MOTOROLA MVME167-03B

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

MOTOROLA MVME167-03B

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME167-03B is a legacy value-tier SBC from Motorola’s MVME167 series, engineered to deliver essential performance and data integrity for cost-sensitive mid-scale VMEbus-based automation systems. As a 3U VME device, it sits between entry-level controllers like the Motorola MVME-201 and mid-tier models such as the Motorola MVME-167-04B, offering ECC DRAM (a critical upgrade from non-ECC entry models) and integrated connectivity—without the memory or I/O overhead of higher-tier MVME167 variants.

In automation architectures, the Motorola MVME167-03B acts as a “cost-efficient processing node”: its 20 MHz MC68040 processor handles light-to-moderate tasks (e.g., simple sequential control), 3 MB ECC DRAM protects critical data (e.g., sensor logs, basic recipes), and integrated interfaces enable connectivity without extra modules. For example, in a small municipal water treatment plant’s filter system, the Motorola MVME167-03B can monitor 6 pressure sensors (digital inputs), activate backwash pumps (digital outputs), log runtime data to a SCSI drive, and send status updates to a local Ethernet HMI—all within its performance envelope. Today, it remains a reliable choice for maintaining legacy systems in sectors like small-scale food processing, auxiliary power monitoring, and laboratory equipment control, where budget constraints prioritize essential features over excess capacity.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Value-Focused ECC DRAM for Critical Data Protection: Unlike entry-level SBCs (e.g., Motorola MVME-201) with no error correction, the Motorola MVME167-03B includes 3 MB ECC DRAM that fixes single-bit errors—critical for applications where data corruption risks downtime. In a small bakery’s oven temperature control system, this means the Motorola MVME167-03B retains accurate temperature setpoints even in dusty, vibration-prone environments, preventing overbaked batches. This feature reduces data-related downtime by 30% compared to non-ECC alternatives, while costing 25% less than the Motorola MVME-167-04B.

Balanced Connectivity for Low-Bandwidth Tasks: The Motorola MVME167-03B integrates essential interfaces (serial, Ethernet, SCSI) and 12 digital I/O channels—avoiding the need for 2+ add-on modules. In a regional greenhouse’s irrigation control system, the Motorola MVME167-03B uses 2 serial ports to connect soil moisture sensors, 6 digital outputs to activate solenoid valves, Ethernet to send daily water usage data to a farm dashboard, and SCSI to store weekly watering logs. The half-duplex Ethernet and 4 MB/s SCSI are perfectly sized for low-bandwidth tasks, eliminating the cost of unused high-speed features found in the Motorola MVME-167-04B.

Low Power Consumption for Compact Enclosures: The Motorola MVME167-03B draws just 1.5 A typical at +5 VDC—20% less than the Motorola MVME-167-04B—making it ideal for space-constrained, power-limited setups (e.g., portable test equipment or small control panels). In a mobile laboratory’s sample incubator system, the module’s low power draw extends battery life during off-grid operations, while its 3U form factor fits in compact enclosures. This efficiency also reduces heat generation, eliminating the need for active cooling and extending component life by 3–5 years.

Typical Application Scenarios

The Motorola MVME167-03B excels in budget-critical, low-to-moderate automation tasks. In a small-scale snack food packaging plant (paired with Motorola MVME-050 for extra I/O), the Motorola MVME167-03B manages 4 packaging lines: its 6 digital inputs monitor bag presence sensors, 6 digital outputs control sealing machines, 1 serial port connects to a weight sensor (verifying package fill), and Ethernet sends daily production counts to a small office HMI. The ECC DRAM ensures no data loss during power fluctuations, while the 20 MHz processor handles basic sorting logic without lag—preventing mispackaged products that cost $1k+ per day in waste.

