Description

Product Analysis: EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R

Introduction and Product Description

The EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R is a high-performance single-board computer (SBC) and system controller module built on the VMEbus architecture, representing a key component within Emerson’s (formerly Motorola and Emerson Network Power) line of embedded computing solutions for demanding real-time industrial automation. This specific model, the EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R, is engineered to deliver significant processing power, acting as the central CPU in complex VME-based control systems used for data acquisition, simulation, and high-speed control applications. Featuring a powerful PowerPC processor, extensive memory, and integrated industrial interfaces, this module is designed to serve as the intelligent core in systems where determinism, reliability, and computational throughput are critical. Its design ensures long-term availability and support for legacy systems that form the backbone of many industrial installations.

Product Parameters

• Manufacturer: Emerson (Product line originally from Motorola Computer Group)
• Form Factor: 6U VMEbus Single Board Computer
• Processor: Features a high-performance Freescale (NXP) PowerPC processor, such as the MPC8548 or MPC8641D, with AltiVec technology for enhanced vector processing.
• Memory: Equipped with substantial onboard DDR2 SDRAM (typically 1GB to 2GB) and Flash memory for operating system and application storage.
• Interfaces: Includes dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, multiple USB 2.0 ports, serial ports (RS-232), and a PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) expansion site for adding specialized I/O like additional serial, analog, or fieldbus communication.
• System Controller: Provides full VME system controller functionality, including Slot 1 operation, bus arbitration, and interrupt handling.
• Operating System Support: Compatible with real-time operating systems (RTOS) including VxWorks, LynxOS, and Linux.

Advantages and Features

1. High Computational Performance: The PowerPC core with AltiVec in the EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R delivers the processing muscle needed for complex algorithm execution, signal processing, and high-speed control loops within a real-time framework.
2. System Master Capability: As a VME system controller, it manages the entire backplane’s data flow, timing, and arbitration, making it the central brain of the VME crate and ensuring deterministic performance across all connected I/O boards.
3. Robust Expansion via PMC: The integrated PMC slot allows for significant customization and interface expansion, enabling the EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R to be tailored to specific application needs without redesigning the core CPU board.
4. Industrial Reliability: Designed and tested for 24/7 operation in extended temperature ranges and high-vibration environments, offering high MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) crucial for unattended industrial operation.
5. Legacy System Sustainment: Provides a critical performance upgrade and direct replacement path for maintaining and extending the life of capital-intensive VME-based control and simulation systems.

Application Cases in Key Fields

• Industrial Automation & Control: Acts as the main controller in high-end VME-based PLC or DCS systems for complex process control in chemical plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and advanced test stands.
• Defense & Aerospace: Used in radar signal processing, military vehicle control systems, flight simulators, and avionics test equipment where the VMEbus’s ruggedness and the board’s processing power are essential.
• Transportation Systems: Employed in railway control and signaling networks, as well as in automated test equipment for automotive subsystems.
• Scientific Research: Serves as the data acquisition and real-time control computer in particle accelerators, telescope arrays, and large-scale physics experiments.

Comparison with Competing Products
The EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R competes directly with other high-performance VME SBCs from manufacturers like Curtiss-Wright (formerly Motorola’s main competitor) and General Electric (GE Intelligent Platforms). Its key differentiators often lie in the specific processor variant, memory configuration, and the robustness of its board support package (BSP) for various RTOS. Compared to modern VPX or CompactPCI Serial boards, it represents a previous generation of bus technology with lower aggregate bandwidth but benefits from a vast installed base and proven reliability. For legacy system upgrades, the EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R offers a powerful, plug-compatible solution that avoids a costly full system overhaul.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

• Selection:
  • Exact Part Number Matching: The suffix (-0163R) is critical and denotes specific revisions of memory, firmware, or processor speed. It must match the system’s requirements or the failed board exactly.
  • Verify System Compatibility: Confirm compatibility with the existing VME chassis (backplane revision, slot 1 requirements), operating system (VxWorks version), and any critical PMC mezzanine cards already in use.
  • Assess Processing Needs: Ensure the performance level of the EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R meets or exceeds the application’s computational demands.
• Precautions:
  1. ESD Handling: This is a highly sensitive electronic assembly. Use a certified ESD workstation, wrist strap, and conductive packaging during all handling procedures.
  2. Firmware and BSP: A replacement board will likely require a specific boot firmware (PROM) version and a compatible Board Support Package (BSP) for your RTOS. Have these files and tools ready before installation.
  3. Thermal Management: High-performance PowerPC processors generate significant heat. Verify that the VME chassis cooling system (fans, airflow) is fully functional and that the board is properly seated to make good contact with the chassis cold wall or heat sink.
  4. Configuration Backup: Before replacing a failed board, back up all system configuration, application software, and FPGA programming files (if the PMC site is used) from the old board if possible.
  5. Legacy Support Channels: Be prepared to source technical support and additional spares from specialized third-party providers with expertise in Emerson/Motorola VME products, as direct OEM support for such specific legacy items may be limited.

IS2020LVPSG1B dcsplc
IS2020RKPSG3A plccpu
IS2020LVPSG1AE dcs