Description
System Architecture & Operational Principle
The Motorola MVME2434 is a 6U VMEbus-compliant single board computer (SBC) designed for industrial and embedded applications requiring high performance and reliability. It serves as the computational core in VME-based systems, interfacing with field devices (sensors, actuators) and external networks (SCADA, DCS) via a combination of VME64 backplane communication and high-speed I/O ports.
Core Functional Blocks
The SBC is composed of four primary functional blocks, each optimized for industrial/embedded use:
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Processing Unit:
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CPU: 350 MHz PowerPC 750 processor (32-bit RISC), featuring a 32 KB L1 instruction cache, 32 KB L1 data cache, and 1 MB backside L2 cache for reduced memory latency.
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Memory: Up to 512 MB of ECC SDRAM (error-correcting code) for reliable data storage and retrieval, plus 8 MB of Flash memory for firmware and configuration storage.
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Bus Interface:
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VME64: Supports 32/64-bit addressing, 32-bit data paths, and DMA transfers (up to 40 MB/s) for high-speed communication with VME backplanes.
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PCI: 64-bit PCI local bus for connecting mezzanine cards (PMC) and onboard peripherals (e.g., Ethernet, SCSI).
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I/O Subsystem:
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Ethernet: 10/100Base-TX Ethernet port (32-bit DMA support) for high-speed network connectivity.
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Serial: 2x EIA-232-D (RS-232) ports for legacy device integration.
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SCSI: Integrated SCSI-2 bus interface (DMA support) for connecting storage devices (e.g., hard drives, tape drives).
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PMC Expansion: 2x 64-bit PMC slots for adding specialized functionality (e.g., A/D conversion, communication modules).
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Power & Cooling:
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Power Consumption: ~7.5 W max (PCI slot), powered by VMEbus (+5V DC, ±12V DC).
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Cooling: Conduction-cooled (no fans) for reliable operation in harsh environments (-40°C to +85°C); ideal for vacuum, high-vibration, or sealed enclosures.
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Operational Workflow
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Power-Up: The SBC draws power from the VME backplane (+5V DC) and initializes the BIOS/UEFI firmware.
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Boot Process: The firmware configures the CPU, memory, and I/O interfaces, then boots the operating system (e.g., VxWorks, Linux).
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Task Execution: The PowerPC 750 processor executes real-time control programs (e.g., signal processing, PID loops) and communicates with field devices via VME64 or Ethernet.
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Data Transfer: High-speed DMA transfers move data between the SBC and VME backplane, while the Ethernet port handles network communication (e.g., SCADA data upload).
Motorola MVME2434
Core Technical Specifications
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Parameter
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Specification
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Processor
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350 MHz PowerPC 750 (32-bit RISC)
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Cache
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32 KB L1 instruction/32 KB L1 data, 1 MB backside L2
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Memory
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Up to 512 MB ECC SDRAM, 8 MB Flash
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VMEbus Interface
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VME64 (32/64-bit addressing, 32-bit data, DMA up to 40 MB/s)
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I/O Ports
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10/100Base-TX Ethernet, 2x RS-232, SCSI-2, 2x PMC slots
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Operating Temperature
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-40°C to +85°C (conduction-cooled)
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Power Consumption
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~7.5 W max (PCI slot)
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Form Factor
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6U VME (233.35 mm × 160 mm × 41 mm)
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Weight
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~1.2 kg (2.6 lbs)
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Certifications
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CE, UL, RoHS
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Customer Value & Operational Benefits
1. High Performance for Real-Time Applications
The 350 MHz PowerPC 750 processor and 512 MB ECC SDRAM enable the MVME2434 to handle complex control algorithms (e.g., PID loops, motion control) and large datasets (e.g., from 100+ I/O channels). This is critical for applications like power generation (turbine control) or industrial automation (robotic control).
2. Rugged Reliability for Harsh Environments
The conduction-cooled design (no moving parts) and wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) make the SBC suitable for:
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Aerospace: Avionics systems (e.g., flight control computers).
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Defense: Naval sonar processing, armored vehicle control.
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Industrial: Oil & gas refineries, power generation (turbine control).
3. Flexible Expansion for Custom Applications
The 2x PMC slots allow users to add custom functionality (e.g., FPGA-based signal processing, GPU-accelerated analytics) without modifying the core SBC. This flexibility is ideal for prototype development and system upgrades.
4. Long-Term Availability & Lifecycle Support
Motorola’s commitment to long-life embedded systems ensures the MVME2434 is available for 10+ years, with spare parts and firmware updates provided by NXP Semiconductors. This reduces the risk of obsolescence for critical infrastructure (e.g., power grids, transportation systems).
Motorola MVME2434
Field Engineer’s Notes (From the Trenches)
When installing the MVME2434, always use a torque wrench to tighten the VME backplane connectors—over-tightening can damage the pins, while under-tightening causes intermittent communication. I once saw a technician strip the VMEbus pins because he used a pipe wrench instead of the recommended tool.Verify the conduction-cooling interface (thermal pad/heat sink) before powering up—poor contact can lead to overheating and premature failure. Use a thermal imager to check for hot spots if the SBC shuts down unexpectedly.Test the Ethernet ports (ping the device’s IP address) after installation—use a crossover cable if connecting directly to a laptop. I’ve spent hours troubleshooting “no comms” faults only to find a bad Ethernet cable.
Real-World Applications
1. Aerospace: Flight Control Computer
A commercial aircraft manufacturer uses the MVME2434 as the core of its fly-by-wire flight control system. The SBC’s VME64 interface connects to flight sensors (e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes), while the Ethernet port streams data to the cockpit display. The -40°C to +85°C operating range ensures reliable operation in extreme climates.
2. Defense: Naval Sonar Processing
A European navy uses the MVME2434 to replace aging MVME2600 boards in its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system. The PowerPC 750’s 350 MHz processor accelerates FFT-based acoustic analysis, reducing system latency by 65%. The conduction-cooled design allows installation in sealed sonar racks without airflow modifications.
3. Industrial: Power Generation Turbine Control
A U.S. power plant uses the MVME2434 to control a 500 MW gas turbine. The SBC executes PID loops to adjust fuel flow and turbine speed, maintaining grid frequency (50/60 Hz) within strict limits. The dual Ethernet ports enable remote monitoring via the plant’s SCADA system.
