GE Fanuc SBS VME-IP-CARRIER VIPC616 91611524 | VMEbus IndustryPack Interface Carrier Module

  • Model: VIPC616
  • Part Number: 91611524
  • Brand: SBS (Shared Bus Systems) / GE Fanuc Industrial Solutions
  • Series: VME IndustryPack Carrier Family
  • Core Function: Provides the electrical and mechanical interface between a 6U VMEbus backplane and IndustryPack (IP) I/O modules.
  • Product Type: VMEbus IndustryPack Carrier Board
  • Key Features:
    • 6U VME form factor
    • Supports four single-wide IndustryPack modules or two double-wide IndustryPack modules
    • Supports I/O, ID, memory, and interrupt cycles
    • Front panel access through 50-pin ribbon cable connectors
    • PLD-configurable interrupt mapping
Category: SKU: GE VME-IP-CARRIER VIPC616 91611524

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Manufacturer SBS / GE Fanuc
Model VIPC616
Part Number 91611524
Product Type 6U VME IndustryPack Carrier Board
Bus Interface VMEbus
VME Standard VME Specification C.1 (IEEE P1014/D1.2 compatible)
IndustryPack Slots 4 single-wide IP sites
Double-Wide Support Up to 2 double-wide IndustryPack modules
Supported Cycles I/O, ID, Memory, Interrupt Acknowledge
IndustryPack Interface ANSI/VITA-4 IndustryPack specification
Address Space A16 I/O and ID space; A24/A32 memory support depending on IP module
Front Panel Interface 50-pin keyed ribbon cable connectors
Interrupt Mapping PLD/jumper configurable IRQ mapping
Indicators Slot activity LEDs and power monitoring LEDs
Power Input +5VDC from VME backplane
Typical Current Approx. 610mA at +5VDC (carrier only)
Fuse Protection Filtered and fused power rails
Board Size 6U VME
Dimensions Approx. 160mm × 233.35mm
Operating Temperature 0°C to +70°C
Application Industrial control, data acquisition, embedded VME systems

 

Product Introduction

 

SBS VIPC616 91611524 Overview

The SBS VIPC616 91611524 is a 6U VMEbus IndustryPack carrier board designed to expand VME-based industrial computer systems with modular IndustryPack I/O hardware. The carrier provides the mechanical mounting structure and electrical connection between the VME backplane and installed IP modules, allowing users to integrate analog, digital, communication, and specialized interface modules into legacy VME platforms.

The SBS VIPC616 91611524 supports up to four single-wide IndustryPack modules or two double-wide modules. It transfers VMEbus resources such as I/O cycles, ID cycles, memory access, and interrupt functions to the installed IP modules. The architecture allows engineers to customize VME systems without replacing the complete controller chassis.

The SBS VIPC616 91611524 is commonly found in industrial automation, test systems, embedded control platforms, and measurement applications where long service life of VME infrastructure is required. Replacement requires checking the VME chassis compatibility, installed IndustryPack modules, interrupt configuration, and software driver support.

VME-IP-CARRIER VIPC616 91611524

Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls (The Engineer’s Perspective)

 

Engineering Pain Point

A legacy VME control system continues operating correctly, but one I/O channel requires replacement. The installed hardware uses IndustryPack modules that are no longer directly supported by newer platforms.

Replacing the complete VME controller is often unnecessary. The VIPC616 provides the carrier layer that keeps existing IP modules integrated with the VME architecture.

The challenge is usually not the carrier board itself. The main risks are module compatibility, interrupt mapping, addressing configuration, and software driver availability.

 

Typical Applications

Industrial Automation Systems

Used for:

  • Custom machine controllers
  • Factory automation test equipment
  • Motion and measurement systems

Data Acquisition Platforms

Applied in:

  • High-speed monitoring systems
  • Laboratory instrumentation
  • Industrial testing equipment

Embedded Control Systems

Common in:

  • Defense and aerospace test platforms
  • Transportation control systems
  • Long-life embedded computers

Process Monitoring Equipment

Used where modular I/O expansion is required within VME-based architectures.

 

Technical Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Verify IndustryPack Module Compatibility

The is only the carrier layer. The installed IndustryPack modules determine the actual I/O capability. Confirm module width, addressing requirements, and driver support before replacement.

2. Check Interrupt Configuration

The uses configurable interrupt mapping. Existing software may depend on specific IRQ assignments. Incorrect mapping can cause communication or application startup failures.

3. Confirm VME Backplane Requirements

Verify:

  • VME slot availability
  • P1/P2 connector wiring
  • Chassis power capability
  • Address configuration

A physically compatible VME slot does not always guarantee system compatibility.

4. Inspect Ribbon Cable Connections

Front panel 50-pin ribbon connections are part of the signal path. Aging cables, poor seating, or connector damage can create intermittent I/O faults.

 

Related Products

  • SBS VIPC610
    Related IndustryPack carrier family supporting modular IP expansion in VME systems.
  • SBS VIPC618
    Similar 6U IndustryPack carrier variant with different I/O connector arrangements.
  • Abaco Systems
    Continued product support version after SBS/GE Fanuc product ownership transition.
  • GE VMIVME Series VME Modules
    Industrial VME controller and I/O modules commonly used with legacy GE automation systems.
  • GE VMIVME-7455
    VME embedded processor board used in industrial computing applications.
  • GE VMIVME-7698
    VME embedded controller module used in GE industrial control platforms.
  • IndustryPack I/O Modules
    Modular I/O devices installed on carrier boards for customized automation and measurement applications.