Motorola MVME162PA-344

Description

Detailed parameter table

Motorola MVME162PA-344

Product introduction

The Motorola MVME162PA-344 is an advanced performance rugged VMEbus SBC engineered to meet the high-demand needs of modern harsh-environment industrial systems—representing a significant leap from the Motorola MVME162-533A. Unlike the MVME162-533A (33 MHz MC68040, 10Base-T Ethernet), Motorola MVME162PA-344 leverages a 400 MHz PowerPC 750FX processor (delivering 12x faster computing) and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, making it ideal for applications requiring real-time high-data-rate processing—such as offshore wellhead multi-variable control or large-scale solar farm inverter coordination.

A defining value of Motorola MVME162PA-344 is its ability to combine modern performance with uncompromised ruggedness. It retains the MVME162-533A’s -40 °C to +85 °C operating range and Class 3 conformal coating but adds critical upgrades: 2 GB expandable DDR memory (vs. 64 MB ECC DRAM in MVME162-533A) for large dataset storage, and hot-swap Industry Pack® ports for zero-downtime I/O upgrades. For users operating MVME162-533A-based systems struggling with latency or data bottlenecks, Motorola MVME162PA-344 drops into existing VME chassis—avoiding the $1M+ cost of replacing entire control systems while unlocking the performance needed for next-generation harsh-environment tasks.

Core advantages and technical highlights

PowerPC 750FX Processor for High-Speed Computing: Motorola MVME162PA-344’s 400 MHz PowerPC 750FX outperforms the MVME162-533A’s 33 MHz MC68040 by 12x, handling complex real-time tasks with ease. An offshore oil operator uses the SBC to control a deepwater multi-well manifold: the PowerPC CPU processes data from 30 pressure/temperature/flow sensors (500 samples/second each) and runs advanced predictive maintenance algorithms—reducing unplanned well shutdowns by 50% compared to the MVME162-533A. The 256 KB L2 cache also accelerates PID loop calculations, cutting control latency from 50 ms to 8 ms—critical for preventing well pressure spikes.

Dual Gigabit Ethernet for High-Data-Rate Connectivity: Unlike the MVME162-533A (1x 10Base-T Ethernet), Motorola MVME162PA-344 includes 2x Gigabit Ethernet ports—enabling redundant high-speed data transfer. A desert solar farm deploys the SBC to manage 100+ inverter arrays: one Ethernet port streams real-time performance data (10 MB/s) to a central SCADA system, while the second connects to a local edge server for data analytics. The Gigabit speed reduces data transfer time by 90% vs. the MVME162-533A, allowing the farm to adjust inverter settings in real time (e.g., optimizing for cloud cover) and increasing energy output by 8% annually ($400k in additional revenue).

2 GB Expandable DDR Memory for Large Datasets: Motorola MVME162PA-344 supports up to 2 GB DDR SDRAM (vs. 64 MB in MVME162-533A)—critical for applications requiring large data buffers. A mining company uses the SBC in an underground ore sorting system: 2 GB of memory stores 1 hour of high-resolution sensor data (20,000 data points/second) from 25 ore composition sensors, enabling post-sort analysis to refine sorting parameters. The MVME162-533A could only store 2 minutes of data, requiring constant manual transfers (costing 10 hours of staff time weekly). The expanded memory eliminates this labor, saving the mine $26k annually.

Hot-Swap Industry Pack® Ports for Zero-Downtime Upgrades: The SBC’s 2x hot-swap Industry Pack® ports (absent from the MVME162-533A) allow I/O module replacement without shutting down the system. A coastal chemical plant uses the ports to upgrade analog I/O modules in a chlorine processing line: technicians swap modules during production to add new sensor channels, avoiding 4 hours of downtime (costing $80k) required with the MVME162-533A. The ports also support module redundancy—critical for safety-critical systems where even brief outages risk non-compliance with EPA regulations.

Typical application scenarios

In advanced offshore oil process control, an operator uses Motorola MVME162PA-344 to manage a deepwater multi-well production system. The SBC is mounted in a subsea electronics module (SEM) 12,000 feet below sea level, connected to 35 RS-485 sensors (pressure, temperature, flow) via isolated serial ports and 2 Industry Pack® analog I/O modules (for valve control). Its 400 MHz PowerPC CPU runs multi-loop PID control to balance well pressure across the manifold, while dual Gigabit Ethernet ports transmit data to the surface rig (primary) and a backup vessel (redundant). The SBC’s Class 3 conformal coating resists saltwater corrosion, and 2 GB DDR memory stores 12 hours of historical data for regulatory compliance. This setup replaces five MVME162-533A units (which couldn’t handle the data load), reducing SEM size by 40% and cutting maintenance costs by $300k annually.

In large-scale solar farm monitoring, a renewable energy company deploys Motorola MVME162PA-344 across 5 desert solar sites (100 MW each). Each SBC connects to 120 solar inverters via Gigabit Ethernet, collecting performance data (voltage, current, efficiency) at 1-second intervals. The 2 GB DDR memory buffers 24 hours of data, while the PowerPC CPU runs real-time optimization algorithms to adjust inverter settings (e.g., tilt angle) for maximum energy capture. The SBC’s -40 °C to +85 °C tolerance withstands desert temperature swings, and dual power inputs (solar battery + grid) ensure operation during outages. Compared to the MVME162-533A (which required 3 units per site), the MVME162PA-344 reduces hardware costs by 60% and increases energy output by 8%—adding $2M annually in revenue across all sites.

