOROLA MVME162-512

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME162-13 is a legacy industrial VMEbus early entry-tier real-time SBC, marking one of the foundational models in Motorola’s MVME162 series—preceding enhanced entry variants like Motorola MVME162-210. Unlike later models (which add faster processors, more memory, and extra ports), Motorola MVME162-13 relies on a 12 MHz MC68000, minimal memory, and basic I/O—making it ideal for 1980s–early 1990s ultra-simple industrial tasks such as standalone sensor monitoring, single-motor control, or basic data logging.

As a “no-frills” control building block in Motorola’s early VME lineup, Motorola MVME162-13 excelled at cost-sensitive, low-complexity applications. It paired with entry-level peripherals like Motorola MVME-172-513 (entry I/O) to handle tasks that didn’t require advanced processing—for example, in an early 1990s small farm’s irrigation system, Motorola MVME162-13 used its parallel I/O to monitor a single water tank level sensor and activate a small pump. Today, Motorola MVME162-13 remains a critical legacy component for aging systems where replacement would require rewriting custom firmware or reengineering simple control loops—costs that often outweigh upgrading to newer SBCs.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Ultra-Low Power + Compact Size for Tight Spaces: Motorola MVME162-13’s 2 W typical power consumption (1/4 of Motorola MVME162-210’s 8 W) and slim 18mm profile made it ideal for 1980s-era compact enclosures. An early 1990s portable test equipment manufacturer integrated Motorola MVME162-13 into a handheld pressure gauge: its low power let the device run on 4 AA batteries for 12+ hours, while its small size fit in a palm-sized case—something bulkier industrial controllers of the era couldn’t achieve. For remote weather stations, the 2 W draw paired with a small solar panel, eliminating the need for AC power in off-grid locations.

Cost-Effective for Basic Tasks: By omitting non-essential features (MMU, FPU, extra ports), Motorola MVME162-13 cost 50% less than mid-tier VME SBCs of its era—critical for budget-constrained small businesses. An early 1990s local bakery used Motorola MVME162-13 to control a single oven’s temperature: it read a thermistor via parallel I/O and adjusted a heating element, avoiding the $600+ premium for features like Ethernet (unneeded for on-site-only control). For a small retail store’s inventory shelf sensor system, the 256 KB DRAM stored 1 week of sensor logs—sufficient for 5+ sensors and eliminating the need for external storage.

Simplified Operation for Non-Expert Users: Unlike later SBCs requiring specialized configuration, Motorola MVME162-13 used fixed EPROM firmware and minimal wiring—ideal for teams with limited technical expertise. An early 1990s small construction company used Motorola MVME162-13 to monitor a concrete mixer’s rotation speed: setup took <1 hour (vs. 3+ hours for complex SBCs), and the basic POST (power/CPU LEDs) let technicians quickly diagnose issues like loose power connections. This simplicity reduced training costs and minimized downtime for small operations with no dedicated automation engineers.

Typical Application Scenarios

In an early 1990s small municipal wastewater lift station, Motorola MVME162-13 served as the sole controller for a single submersible pump. It used its 8-bit parallel I/O to connect two float switches (high/low water level) and a pump relay: when the high switch triggered, the SBC sent a signal to start the pump; when the low switch activated, it shut the pump off. The serial port connected to a simple text display (for operators to view pump runtimes), and battery-backed SRAM preserved runtime data during power outages. Motorola MVME162-13’s 0°C–50°C range withstood the station’s unheated control box (winter lows of 5°C, summer highs of 45°C), and its 2 W power consumption let it run on a small backup battery for 48+ hours during grid failures.

For an early 1990s electronics repair shop’s basic continuity tester, Motorola MVME162-13 managed 4 test probes (via Motorola MVME-172-513 I/O expansion). It sent a small current through each probe, checked for continuity, and displayed results on a serial-connected LCD. The 12 MHz processor handled 1 test per second—sufficient for the shop’s 30+ daily PCBs—and 1 MB expanded DRAM stored test results for 1 week. Motorola MVME162-13’s reliability let the shop operate the tester for 8+ years without replacement, avoiding the cost of upgrading to newer, more complex test equipment.

MOTOROLA MVME162-512

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME162-210: Enhanced entry successor – Upgrade for Motorola MVME162-13 users needing faster processing (16 MHz MC68020), 1 MB base DRAM, and a second serial port (e.g., small conveyor control).

Motorola MVME340A: Basic serial module – Pairs with Motorola MVME162-13 to add a second RS-232 port (e.g., connecting a printer for test logs).

Motorola MVME-172-513: Entry-level I/O – Expands Motorola MVME162-13’s parallel I/O to 24 channels (e.g., controlling multiple pumps or sensors).

Motorola 01-W3960B/61C: Industrial PSU – Powers Motorola MVME162-13 and peripherals, providing stable +5V DC for reliable operation in harsh environments.

Emerson MVME162-13-R: Refurbished variant – Tested to original specs; Critical replacement for failing Motorola MVME162-13 units in legacy early-entry systems.

Motorola MVME162-220: Entry-enhanced model – Step-up from Motorola MVME162-13 with 20 MHz processor, RS-485, and expanded I/O (e.g., regional utility substation control).

Motorola MVME300: GPIB module – Complements Motorola MVME162-13 (with Motorola MVME340A) for basic test/measurement integration (e.g., lab sensor data logging).

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME162-13, verify the VME chassis supports single-high 3U modules and 16-bit VMEbus (A16/D8). Confirm the power supply (e.g., Motorola 01-W3960B/61C) delivers +5V DC (±5%) with <100 mV ripple—use a basic multimeter to avoid voltage spikes damaging the MC68000. Gather tools: anti-static wristband, torque screwdriver (0.3 N·m for 3U mounting), and 24 AWG wire for parallel I/O connections. Keep wiring lengths <1m (for parallel I/O) to minimize noise, and avoid mounting Motorola MVME162-13 near high-heat components (e.g., 10W+ power modules) as it lacks thermal headroom.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily upkeep, check Motorola MVME162-13’s LEDs—steady power and blinking CPU activity indicate normal operation; a dark CPU LED signals a power or processor issue. Run POST monthly by power-cycling the module; if the VMEbus status LED fails to light, reseat the module in the chassis. Clean vents quarterly with compressed air (10 PSI max) to remove dust. Replace the SRAM battery (3V lithium) annually during downtime—failure to do so will erase configuration data. Store spare Motorola MVME162-13 units in anti-static bags (15°C–25°C, 40%–60% humidity) to protect the processor and DRAM.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

Motorola MVME162-13 refurbished units are backed by an 12-month warranty from Emerson, covering defects in the MC68000 processor, DRAM, serial port, and parallel I/O. If Motorola MVME162-13 fails (e.g., in a wastewater lift station), Emerson provides free 10-day replacement—critical for small operations where downtime can reduce monthly revenue by \(800–\)2,000.

For extended support, customers can purchase a 24-month service contract, including weekday technical support (via phone/email, with early-entry SBC specialists), access to archived EPROM firmware and wiring diagrams, and remote troubleshooting for POST errors. Emerson maintains a limited global stock of MC68000 chips and DRAM modules for Motorola MVME162-13 until 2035, ensuring legacy early-entry systems remain operational. This commitment underscores Emerson’s dedication to supporting even the most foundational industrial control components—critical for preserving aging but functional automation infrastructure.