Description
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Motorola Computer Group / Emerson Network Power |
| Model | MVME172PA-652SE |
| Alternative Model Reference | VME172PA-652SE |
| Product Type | VME Embedded Controller / Single Board Computer |
| Processor | Motorola MC68060 |
| CPU Frequency | 60MHz |
| Memory | 32MB SDRAM |
| SRAM | 128KB battery-backed SRAM |
| Flash Memory | 2MB |
| NVRAM | 8KB battery-backed NVRAM with Time-of-Day clock |
| VMEbus Interface | VMEchip2 ASIC |
| VMEbus Support | A16/A24/A32 addressing, D08/D16/D32/D64 data transfer |
| Expansion Interface | Two IndustryPack (IP) slots |
| Serial Ports | Four asynchronous serial ports |
| Ethernet Interface | Supported through onboard controller |
| SCSI Interface | NCR 53C710 controller |
| Operating System Support | VxWorks, pSOS+, OS-9 and other real-time environments |
| Form Factor | 6U VME single-slot board |
| Application | Industrial control, test systems, embedded computing |
Product Introduction
Motorola MVME172PA-652SE Overview
The Motorola MVME172PA-652SE is a 6U VMEbus embedded controller based on the MC68060 processor architecture. It provides CPU processing, memory, VMEbus communication, serial interfaces, Ethernet connectivity, SCSI storage support, and IndustryPack expansion capability for embedded control applications.
The Motorola MVME172PA-652SE remains valuable in legacy systems where existing application software, VME backplanes, and IndustryPack I/O hardware are still in operation. Replacement projects should verify processor revision, memory configuration, boot firmware, VME addressing, and installed operating environment before installation.
VME172PA-652SE MVME172PA-652SE
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls (The Engineer’s Perspective)
Engineering Pain Point
A decades-old inspection system suddenly stops booting after years of stable operation. The VME rack power supply is normal, external devices respond, but the embedded controller fails to initialize.
This is common with legacy VME platforms. The processor board is not just a CPU card. It contains boot firmware, memory, communication controllers, and custom application dependencies. A replacement board that powers on may still require matching configuration before the machine returns to production.
The MVME172PA-652SE is a system controller component. Treat it as part of the complete embedded architecture.
Typical Applications
- Industrial Automation Equipment – Embedded machine controllers, motion control systems, and custom automation platforms.
- Semiconductor Manufacturing – Wafer inspection equipment, precision motion systems, and factory test stations.
- Defense and Aerospace Systems – Long-life embedded computing platforms requiring VMEbus compatibility.
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE) – Instrument control, data acquisition, and measurement systems.
Technical Pitfalls to Avoid
- Verify Boot Firmware and Software Compatibility
The MVME172PA-652SE depends on onboard firmware and the installed real-time operating environment. Confirm the existing boot ROM version and application software requirements before replacement.
- Check VME Address Configuration
VME systems rely on correct board addressing and interrupt settings. Incorrect configuration can prevent communication with other chassis modules.
- Confirm Memory Configuration
Different MVME172 variants were produced with different memory options. Verify SDRAM size and installed expansion requirements before installation.
Related Products
- Motorola MVME172PA-642SE
Similar MVME172P2 controller with lower memory configuration. Used where application requirements do not require the additional memory capacity of the 652SE version. - Motorola MVME172P-642SE
Earlier MVME172 controller generation with MC68060 processor architecture and VMEbus compatibility. Suitable for legacy embedded applications. - Motorola MVME162 Series
Earlier VME embedded controller family used in industrial and test equipment applications requiring 68K processor compatibility. - Motorola MVME167 Series
VME single board computers used in older real-time control systems with similar software compatibility considerations. - Motorola MVME177 Series
Higher-performance VME controller family for applications requiring additional processing capability. - Motorola IP Modules (IndustryPack Modules)
Expansion modules installed through the two onboard IP slots for analog I/O, digital I/O, communication, and custom interfaces. - Motorola VMEchip2 Interface Controller
VMEbus interface ASIC used by the MVME172P2 family for bus control, DMA, and system communication functions. - Emerson MVME Embedded Controller Family
Later product line maintaining compatibility with VME-based industrial computing platforms.
