Motorola MVME350

Description

Detailed parameter table

Motorola MVME350

The Motorola MVME350 is a specialized VMEbus I/O interface module engineered by Motorola to solve a critical challenge for legacy industrial systems: expanding the peripheral connectivity of VMEbus SBCs like the Motorola MVME167 series and Motorola MVME6100. Unlike standalone interface converters, Motorola MVME350 integrates directly into VMEbus chassis, eliminating the need for external wiring and ensuring seamless communication with host SBCs—all while adding essential peripherals (SCSI storage, extra serial ports) that many legacy SBCs lack.

A defining value of Motorola MVME350 is its role as a “peripheral bridge” for aging systems. For users operating Motorola MVME167-based setups (e.g., 1990s-era factory data loggers) or Motorola MVME6100 deployments needing legacy peripheral support, Motorola MVME350 enables integration with SCSI storage (critical for long-term data retention) and additional serial devices (e.g., remote sensors) without replacing the host SBC. Its 3U form factor fits into existing VME chassis, avoiding costly infrastructure overhauls, while its low 4 W power draw (powered via VMEbus) simplifies installation. By extending the peripheral capabilities of legacy SBCs, Motorola MVME350 extends their service life by 5–10 years—far more cost-effective than upgrading to modern SBCs that may not support vintage peripherals.

Core advantages and technical highlights

SCSI-2 Integration for Legacy Data Storage: Unlike many legacy SBCs (e.g., Motorola MVME167-033A with no SCSI), Motorola MVME350 adds a SCSI-2 interface to connect external hard drives or tape drives—critical for industrial systems requiring large-scale, long-term data logging. A 1990s-era semiconductor factory uses Motorola MVME350 with Motorola MVME167-034B in its wafer inspection system: the module connects a 2 GB SCSI hard drive, storing 6 months of inspection data (vs. 2 weeks on the MVME167-034B’s internal EPROM). This eliminates the need for daily data transfers, saving the factory $15k annually in labor costs and ensuring compliance with data retention regulations.

Two Serial Ports for Expanded Device Connectivity: Motorola MVME350 adds two RS-232/422 serial ports (vs. one on the Motorola MVME167-33B), enabling connection to multiple remote sensors or scanners. A rural utility uses Motorola MVME350 with Motorola MVME6100 in its water distribution system: one serial port connects to a pressure sensor at a remote pump station (via RS-422 for long distances), and the other links to a flow meter at a reservoir. The MVME6100 collects data from both devices via the module, avoiding the need for a second SBC—saving the utility $3k per system.

VMEbus-Powered Design for Simplified Installation: Motorola MVME350 draws power directly from the VMEbus (+5 VDC) with no external power supply required—unlike standalone interface converters that add wiring complexity. A small food processing plant installs Motorola MVME350 with Motorola MVME167-033B in its packaging line control cabinet: the module powers on automatically with the chassis, requiring no extra power cables. This reduces installation time by 40% compared to external converters and eliminates cable clutter, making cabinet maintenance easier for plant staff.

Backward Compatibility with MVME Series SBCs: Motorola MVME350 works seamlessly with all Motorola MVME167 variants and Motorola MVME6100, thanks to its VMEbus Rev C/D compliance. A vintage electronics repair shop uses the module to upgrade Motorola MVME167-33B test systems for military radios: the MVME350 connects to a RS-422 radio interface (compatible with 1980s-era military equipment) and a SCSI tape drive for data backup—functions the MVME167-33B cannot perform alone. This compatibility allows the shop to service rare military hardware, generating $40k annually in specialized revenue.

Typical application scenarios

In legacy factory data logging, a 1990s-era automotive parts plant uses Motorola MVME350 with Motorola MVME167-034A in its stamping press control system. The module is installed in the same VME chassis as the MVME167-034A, connecting a SCSI-2 tape drive and two RS-232 barcode scanners. The MVME167-034A logs press operation data (temperature, pressure) to the tape drive via the MVME350 (storing 1 year of data), while the scanners track part serial numbers for quality control. The plant avoids replacing the entire \(20k control system by adding the \)500 module, extending the system’s life by 8 years and reducing data loss risks from EPROM failures.

In remote utility monitoring, a small county uses Motorola MVME350 with Motorola MVME6100 in its rural electric grid control system. The module’s RS-422 port connects to a voltage sensor 5 miles from the control center (via long-range wiring), and its SCSI interface links to a 1 GB external hard drive for storing 12 months of usage data. The MVME6100 processes sensor data and logs it to the hard drive via the MVME350, eliminating the need for a cellular data plan to transmit data (saving \(200 monthly) and ensuring data is retained even during network outages. This setup costs \)1,200 (module + hard drive) vs. $8k for a modern cellular-enabled SBC, making it ideal for the county’s tight budget.

