GE VMICPCI-7806-211000 350-657806-211000L

Description

Product Description
The GE VMICPCI-7806-211000 (also listed under part number 350-657806-211000L) is a high-performance, industrial-grade Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) interface card designed for real-time data acquisition and machine control applications. This card, part of GE’s (now part of Abaco Systems/Emerson) VMIC product line, serves as a critical communication gateway between a standard industrial PC and specialized industrial networks or I/O systems. The primary function of the GE VMICPCI-7806-211000 is to provide a robust, deterministic link, often for protocols like VMIVME-7806/7807 reflective memory, or other high-speed data-sharing networks, enabling multiple computers or controllers to share a common data set with nanosecond-level latency. By installing this card into a PC’s PCI slot, systems integrators can create powerful, synchronized distributed control systems for demanding applications. The reliability and low-latency performance of the VMICPCI-7806-211000 make it a key component in complex simulation, test, and real-time control architectures.

Product Parameters

• Model: VMICPCI-7806-211000
• Alternate Part Number: 350-657806-211000L
• Form Factor: Standard PCI card (likely 32-bit, 33/66 MHz).
• Primary Function: Reflective Memory or High-Speed Real-Time Network Interface.
• Network Type: Typically interfaces with fiber-optic or coaxial reflective memory networks (e.g., VMIC’s reflective memory network).
• Data Rate: High-speed data transfer (specific rate depends on exact variant; could be 170 Mbps, 1.2 Gbps, etc., for reflective memory).
• Memory Size: Features onboard memory (e.g., 128 MB, 256 MB) that is mirrored across all nodes on the network.
• Connectors: Includes one or more industry-standard connectors, such as fiber-optic ST or coaxial BNC connectors, for network cabling.
• Compatibility: Designed for installation in industrial PCs or servers with standard PCI slots, running supported operating systems (e.g., Windows, real-time OS like VxWorks).

Advantages and Features

• Ultra-Low Latency Data Sharing: The core advantage of the GE VMICPCI-7806-211000 is its ability to provide deterministic, nanosecond-range data sharing across multiple computer nodes, which is unattainable with standard Ethernet.
• Deterministic Performance: Unlike TCP/IP, it operates in a simple, hardware-based write/read fashion, guaranteeing data delivery timing, which is critical for synchronized control loops.
• Simplicity & Reliability: The reflective memory network appears as a block of shared RAM to the host processor, simplifying software development. It is a robust, non-routed network with high noise immunity (especially in fiber-optic versions).
• Long-Distance Capability: Using fiber-optic media, it allows nodes to be separated by kilometers without signal degradation, enabling distributed systems across a large facility.
• Industrial Ruggedness: Built to withstand the temperature, vibration, and electrical noise typical of industrial and military environments, unlike commercial-grade PCI cards.

Application Cases in Application Fields
This card is used in high-end, synchronized multi-computer systems:

• Real-Time Simulation & Training Simulators: Synchronizing visual, motion, and control computers in aircraft, ship, or vehicle training simulators.
• Industrial Test Benches: Coordinating data acquisition, control, and analysis across multiple PCs in automotive, aerospace, or turbine engine testing facilities.
• High-Energy Physics: Synchronizing data capture from multiple sensor arrays in large experimental setups like particle accelerators.
• Military/Aerospace Avionics: Integrating sensor fusion and display systems in avionics bays where deterministic data exchange is mandatory.
• Distributed Process Control: Creating tightly synchronized control networks for large, high-speed manufacturing processes, such as paper machines or printing presses, where legacy reflective memory networks are installed.

Comparisons with Competing Products

• Vs. National Instruments (NI) PCIe-825x/826x (PXI Reflective Memory): NI offers similar functionality in the PXI/PCI Express form factor. The GE VMICPCI-7806-211000 represents the established PCI standard with a large legacy installed base in specific industries like simulation.
• Vs. Siemens CP 1623 or Allen-Bradley 1756-EN2T (Industrial Ethernet): These are standard Industrial Ethernet cards. They cannot match the deterministic, low-latency performance of a dedicated reflective memory card like the VMICPCI-7806-211000 but are superior for general factory floor IT/OT integration and standard PLC communication.
• Vs. Optical Fiber Channel Cards: While also high-speed, Fiber Channel is a complex network protocol with switching. Reflective memory is simpler, more deterministic, and dedicated solely to shared memory replication, which is its specific strength.
• Vs. PCI Express Versions (e.g., PCIe-7806): The VMICPCI-7806-211000 uses the older PCI bus. Newer PCI Express versions offer higher bandwidth but may require different chassis and driver support. Compatibility with existing legacy host systems is a key factor.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. Confirm Exact Protocol and Function: Verify this specific part number (350-657806-211000L) is indeed a reflective memory card and not another VMIC interface (e.g., serial, GPIB). Determine the exact network data rate and memory size.
2. Legacy Bus Architecture: This is a PCI card, not PCI Express. Ensure your host industrial PC has a compatible, available PCI slot. PCI slots are becoming less common in modern PCs.
3. Driver and OS Support: This is a critical consideration. Confirm the availability of stable device drivers and supported versions for your host computer’s operating system (e.g., 32-bit vs. 64-bit Windows, real-time OS). Support for legacy cards on modern OS versions can be problematic.
4. Network Media and Topology: Determine if this card uses fiber-optic or coaxial cable. Plan the network topology (typically a ring) and ensure you have the correct matching cables, hubs (if used), and terminators.
5. Software Development Overhead: Utilizing the card’s full potential requires custom software development using the provided Software Development Kit (SDK) to read/write to the shared memory map. It is not a plug-and-play solution like a standard network card.

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