Description
System Architecture & Operational Principle
The Motorola MVME5500-0161 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: 1 GHz PowerPC 7457 processor (32-bit RISC), featuring 512 KB of on-chip L2 cache and 2 MB of L3 cache for reduced memory latency.
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Memory: 512 MB of ECC SDRAM (error-correcting code) for reliable data storage and retrieval, plus 40 MB of Flash memory (32 MB welded, 8 MB socketed) 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 for high-speed communication with VME backplanes.
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PCI: Dual 64-bit PCI buses (33/66 MHz) for connecting mezzanine cards (PMC) and onboard peripherals (e.g., Ethernet, SCSI).
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I/O Subsystem:
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Ethernet: 10/100BaseTX Ethernet port for high-speed network connectivity.
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Serial: Two EIA-232-D (RS-232) ports for legacy device integration.
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PMC Expansion: 64-bit PCI expansion夹层连接器 for adding specialized functionality (e.g., A/D conversion, communication modules).
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Power & Cooling:
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Power Consumption: ~15–20 W typical (depends on configuration).
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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 7457 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 MVME5500-0161
Core Technical Specifications
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Parameter
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Specification
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Processor
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1 GHz PowerPC 7457 (32-bit RISC)
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Cache
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512 KB L2 (on-chip), 2 MB L3 (on-chip)
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Memory
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512 MB ECC SDRAM, 40 MB Flash (32 MB welded + 8 MB socketed)
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VMEbus Interface
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VME64 (32/64-bit addressing, 32-bit data, DMA)
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PCI Buses
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Dual 64-bit (33/66 MHz)
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I/O Ports
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10/100BaseTX Ethernet, 2x RS-232, PMC expansion夹层连接器
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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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~15–20 W typical
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Form Factor
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6U VME (160 mm × 233 mm × 41 mm)
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Weight
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~1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) (estimated)
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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 1 GHz PowerPC 7457 processor and 512 MB ECC SDRAM enable the MVME5500-0161 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 PMC expansion夹层连接器 allows 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 MVME5500-0161 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 MVME5500-0161
Field Engineer’s Notes (From the Trenches)
When installing the MVME5500-0161, 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 MVME5500-0161 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 MVME5500-0161 to replace aging MVME2600 boards in its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) system. The PowerPC 7457’s 1 GHz 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 MVME5500-0161 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.
