MOTOROLA MVME167-01A

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

MOTOROLA MVME167-01A

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME167-01A is a legacy entry-tier SBC from Motorola’s MVME167 series, engineered to deliver foundational processing and connectivity for ultra-budget, low-complexity VMEbus-based automation systems. As a 3U VME device, it serves as a cost-optimized predecessor to the Motorola MVME-167-01B, retaining core functionality (e.g., 16 MHz MC68040 processor, 8 digital I/O channels) while simplifying components (e.g., non-ECC DRAM, EPROM instead of flash) to meet tighter budget constraints.

In automation architectures, the Motorola MVME167-01A acts as a “stripped-back processing node”: its processor handles light tasks like auxiliary equipment monitoring, while integrated interfaces enable basic connectivity without extra hardware. For example, in a small rural water pump station, the Motorola MVME167-01A can track 4 pump run statuses (digital inputs), trigger warning lights (digital outputs), log daily runtime to a SCSI drive, and send monthly status reports to a local Ethernet HMI—all without unnecessary features. Today, it remains a reliable solution for maintaining legacy systems in sectors like small-scale agriculture, remote utility monitoring, and low-volume workshop equipment, where cost is the primary driver and data integrity needs are minimal.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Ultra-Low Cost for Budget-Critical Applications: The Motorola MVME167-01A’s simplified design (non-ECC DRAM, EPROM instead of flash) reduces hardware costs by 15% compared to the Motorola MVME-167-01B, making it ideal for users with no room for excess spending. In a community garden’s irrigation system, the Motorola MVME167-01A provides essential control (valve activation, sensor monitoring) at a price point 30% lower than mid-tier SBCs—enabling small organizations to automate without overinvesting.

Minimal Power Consumption for Remote Setups: Drawing just 1.1 A typical at +5 VDC (8% less than the Motorola MVME-167-01B), the Motorola MVME167-01A thrives in battery-backed or off-grid systems. In a remote weather station, its low power draw extends solar-battery life to 10+ hours per charge, while its compact 3U form factor fits in small, weatherproof enclosures. This efficiency also eliminates the need for active cooling, reducing maintenance needs in hard-to-access locations.

Backward Compatibility with Legacy Infrastructure: The Motorola MVME167-01A shares identical physical and interface compatibility with the Motorola MVME-167-01B, making it a drop-in replacement for aging systems. For example, a manufacturing workshop using a decades-old Motorola MVME167-01A to control a small conveyor can replace a failed unit with the same model—avoiding costly reconfiguration of paired I/O modules like the Motorola MVME-050. This compatibility preserves existing investments and minimizes downtime.

Typical Application Scenarios

The Motorola MVME167-01A excels in ultra-simple, budget-driven automation tasks. In a small organic farm’s greenhouse ventilation system, paired with Motorola MVME-050 for extra I/O, the Motorola MVME167-01A manages 4 exhaust fans: its 4 digital inputs read temperature sensors (triggering at 28°C), 4 digital outputs activate fans, the serial port connects to a rain sensor (pausing fans during storms), and Ethernet sends weekly fan runtime logs to a farm PC. The non-ECC DRAM is sufficient here, as data corruption risks are low (no critical production data), and the module’s low power draw works with the greenhouse’s solar power system.

In a small auto repair shop’s tool cooling system, the Motorola MVME167-01A monitors 4 grinding tool temperature sensors: digital inputs detect overheating (45°C+), digital outputs activate cooling fans, SCSI stores monthly usage logs, and Ethernet alerts the shop manager via email if fans fail. The module’s 0°C–60°C operating range withstands the shop’s warm environment, while its simple design means technicians can troubleshoot it without specialized training. For the shop, the Motorola MVME167-01A avoids the $15k cost of a modern controller, as it meets basic safety monitoring needs.

MOTOROLA MVME167-01A

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME-167-01B: Enhanced Successor. 1 MB ECC DRAM, 128 KB flash, 2 MB/s SCSI—upgrade for Motorola MVME167-01A when data integrity (e.g., critical sensor logs) becomes a priority.

Motorola MVME167-03B: Value-Tier Step-Up. 3 MB ECC DRAM, 20 MHz processor, 12 I/O channels—ideal for scaling from Motorola MVME167-01A (e.g., expanding greenhouse fans to 6 units).

Motorola MVME-201: Basic Alternative. 8 MHz MC68000 processor, non-ECC DRAM—budget backup for Motorola MVME167-01A in simple on/off control (e.g., workshop light switches).

Motorola MVME-050: Digital I/O Module. Complements Motorola MVME167-01A by adding 16 I/O channels (e.g., controlling extra irrigation valves in large farms).

Motorola MVME-705-1: Serial Module. Adds 8 serial ports to Motorola MVME167-01A (e.g., connecting more temperature sensors in multi-zone greenhouses).

Emerson RSTi-EP CPE100: Modern Replacement. Replaces Motorola MVME167-01A in Ethernet migrations; 1 GB RAM, full-duplex Ethernet, and legacy VME I/O compatibility.

Seagate ST3120N: SCSI-1 Hard Drive. Accessory for Motorola MVME167-01A; 120 MB capacity for low-volume data storage (e.g., greenhouse temperature logs).

Kingston KMM3200/2: DRAM Upgrade. 2 MB non-ECC DRAM module for Motorola MVME167-01A; ideal for users needing more memory for extended sensor logs.

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME167-01A, power off the VME chassis and verify compatibility with ±12 VDC (0.3 A max) and +5 VDC (1.5 A max) to prevent electrical damage. Use an anti-static wristband and mat to protect the processor and DRAM from ESD. Gather tools: Phillips screwdriver (chassis mounting), Cat5 Ethernet cable (low-bandwidth rated), short SCSI-1 cable (3-foot max for PIO-mode signal integrity), torque wrench (0.4–0.6 N·m for terminals), and a serial terminal (for EEPROM configuration). Avoid installing near high-EMI sources (e.g., space heaters, power tools) to prevent Ethernet/SCSI signal corruption—critical for the module’s low-speed interfaces.

Maintenance suggestions: Monthly, inspect Motorola MVME167-01A’s LEDs—steady green power LED confirms operation; slow-blinking Ethernet LED indicates basic connectivity. Quarterly, clean the VME connector with compressed air (low pressure) to remove dust. Every 18 months, replace the TOD clock/SRAM backup battery (3V lithium) to retain configuration data. Since the module lacks ECC, periodically verify sensor data against manual checks (e.g., compare logged temperatures to a handheld thermometer) to catch potential DRAM errors. If SCSI transfers slow, replace the cable (keep under 3 feet); if I/O channels fail, repurpose spare channels via EEPROM. Store a backup EEPROM with system settings to minimize downtime during replacement.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

We back Motorola MVME167-01A with a 90-day warranty for all refurbished units, covering defects in processor performance, interface functionality, and LED indicators. Each unit undergoes rigorous testing: 24-hour serial/Ethernet data transfer (zero packet loss), SCSI data transfer (1.5 MB/s), and temperature cycling (0°C–60°C) to meet original Motorola industrial standards.

Our 24/7 technical support team provides guidance on Motorola MVME167-01A installation, EEPROM configuration, and integration with legacy VME modules (e.g., Motorola MVME-050). We offer customized maintenance plans: semi-annual remote connectivity checks (via serial terminal) and annual on-site battery replacement. Our spare parts inventory includes critical components (16 MHz MC68040 processors, non-ECC DRAM chips) for fast repairs. For users modernizing to modern systems, we provide free consultation to pair Motorola MVME167-01A with Emerson’s RSTi-EP gateways, ensuring seamless legacy sensor/actuator integration during upgrades.