MOTOROLA MVME2432

Description

Product Description

The MOTOROLA MVME2432 is a high-performance, single-board computer (SBC) module designed for the VMEbus (Versa Module Eurocard) industrial computing platform. While not a traditional PLC I/O module, it serves as a critical embedded controller or processor board in systems demanding ruggedness, real-time performance, and high-speed data processing. The MOTOROLA MVME2432 was commonly used as the central computing engine within specialized automation systems, such as those for military, aerospace, telecommunications, and high-end industrial control applications. It executes the operating system and application software, managing complex algorithms, data acquisition, and communication tasks. For engineers maintaining legacy VME-based control or test systems, the MOTOROLA MVME2432 represents a core computational component. Technical specifications and reference manuals for this board can be found at [Insert Link Here].

Product Parameters

• Product Type: VMEbus Single-Board Computer (SBC)
• Form Factor: 6U Single-Slot VME (IEEE 1014) card.
• Processor: Features a high-performance microprocessor from the Motorola/Freescale (now NXP) PowerPC family, such as the MPC603e or MPC750, with clock speeds in the range of 200-400+ MHz.
• Memory: Equipped with onboard Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), typically ranging from 32 MB to 256 MB, and L1/L2 cache for fast processing.
• I/O Interfaces:
  • VMEbus Interface: Full 32-bit (or 64-bit) master/slave interface for communication with other VME cards (I/O, communication) in the chassis.
  • Ethernet: Typically includes one or two 10/100 Mbps Ethernet controllers (e.g., via Tundra Universe II bridge) for network connectivity.
  • Serial Ports: Multiple RS-232/422/485 serial ports for console access or device communication.
  • Parallel Port: A Centronics-style parallel port.
  • SCSI: An onboard SCSI controller for connecting disk drives or tape storage.
• Expansion: May include PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) sites for adding specialized functions like additional communication ports, digital I/O, or analog I/O.
• Real-Time Clock: Battery-backed real-time clock and calendar.
• Operating System Support: Designed to run real-time operating systems (RTOS) such as VxWorks, QNX, LynxOS, or embedded Linux.

Advantages and Features

• High-Performance Computing: The MOTOROLA MVME2432 provides significant processing power for its era, capable of handling complex control algorithms, signal processing, and data logging tasks that would overwhelm a standard PLC CPU.
• Real-Time Determinism: When paired with a suitable RTOS, the board offers deterministic, hard real-time performance, which is critical for time-sensitive control and monitoring applications.
• Rugged and Reliable VME Platform: The VME architecture is renowned for its robustness, excellent cooling, and high immunity to shock, vibration, and electrical noise, making the MOTOROLA MVME2432 suitable for harsh environments.
• Rich I/O and Expansion Capability: The combination of onboard interfaces and PMC expansion allows for a highly customized system tailored to specific application needs.
• Scalability: Multiple MOTOROLA MVME2432 boards or other VME cards can be combined in a single chassis to create a powerful, multi-processor system.
• Long-Term Availability & Support: As part of a long-lived industrial computing standard, these boards often have extended lifecycle support compared to commercial PC components.

Application Cases in Key Fields

• Defense & Aerospace: Used in radar signal processing, flight simulator computers, mission control systems, and vehicle/aircraft embedded controllers.
• Industrial Automation: Serving as the main controller for complex, high-speed machinery like printing presses, semiconductor wafer steppers, or precision test stands.
• Telecommunications: Acting as a controller in telecom switching equipment, base station controllers, or network monitoring systems.
• Scientific Research & Instrumentation: Powering data acquisition and control systems for particle accelerators, astronomical telescopes, and large-scale physics experiments.
• Transportation: Used in railway signaling systems or advanced traffic management control centers.

Comparisons with Competing Products

• Vs. Other VME SBCs (e.g., from Force Computers, DY-4, Pentek): Competing boards offered similar form factors but with different processors (Intel, SPARC) or specialized I/O mixes. The MOTOROLA MVME2432 is distinguished by its PowerPC architecture, which was favored for its balance of performance and power efficiency in embedded systems.
• Vs. Standard Industrial PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens): PLCs offer ease of programming (IEC 61131-3) and robust I/O systems but lack the raw computing power, open OS flexibility, and high-speed data bus (VME) of a system built around the MOTOROLA MVME2432.
• Vs. Modern Industrial PCs (IPCs): Contemporary IPCs offer more processing power, standard PCIe/PCI buses, and easier software development. The MOTOROLA MVME2432 and VME represent a previous generation of technology but are still valued in legacy systems for their proven reliability and deterministic performance in critical applications.
• Vs. CompactPCI (cPCI) Boards: cPCI is an evolutionary successor to VME. The MOTOROLA MVME2432 is part of the larger, more established VME ecosystem with a vast array of available peripheral cards.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

• Selection Advice:
  1. Verify System Architecture: This board is exclusively for VMEbus systems. Confirm compatibility with your VME chassis (backplane revision, slot type) and required peripheral cards.
  2. Assess Processing and I/O Needs: Evaluate the computational load, required real-time performance, and necessary I/O interfaces. Ensure the MOTOROLA MVME2432‘s processor speed, memory, and onboard ports meet these requirements.
  3. Plan Software Development: Factor in the need for expertise in the chosen RTOS (VxWorks, QNX, etc.) and associated cross-compilation tools. This is significantly more complex than programming a standard PLC.
  4. Source from Specialized Suppliers: As a legacy component, procure from reputable suppliers of industrial and military computing hardware who can provide tested and guaranteed boards.
• Important Precautions:
  1. ESD Protection: The board is highly sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Always handle with proper anti-static precautions (wrist strap, grounded mat).
  2. Firmware and Boot Configuration: The board may require specific firmware (PROM) images and correct setting of bootstrap configuration switches (DIP switches or jumpers) to boot properly. Document these settings from the original board.
  3. Thermal Management: VME cards generate substantial heat. Ensure the chassis has adequate forced-air cooling and that airflow is not obstructed. Monitor board temperature if possible.
  4. Memory and Compatibility: When upgrading or replacing memory, use only the specific type (speed, size, organization) of SDRAM modules validated for the MOTOROLA MVME2432. Incompatible memory can cause unstable operation.
  5. Legacy Support: Be aware that drivers and RTOS support for this specific board may be limited in newer software versions. Maintain a stable software environment for the system’s lifecycle.

IS200EACFG2A GE plc
IS200ECTBG2A GE
IS200EDCFG1A GE
IS200EDEXG1A GE plc