Motorola MVME162PA-344

Related model recommendations

Motorola MVME162-533A: Rugged predecessor with 68040 processor. Upgrade to Motorola MVME162PA-344 for applications needing faster computing, Gigabit Ethernet, or expanded memory.

Motorola MVME350-RX: Advanced rugged VME I/O module. Paired with Motorola MVME162PA-344—adds 8x isolated serial ports and 16x analog inputs for large sensor networks (e.g., offshore wells).

Emerson MVME162PA-344 Performance Upgrade Kit: Includes 2 GB DDR DIMM, 8 MB dual-bank Flash memory, and JTAG firmware update tool. Enhances the SBC’s data handling and firmware redundancy.

Phoenix Contact QUINT-PS/1AC/24DC/20-R: Rugged 24 VDC power supply. Powers Motorola MVME162PA-344’s dual inputs, with surge protection (1 kV) for offshore/mining use.

Schroff 6U Heavy-Duty VME Chassis (IP67): Waterproof/dustproof enclosure. Houses Motorola MVME162PA-344 and Industry Pack® modules in subsea or desert environments.

Advantech IP-3350-R: Rugged Gigabit Ethernet Industry Pack® module. Compatible with Motorola MVME162PA-344—adds 2 extra Gigabit ports for large-scale inverter/sensor networks.

Cisco IE-4000-16P-E-R: Rugged Gigabit Ethernet switch. Connects multiple Motorola MVME162PA-344 units to a central SCADA system (e.g., solar farm control center).

Seagate Exos 7E8: 8 TB industrial SATA hard drive (via SCSI-3 adapter). Optional for Motorola MVME162PA-344—stores 5+ years of process data for compliance (e.g., oil/gas regulatory logs).

National Instruments VME-6587-R: Rugged high-speed analog I/O module. Paired with Motorola MVME162PA-344—measures 16-channel sensor data at 1 MS/s (e.g., mining ore sorting).

Emerson VMEbus to Ethernet Bridge: Converts Motorola MVME162PA-344’s VMEbus to Ethernet—enables integration with legacy MVME162-533A-based sub-systems during phased upgrades.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation

Before installing Motorola MVME162PA-344, power off the VMEbus chassis (use an IP67-rated model like Schroff 6U Heavy-Duty) and wear an ESD wristband with a ground strap. Verify the chassis supports VMEbus Rev D, has dual power rails (+5 VDC/+12 VDC), and includes enhanced cooling (e.g., 2x 120 mm PWM fans rated for -40 °C–+85 °C). Gather tools: torque screwdriver (with anti-vibration bits), Cat6a Ethernet cables (ruggedized, UV-resistant for outdoor use), industrial DDR DIMMs (if expanding memory), and a digital multimeter (check power: +5 VDC ±5%, +12 VDC ±10%). For subsea/coastal use, apply a thickened conformal coating (from Emerson’s kit) to connector pins—extending corrosion resistance. When replacing MVME162-533A, update VMEbus address settings to avoid conflicts with Rev D features (e.g., VME64x).

Maintenance suggestions

Conduct quarterly maintenance on Motorola MVME162PA-344 (monthly in extreme environments): 1) Check LEDs—dual green power, blinking Ethernet 1/2, steady VME activity, no red fault/temperature = normal; 2) Use IPMI 2.0 (via Ethernet) to monitor internal temperature (target < 70 °C), vibration levels, and power input stability; 3) Clean the CPU heat sink with low-pressure compressed air (20 PSI max) to remove dust buildup—avoid direct blasts on conformal coating. Replace the SRAM battery every 8 years (Emerson part number 50001459-024) and DDR DIMMs every 10 years (use industrial-grade modules with -40 °C–+85 °C ratings). For troubleshooting, if Ethernet fails, use the JTAG port to run diagnostic firmware; if VMEbus communication drops, inspect gold-plated connectors for oxidation (clean with isopropyl alcohol if needed). Store a spare Motorola MVME162PA-344 with pre-loaded firmware and matching memory configuration to minimize downtime for mission-critical systems.

Service and guarantee commitment

Emerson provides elite mission-critical support for Motorola MVME162PA-344, tailored to its role in high-demand harsh environments. The standard warranty is 7 years (2 years longer than the MVME162-533A), covering all advanced components (PowerPC CPU, DDR memory, Gigabit Ethernet ports) and including free firmware updates for cybersecurity and performance optimization. For users in oil/gas, military, or renewable energy sectors, the Elite Performance Support Plan extends coverage to 10 years, offering 24/7 technical support (30-minute response time for downtime issues), on-site maintenance in remote locations (e.g., offshore rigs, desert sites), and priority access to scarce components (e.g., PowerPC 750FX CPUs).

Customers receive a dedicated high-performance resource library for Motorola MVME162PA-344, including thermal management guides, IPMI 2.0 configuration templates, and VME64x integration procedures. For repairs, Emerson offers an expedited flat-rate service ($750 per unit) with a 48-hour turnaround, including full environmental testing (-4