Description
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME162-010A is a 32-bit VMEbus embedded controller from the MVME162 family. It is built around a 25 MHz MC68LC040 processor and is intended for embedded computing applications that require a processor board integrated into a VME chassis. The -010A configuration is identified with 4 MB of DRAM, 512 KB of SRAM, 1 MB of Flash memory, and four IndustryPack interfaces.
The MVME162-010A combines processor, memory, VMEbus interface, serial communication, timers, watchdog functions, nonvolatile memory, and IndustryPack expansion on a single VME board. The MVME162 architecture supports VMEbus master/slave operation, interrupt handling, DMA transfers, and system-controller functions when the applicable VMEchip2 hardware is installed.
For legacy automation, test equipment, defense, transportation, and industrial computing systems, the important point is that the MVME162-010A is an embedded CPU/controller rather than a conventional PLC I/O module. Replacement requires attention to the exact processor configuration, memory capacity, boot firmware, VMEbus configuration, IndustryPack population, and application software. A visually similar MVME162 variant can have materially different peripheral resources.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Model | MVME162-010A |
| Product Type | VMEbus Embedded Controller |
| Processor | MC68LC040 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| DRAM | 4 MB |
| SRAM | 512 KB, battery-backed |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB |
| IndustryPack Interfaces | 4 |
| Serial Ports | 2 |
| Serial Controller | Zilog Z85230 |
| VMEbus | VMEbus interface |
| VME Functions | Master, slave, interrupt, DMA, system-controller functions depending on configuration |
| SCSI | Not included in standard -010A configuration |
| Ethernet | Not included in standard -010A configuration |
| Watchdog | Programmable watchdog timer |
| Board Format | Double-height VME module |
| Cooling | Forced-air cooling |
| Operating Environment | Verify exact board/system configuration |
| Product Status | Legacy / discontinued hardware |
The family documentation specifies 512 KB SRAM with battery backup, 1 MB Flash, two serial ports, four IndustryPack interfaces, and VMEbus resources.
Main Features and Engineering Considerations
25 MHz 68040-Class Processing
The -010A uses the MC68LC040 at 25 MHz, providing a 32-bit embedded processor suitable for the real-time and control-oriented computing environments for which VMEbus systems were widely used.
The LC040 distinction matters: the MC68LC040 does not include the floating-point unit found in the MC68040. Therefore, an configuration using an MC68040 should not automatically be considered identical to the -010A configuration.
MVME162-010A
VMEbus Architecture
The is designed to operate within a VMEbus backplane. The VMEchip2 implementation provides bus-master/slave functions, interrupt handling, arbitration, DMA, and system-controller capabilities.
This makes the board suitable for systems in which the CPU must communicate directly with other VME boards rather than operating as an isolated computer.
IndustryPack Expansion
The -010A configuration provides four IndustryPack interfaces. These allow additional I/O or communication functions to be added through compatible IndustryPack modules.
When purchasing used hardware, the IndustryPack carrier/interface population should be checked against the original system configuration. The base CPU board alone does not guarantee that the original application’s I/O functionality is present.
Memory and Nonvolatile Resources
The board architecture includes DRAM for program/data execution, battery-backed SRAM, Flash memory, and an EPROM socket. The Flash and EPROM resources are particularly relevant to legacy applications because the installed boot firmware can determine whether the board starts correctly in the customer’s system.
Application Scenarios
The Motorola -010A can be encountered in:
- VME industrial control systems
- Industrial computers
- Test and measurement equipment
- Transportation control
- Military/defense electronics
- Telecommunications equipment
- Data acquisition systems
- Machine-control systems
- Legacy embedded controllers
- VME-based automation platforms
Engineer’s Guide: Field Pitfalls
⚠️ Verify the CPU variant.
The -010A is associated with the 25 MHz MC68LC040 configuration. An MC68040-equipped variant is not necessarily equivalent.
⚠️ Check the actual memory configuration.
The family was produced with several DRAM configurations. The -010A is commonly documented with 4 MB DRAM, so don’t assume that every has the same memory.
⚠️ Check battery-backed SRAM.
The 512 KB SRAM and time-of-day/nonvolatile resources use battery backup. On old boards, battery condition is a significant maintenance concern.
⚠️ Preserve the boot image.
If the board is running a legacy application, record the existing boot firmware, EPROM, Flash contents, and startup configuration before replacement.
⚠️ VMEbus configuration matters.
System-controller, arbitration, address mapping, interrupt levels, and DMA configuration can affect whether the replacement board integrates correctly.
⚠️ Do not assume every has Ethernet or SCSI.
Those functions were configuration-dependent. The -010A listing is specifically associated with four IndustryPack ports and does not include the SCSI/Ethernet combination found on other variants.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a 25 MHz 68040-class VMEbus embedded controller used as a CPU/SBC in VME-based systems.
What processor does it use?
The -010A configuration uses a 25 MHz MC68LC040.
How much memory does it have?
The commonly documented -010A configuration has 4 MB DRAM and 512 KB battery-backed SRAM, plus 1 MB Flash.
Does have SCSI and Ethernet?
The -010A configuration is documented without those optional SCSI/Ethernet resources. Other variants were available with SCSI and/or Ethernet.
How many IndustryPack interfaces are available?
Four in the -010A configuration.
Is it a PLC?
No. It is a VMEbus embedded controller / single-board computer. It can perform control functions when running suitable application software, but it is not a conventional PLC CPU.
What should be verified before purchasing?
- processor
- 25 MHz clock
- 4 MB DRAM
- 512 KB SRAM
- 1 MB Flash
- Four IndustryPack interfaces
- EPROM/boot configuration
- Battery condition
- VMEbus system configuration
- Installed software/firmware
- Actual application boot test
Procurement note: For a used , I would specifically request a VMEbus boot test, memory test, serial-port test, IndustryPack interface test, and confirmation of the installed firmware/EPROM configuration. A board that simply reaches a debugger prompt is not necessarily equivalent to the customer’s original controller.