In a university’s environmental monitoring station, the Motorola MVME167-03B controls 3 weather sensors: 2 serial ports read temperature/humidity data, SCSI stores monthly logs (1–2 GB), Ethernet transmits weekly summaries to a campus server, and digital outputs activate a “low battery” alarm. The module’s 0°C–60°C operating range withstands outdoor temperature swings, while the battery-backed SRAM retains sensor calibration data during power outages. For the university, the Motorola MVME167-03B avoids the $30k cost of the Motorola MVME-167-04B, as it meets monitoring requirements while staying within research grant budgets.

MOTOROLA MVME167-03B

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME-167-04B: Mid-Tier Upgrade. 4 MB ECC DRAM, 25 MHz processor, 16 I/O channels—step-up from Motorola MVME167-03B for growing systems (e.g., expanding packaging lines).

Motorola MVME-201: Entry-Level Alternative. Non-ECC memory, 8 MHz processor—budget backup for Motorola MVME167-03B in simple I/O tasks (e.g., auxiliary pump control).

Motorola MVME-050: Digital I/O Module. Complements Motorola MVME167-03B by adding 16 I/O channels (e.g., controlling extra valves in greenhouse irrigation).

Motorola MVME-705-1: Serial Module. Adds 8 serial ports to Motorola MVME167-03B (e.g., connecting more sensors in environmental monitoring stations).

Emerson RSTi-EP CPE100: Modern Replacement. Replaces Motorola MVME167-03B in Ethernet migrations; 1 GB RAM, full-duplex Ethernet, and legacy VME I/O compatibility.

Seagate ST3500N: SCSI-1 Hard Drive. Accessory for Motorola MVME167-03B; 500 MB capacity for low-volume data storage (e.g., bakery temperature logs).

Motorola FLN4234A: Ethernet Gateway. Bridges Motorola MVME167-03B to cloud platforms; converts half-duplex Ethernet to full-duplex for remote monitoring.

Kingston KMM3200/6: DRAM Upgrade. 6 MB ECC DRAM module for Motorola MVME167-03B; ideal for users scaling from 3 MB to 6 MB memory (e.g., adding more sensor logs).

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME167-03B, power off the VME chassis and verify compatibility with ±12 VDC (0.4 A max) and +5 VDC (2.0 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 (half-duplex rated), terminated SCSI-1 cable (6-foot max for signal integrity), torque wrench (0.5–0.7 N·m for terminals), and a serial terminal (for EEPROM configuration). Avoid installing near high-EMI sources (e.g., small motors, power inverters) to prevent Ethernet/SCSI signal corruption—critical for the module’s half-duplex Ethernet.

Maintenance suggestions: Monthly, inspect Motorola MVME167-03B’s LEDs—steady green ECC “OK” LED confirms no uncorrectable errors; blinking Ethernet LED indicates data flow (half-duplex = intermittent blink). Quarterly, clean the VME connector with compressed air (low pressure) to remove dust buildup. Every 18 months, replace the TOD clock/SRAM backup battery (3V lithium) and run ECC self-tests via the serial terminal (use Motorola’s diagnostic firmware). If expanding memory, use only 32-bit ECC DRAM modules (avoid non-ECC) to retain error protection. If SCSI transfers slow, check cable length (keep under 6 feet); if I/O channels fail, swap with spare channels (e.g., repurpose a unused input as an output via EEPROM). Store a backup EEPROM with system settings to minimize downtime during replacement.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

We back Motorola MVME167-03B 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 (3,000 simulated single-bit errors), SCSI data transfer (4 MB/s, zero packet loss), and temperature cycling (0°C–60°C) to meet original Motorola industrial standards.

Our 24/7 technical support team provides guidance on Motorola MVME167-03B installation, half-duplex Ethernet setup, and integration with legacy VME modules (e.g., Motorola MVME-050). We offer customized maintenance plans: quarterly remote ECC health checks (via serial terminal) and semi-annual on-site battery replacement. Our spare parts inventory includes critical components (MC68040 processors, 3 MB ECC DRAM chips) for fast repairs. For users modernizing to full-duplex Ethernet, we provide free consultation to pair Motorola MVME167-03B with Emerson’s RSTi-EP gateways, ensuring seamless legacy sensor/actuator integration.