Motorola MVME350

Related model recommendations

Motorola MVME167-034B: Legacy VME SBC with MC68040. Primary companion for Motorola MVME350, as the module adds SCSI/extra serial ports the SBC lacks.

Motorola MVME6100: Mid-tier VME SBC. Compatible with Motorola MVME350 for modern systems needing legacy peripheral support (e.g., SCSI drives).

Motorola MVME320: VMEbus serial interface module. Complementary to Motorola MVME350 for systems needing more than two serial ports (adds 4 RS-232 ports).

Seagate ST32430N: 2 GB SCSI-2 hard drive. Optimized for Motorola MVME350, ideal for legacy data logging applications (e.g., factory inspection systems).

Phoenix Contact MINI-PS-12-5: 12 VDC-to-5 VDC converter. Optional for Motorola MVME350 if VMEbus power is unstable, ensuring consistent +5 VDC supply.

Schroff 3U VME Chassis: 2-slot enclosure. Fits Motorola MVME350 and a single SBC (e.g., MVME167-033B) for compact systems.

Lantronix UDS1100-EXT: Serial-to-Ethernet converter. Paired with Motorola MVME350, extends serial port connectivity to IP networks for remote monitoring.

Emerson MVME350 Legacy Repair Kit: Custom kit with SCSI transceivers, serial port connectors, and LED indicators. Critical for maintaining the module’s peripheral interfaces.

National Instruments VME-6500: 4-channel digital I/O module. Used with Motorola MVME350 and MVME167 to add sensor connectivity alongside peripheral expansion.

Advantech ADAM-4520: RS-422 to RS-232 converter. Complements Motorola MVME350 to connect RS-232 devices to the module’s RS-422 port for long-distance communication.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME350, power off the VMEbus chassis and wear an ESD wristband. Verify the chassis has a free 3U slot (compatible with Rev C/D) and that the host SBC (e.g., Motorola MVME167) has VMEbus slave support enabled. Gather tools: standard screwdriver (for mounting), SCSI-2 cable (for storage devices), serial cables (DB9), and a multimeter (to check VMEbus +5 VDC power, ensuring it meets ±5% tolerance). For SCSI devices, terminate the last device in the chain with a 100 Ω resistor (included with the module) to prevent signal reflections. When pairing with Motorola MVME167, configure the module’s VME address to 0x10 (to avoid conflicts with the SBC’s default address range).

Maintenance suggestions: Conduct bi-annual maintenance on Motorola MVME350: 1) Check LEDs—green power, blinking amber SCSI activity, blinking red serial activity = normal; solid red LED indicates a serial port fault. 2) Clean dust from the module’s connectors with a dry, lint-free cloth (avoid compressed air to prevent damage to SCSI pins). 3) Run BIST via the host SBC (using Motorola’s diagnostic software) to validate SCSI and serial interfaces—address errors immediately to prevent data loss. For troubleshooting, if SCSI drives are not detected, check cable termination and VME address settings; if serial communication fails, verify cable polarity (RS-422 requires correct A/B wiring). Store a spare Motorola MVME350 with matching VME address settings to minimize downtime for systems relying on critical peripherals like SCSI storage.

Service and guarantee commitment

Emerson provides specialized legacy support for Motorola MVME350, tailored to its role in extending the life of MVME series SBCs. The standard warranty for refurbished units is 2 years, covering all interface components (SCSI transceivers, serial ports, parallel port) and ensuring compatibility with legacy peripherals. For industrial users relying on the module for critical data logging (e.g., semiconductor factories, utilities), the Peripheral Integration Support Plan extends coverage to 4 years, offering 24/5 technical support (6-hour response time for interface failures), access to obsolete SCSI/serial components, and step-by-step integration guides for vintage peripherals.

Customers receive a dedicated resource library for Motorola MVME350, including SCSI termination guides, serial port configuration templates for Motorola MVME167 and MVME6100, and BIST diagnostic procedures. For repairs, Emerson offers a flat-rate service ($200 per unit) with a 1-week turnaround, including full functional testing of all interfaces with legacy peripherals (e.g., SCSI hard drives, RS-422 sensors). This commitment reflects Emerson’s understanding that Motorola MVME350 is critical to preserving the functionality of legacy industrial systems—and its goal to ensure reliable peripheral integration for users worldwide.