Description
GE VMIPMC-5565 | Ultrahigh-Speed Fiber-Optic Reflective Memory PMC Module
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | VMIPMC-5565 |
| Manufacturer | GE Fanuc / VMIC |
| Product Family | 5565 Reflective Memory |
| Product Type | Fiber-optic Reflective Memory PMC module |
| Host Interface | PMC |
| Memory | 128 MB / 256 MB depending configuration |
| Optical Transmission | Multimode or single-mode, configuration dependent |
| Serial Optical Rate | Approximately 2.12 Gbaud |
| Network Size | Up to 256 nodes |
| DMA | Independent DMA channels |
| Interrupts | Supported |
| Application | Distributed real-time data sharing |
| Associated Manual | 500-755565-000 |
The 5565 documentation identifies VMIPMC-5565 as an ultrahigh-speed fiber-optic Reflective Memory product with interrupts. The later PMC-5565PIORC documentation also explicitly compares its architecture with the classic VMIPMC-5565.
Memory and optical configuration should be treated as ordering-code dependent rather than assumed from the base model alone. The 5565 family documentation distinguishes multimode/single-mode transmission and different memory capacities.
Product Introduction
The GE VMIPMC-5565 is a PMC-format Reflective Memory node card designed for deterministic data exchange between distributed computing systems. Instead of using conventional Ethernet messaging for every data transaction, Reflective Memory maintains shared data across network nodes through a high-speed fiber-optic link, making the architecture suitable for real-time control, simulation, test, and other time-sensitive applications.
The GE VMIPMC-5565 is particularly relevant when maintaining older VME-based computers that use a PMC mezzanine interface. GE documentation lists it separately from the later PMC-5565PIORC, and the latter should not automatically be treated as a drop-in replacement simply because both belong to the 5565 family.
VMIPMC-5565
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls — Engineer’s Perspective
Engineering Pain Point
The main replacement risk is interface and network compatibility, not simply finding another card with “5565” printed on the label. The host processor, PMC carrier, optical transmission mode, memory configuration, node addressing, driver, and Reflective Memory network all have to agree.
Typical Applications
- Real-time simulation systems — distributed processors exchanging synchronized data with low communication overhead.
- Industrial control platforms — high-speed data exchange between computing nodes.
- Aerospace and defense test systems — distributed simulation and redundant computing architectures.
- Legacy VME systems — PMC expansion on VME single-board computers and related embedded platforms.
The has also been documented in distributed real-time simulation architectures using multiple cards connected through multimode optical fiber.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Do not confuse with VME-5565 or PCI-5565.
These belong to the same Reflective Memory family but use different host-bus architectures. The is specifically a PMC module. - Check the optical configuration.
Multimode and single-mode configurations are different hardware selections. Do not assume that an optical transceiver type can be changed simply through software. - Do not assume PMC-5565PIORC is a direct replacement.
GE documentation specifically describes architectural differences between the classic and the later PMC-5565PIORC. The later design consolidated several functions into an FPGA and changed PCI/FPGA/memory architecture. - Verify the host carrier and driver.
NI documentation has a dedicated driver reference, while its separate GE 5565 PIORC driver is intended for a different board. That distinction matters when rebuilding an older test or control workstation.
Related Products
- PMC-5565PIORC — later PMC Reflective Memory design; not automatically a plug-in replacement for the classic .
- VME-5565 — VME version of the 5565 Reflective Memory family.
- VMIPCI-5565 — PCI implementation of the 5565 Reflective Memory architecture.
- VMIPCI-5565PIORC — PCI version of the later PIORC architecture.
- VMIACC-5595 — Reflective Memory hub assembly used to interconnect 5565-family nodes in larger networks.
- VMISFT-RFM2g — associated Reflective Memory network/shared-memory driver software.
- V7768/V7769 — VME single-board computer platforms that can host PMC modules.
Procurement Note
For a replacement, provide the complete ordering number or board label, memory configuration, optical mode, host VME/PMC carrier, and existing Reflective Memory driver/software version. A generic “5565” replacement is not sufficient.
The most important distinction is vs. PMC-5565PIORC. They are related products, but the later PIORC architecture contains significant hardware changes, so substitution should be validated against the host system and application before installation.
