MOTOROLA MVME712-101

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

MOTOROLA MVME712-103

Product Introduction

The Motorola MVME712-101 is a legacy mid-tier industrial SBC from Motorola’s MVME712 series, engineered to deliver balanced performance and flexibility for general-purpose VMEbus-based automation systems. As a 3U VME device, it bridges the gap between entry-level SBCs (e.g., Motorola MVME-712-01) and high-memory models like the Motorola MVME712-103, offering expandable memory, optional floating-point capability, and essential I/O for mid-scale tasks.

In automation architectures, the Motorola MVME712-101 acts as a “versatile processing node”: its 25 MHz processor handles standard control logic (e.g., sequential machine operations), while expandable DRAM and optional coprocessor adapt to growing needs. For example, in a regional packaging plant, the Motorola MVME712-101 can monitor 8 conveyor lines (via serial sensors), log daily production data to a SCSI drive, and send status updates to a plant HMI via Ethernet—with the option to add a coprocessor later if precision dosing calculations are needed. Today, it remains a cost-effective choice for maintaining legacy systems in sectors like food processing, municipal utilities, and small-scale manufacturing, where overinvesting in high-end features is unnecessary.

Core Advantages and Technical Highlights

Flexible Coprocessor and Memory Upgrades: The Motorola MVME712-101’s optional MC68882 coprocessor and expandable DRAM (8–16 MB) let users “right-size” performance for their needs. For basic I/O control (e.g., valve actuation), the SBC works without the coprocessor; if the system later adds pH monitoring (requiring floating-point math), the coprocessor can be factory-installed without replacing the entire SBC. This scalability cuts upfront costs by 25% compared to the fully loaded Motorola MVME712-103, while avoiding future hardware overhauls.

Balanced I/O for General-Purpose Use: Unlike specialized SBCs, the Motorola MVME712-101 integrates 4 serial ports, SCSI, Ethernet, and a parallel port—covering most mid-scale automation needs. In a municipal water pump station, this means the Motorola MVME712-101 can connect to 4 pressure sensors (serial), store pump runtime logs (SCSI), transmit alerts to a central SCADA system (Ethernet), and print maintenance reports (parallel)—all in one slot. This eliminates the need for 2–3 add-on modules, simplifying wiring and reducing chassis clutter by 40%.

Reliable Operation for Unattended Systems: The Motorola MVME712-101’s battery-backed SRAM and TOD clock ensure critical data retention during power outages. In a remote refrigeration unit for food storage, the SRAM saves temperature setpoints, while the TOD clock timestamps outages—letting technicians trace any temperature fluctuations post-restart. The hardware watchdog timer also resets the SBC if software crashes, reducing unplanned downtime by 30% compared to SBCs without this feature.

Typical Application Scenarios

The Motorola MVME712-101 excels in general-purpose mid-scale automation. In a regional bakery’s dough production line (paired with Motorola MVME-050 digital I/O modules), the Motorola MVME712-101 manages 6 mixers: its 4 serial ports connect to temperature/humidity sensors, 8 MB DRAM stores 10 recipe profiles, and Ethernet sends batch completion alerts to the bakery’s inventory system. Without the optional coprocessor, it avoids unnecessary costs—since mixer control only requires basic arithmetic, not complex calculations.

In a small university’s environmental monitoring lab, the Motorola MVME712-101 controls 4 weather stations: serial ports read wind speed/rainfall sensors, SCSI stores weekly data logs, and Ethernet shares real-time data with student workstations. Its 0°C–60°C operating range withstands outdoor enclosure temperatures, while the watchdog timer ensures continuous operation during overnight or weekend monitoring. For the lab, the Motorola MVME712-101 avoids the $25k cost of a modern data logger, extending the weather stations’ service life by 6+ years.

MOTOROLA MVME712-103

Related Model Recommendations

Motorola MVME712-103: High-Memory Upgrade. Faster (33.33 MHz MC68030) and higher-memory (16 MB ECC DRAM) variant of Motorola MVME712-101 for data-intensive tasks (e.g., pharmaceutical batch logging).

Motorola MVME-712-01: Entry-Level Alternative. Lower-spec model (16 MHz processor, 4 MB DRAM) to Motorola MVME712-101 for basic tasks (e.g., simple conveyor control) where cost is prioritized.

Motorola MVME-050: Digital I/O Module. Complements Motorola MVME712-101 by adding 16 discrete channels (e.g., controlling bakery mixer start/stop relays or lab alarm lights).

Motorola MVME-717: 8-Port Serial Module. Adds 4 extra serial ports to Motorola MVME712-101 for larger sensor networks (e.g., 12+ weather station sensors in a campus-wide lab setup).

Emerson RSTi-EP CPE200: Modern Replacement. Replaces Motorola MVME712-101 in Ethernet migrations; offers 2 GB RAM, Gigabit Ethernet, and legacy VME I/O compatibility.

Seagate ST31200N: SCSI-1 Hard Drive. Accessory for Motorola MVME712-101; 1.2 GB capacity for long-term data storage (e.g., 3 months of bakery production logs).

Motorola FLN4234A: Ethernet Gateway. Bridges Motorola MVME712-101 to cloud platforms; transmits SCSI-stored data via 4x Ethernet ports for remote pump station monitoring.

Motorola MC68882 Coprocessor: Factory Upgrade. Adds floating-point capability to Motorola MVME712-101 for precision tasks (e.g., pH dosing calculations in water treatment).

Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME712-101, 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 DRAM from ESD. Gather tools: Phillips screwdriver (chassis mounting), Cat5 Ethernet cable, terminated SCSI-1 cable, torque wrench (0.5–0.8 N·m for terminals), and a serial terminal (for EEPROM configuration). Avoid installing near high-EMI sources (e.g., variable-frequency drives, large motors) to prevent Ethernet/SCSI signal interference.

Maintenance suggestions: Monthly, inspect Motorola MVME712-101’s LEDs—steady green power LED and blinking Ethernet “activity” LED confirm normal operation. 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) to avoid data loss. If serial ports fail, run diagnostic firmware via the serial terminal to isolate issues; if SCSI transfers slow, check cable termination (120Ω at end devices). Store a backup EEPROM with system settings to minimize downtime if the SBC needs replacement.

Service and Guarantee Commitment

We back Motorola MVME712-101 with a 90-day warranty for all refurbished units, covering defects in processor performance, interface functionality, and LED indicators. Each unit undergoes rigorous testing: 24-hour serial/Ethernet data transfer (zero packet loss), SCSI speed validation (5 MB/s), and temperature cycling (0°C–60°C) to meet original Motorola industrial standards.

Our 24/7 technical support team provides guidance on Motorola MVME712-101 installation, coprocessor upgrade, and integration with legacy VME modules (e.g., Motorola MVME-050). We offer customized maintenance plans: quarterly remote health checks (via Ethernet) and semi-annual on-site battery replacement. Our spare parts inventory includes critical components (MC68020 processors, DRAM chips, batteries) for fast repairs. For users modernizing to Ethernet, we provide free consultation to pair Motorola MVME712-101 with Emerson’s RSTi-EP gateways, ensuring seamless legacy I/O integration.