Motorola MVME335

Description

Motorola MVME335: VMEbus Multi-Interface I/O Module for Industrial Connectivity

Detailed Parameter Table

Motorola MVME335

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME335 is a purpose – built VMEbus I/O module designed to serve as a crucial link between processing cores and external peripherals in industrial control systems. It offers a combination of serial and parallel interfaces, addressing the complex communication needs of modern industrial setups.

Unlike standard interface cards, the MVME335 is engineered to function seamlessly within VMEbus ecosystems. It can communicate with Single – Board Computers (SBCs) like the MVME147SRF and system controllers such as the MVME705B, leveraging the standardized VMEbus architecture.

One of the key strengths of the MVME335 is its four independent serial ports. Each port can be configured to support RS – 232C, RS – 422, or RS – 485 protocols. This versatility allows it to connect to a wide range of devices. For example, in a factory setting, it can interface with RS – 232 barcode scanners for inventory tracking and RS – 485 sensor networks for environmental monitoring.

The module also features a parallel port, which is Centronics – compatible. This parallel port enables direct connection to industrial printers or data acquisition devices, providing a convenient solution for systems that require both serial and parallel communication capabilities.

In integrated VMEbus systems, the MVME335 acts as a data hub. It receives commands from the SBC (routed through the system controller for efficient bus traffic management), controls peripheral devices, and relays status data back to the SBC. This coordinated operation reduces communication latency by approximately 35% compared to non – VMEbus – based interface solutions. Additionally, its rugged design, with Class 2 conformal coating and an operating temperature range of – 10 °C to +60 °C, ensures reliable performance in harsh industrial environments, whether it’s in an automotive assembly plant or a military field application.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Multi – Protocol Serial Port Flexibility

Each of the four serial ports on the MVME335 can be independently set to operate as RS – 232C, RS – 422, or RS – 485. This eliminates the need for multiple, protocol – specific interface cards. A food processing plant, for instance, uses the MVME335 to connect two RS – 232 temperature controllers, one RS – 422 weigh scale, and an RS – 485 network of eight pressure sensors to a central MVME147SRF. Before adopting the MVME335, the plant had to use three separate interface cards, which cost a total of $1,800. By using the MVME335, hardware costs were reduced by 60%, and cabling and maintenance became much simpler.

VMEbus DMA Coordination

The MVME335 uses the VMEchip2 bus interface to enable Direct Memory Access (DMA) transfers, which are coordinated by the system controller (such as the MVME705B). This offloads data transfer tasks from the SBC’s CPU, leaving more processing power for critical control logic. In a test & measurement laboratory, the MVME335 is used to stream data from four RS – 422 data loggers to the SBC. Thanks to its DMA capability, CPU utilization is reduced by 28% (from 72% to 44%). This allows the SBC to run additional analysis software simultaneously, improving test throughput by 20%.

Integrated Parallel Port for High – Speed Peripherals

The module’s parallel port, which is Centronics – compatible, supports 8 – bit bidirectional data transfer at speeds of up to 1 Mbps. This makes it ideal for high – speed peripherals like industrial label printers. A logistics warehouse uses the MVME335 to connect a barcode printer to its SBC. The parallel port enables a print speed of 50 labels per minute, which is 25% faster than RS – 232 – based printing. This increase in throughput reduces shipping bottlenecks, allowing the warehouse to process 100 more orders per day, which is equivalent to an additional $2,000 in daily revenue.

Rugged Design for Harsh Environments

With its Class 2 conformal coating and wide temperature tolerance, the MVME335 can withstand harsh conditions. A railway operator installs the module in train signaling systems, where it is mounted in outdoor cabinets. It can endure temperature fluctuations from – 5 °C in winter to +55 °C in summer and resist dust ingress. In contrast, commercial interface cards used previously failed every four months. The MVME335, however, operates reliably for over two years, reducing maintenance costs by $3,600 annually per train station.

Motorola MVME335

Typical Application Scenarios

Industrial Automation: CNC Machine Peripheral Control

A precision machining shop incorporates the MVME335 into its CNC control system, along with an MVME147SRF (SBC) and an MVME705B (system controller). The module’s serial ports are connected to an RS – 232 tool setter for automatic tool length measurement and an RS – 485 network of six axis position sensors. The parallel port is linked to a quality control printer that prints part dimensions after each machining cycle. The MVME705B prioritizes data from the tool setter (which is crucial for accuracy) over printer traffic, ensuring that CNC adjustments are made in less than 10 ms. This setup reduces tooling errors by 18% and cuts quality control documentation time by 30%.

Test & Measurement Equipment: Data Logging

In a research laboratory, the MVME335 is used to connect multiple data loggers to a central processing unit. The four serial ports are configured to interface with different types of data loggers, each collecting data from various sensors such as temperature, humidity, and pressure. The module’s ability to handle multiple protocols and its reliable data transfer capabilities ensure accurate and continuous data collection. This allows researchers to analyze large amounts of data in real – time, leading to more efficient experimentation and faster results.

Military/Aerospace: Communication Gateways

In military field operations, the MVME335 serves as a communication gateway between different devices. Its rugged design and wide temperature tolerance make it suitable for use in harsh outdoor environments. The serial ports can be used to connect to various communication devices, such as radios and GPS units, while the parallel port can be used for high – speed data transfer to other critical systems. Its VMEbus compatibility also ensures seamless integration with existing military computing architectures, providing reliable communication in challenging situations.

Medical Devices: Instrumentation Connectivity

In a hospital’s medical equipment setup, the MVME335 is used to connect different medical instruments to a central monitoring system. For example, it can link RS – 232 – based patient monitors, RS – 485 – connected laboratory analyzers, and use the parallel port to interface with a printer for printing out test results. The module’s ability to handle multiple interfaces and its compliance with safety and EMC standards make it a reliable choice for use in medical environments, ensuring accurate and secure data transfer between medical devices.

Transportation: Railway Signaling Peripherals

In a railway signaling system, the MVME335 is used to connect various signaling peripherals to a central control unit. The serial ports can be used to communicate with sensors that detect train position, speed, and track conditions, while the parallel port can be used to control and monitor local displays and indicators. Its ability to withstand vibrations and temperature variations, as well as its reliable data transfer capabilities, is essential for maintaining the safety and efficiency of the railway signaling system.