Description
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | MVME55006E-0161R |
| Manufacturer | Motorola / Emerson / Artesyn |
| Product Type | VMEbus Single-Board Computer |
| Processor | Freescale MPC7457 PowerPC |
| Processor Frequency | 1 GHz |
| L1 Cache | 32 KB instruction / 32 KB data |
| L2 Cache | 512 KB |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB |
| Main Memory | 512 MB PC133 ECC SDRAM |
| SDRAM Bus | 133 MHz |
| Flash Memory | 40 MB onboard, soldered |
| NVRAM | 32 KB |
| VME Interface | VME64, ANSI/VITA 1-1994 |
| VME Controller | Tundra Universe II |
| PCI Architecture | Dual independent 64-bit PCI buses |
| PMC Expansion | 2 PMC sites, 33/66 MHz |
| Ethernet Port 1 | Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Ethernet Port 2 | 10/100 Mbps |
| Serial Interfaces | 2 asynchronous serial ports |
| Serial Controller | Dual TL16C550C UART |
| Firmware | MOTLoad |
| Operating System Support | VxWorks |
| Power Requirement | +5 VDC ±5%, 6.7 A typical, 8.0 A maximum |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +55°C, with forced-air cooling |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Board Dimensions | 233.4 × 160 × 19.8 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 0.40 kg |
| Handle Configuration | Scanbe ejector handles |
Specifications are drawn from the MVME5500 manufacturer’s datasheet.
Product Introduction
Motorola MVME55006E-0161R VME Processor Board
The Motorola MVME55006E-0161R is a high-performance embedded computer designed for VMEbus-based industrial and OEM platforms. Its 1 GHz MPC7457 processor, 512 MB ECC SDRAM, and dual independent PCI buses provide computing capacity for equipment control, data processing, and communication-intensive applications.
The board combines Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100 Mbps Ethernet, serial interfaces, and two PMC expansion sites. MOTLoad firmware supports hardware initialization, diagnostics, and operating-system startup. Its Scanbe handle configuration is an important mechanical identification detail when replacing an installed board.
MVME55006E-0161R
Application Scenarios & Field Pitfalls
The MVME55006E-0161R is suitable for embedded computing platforms that require a VMEbus CPU board with substantial processing and I/O capabilities. In legacy industrial systems, the primary replacement risk is often not processor performance but firmware configuration, rear-transition hardware, and backplane compatibility. A board that powers up successfully may still fail to communicate with the existing equipment if these details differ.
Typical applications
- Industrial automation: Embedded processing in VME-based control and monitoring systems.
- Defense and aerospace equipment: Computing platforms requiring VMEbus expansion and dedicated I/O.
- Transportation systems: Embedded control and data-processing applications.
- OEM equipment: Legacy platforms using PowerPC-based processing and PMC expansion.
Engineering checks before installation
- Confirm the handle type. The
0161Rversion uses Scanbe handles. The0163Rversion uses IEEE handles. Verify the chassis extraction mechanism before ordering. - Check the VME backplane. Confirm the slot, P1/P2 connector arrangement, VME64 compatibility, and system-controller configuration.
- Verify power capacity. The board requires +5 VDC ±5%, with 6.7 A typical and 8.0 A maximum consumption. Also account for the power requirements of installed PMC modules.
- Inspect the transition module. Rear I/O depends on the selected transition module and P2 adapter. The MVME761 and MVME712M families have different connector arrangements.
- Confirm firmware and boot configuration. Check MOTLoad version, boot device, operating-system image, and application software before replacing the original processor board.
- Maintain cooling airflow. The published operating-temperature range assumes forced-air cooling. Verify chassis airflow and inlet temperature rather than relying on the board’s storage-temperature rating.
- Check PMC electrical compatibility. The two PMC sites support 33/66 MHz operation and specified signaling voltages. Confirm card keying, power demand, and I/O routing.
These checks follow the manufacturer’s installation and specification documentation.
Related Products
| Model | Function Difference | Potential Application |
|---|---|---|
| MVME55006E-0163R | Same processor and memory configuration, but uses IEEE handles | Alternative handle configuration |
| MVME55006E-0161 | Earlier ordering designation for the 0161 Scanbe-handle configuration | Legacy identification and procurement |
| MVME55006E-0163 | Earlier IEEE-handle ordering designation | Legacy system maintenance |
| RAM55006E-007 | 512 MB SDRAM memory expansion module | Memory expansion where supported |
| MVME7616E-011 | Rear transition module with serial, parallel, Ethernet, and 16-bit SCSI connections | Rear I/O access |
| MVME712M6E | Transition module supporting serial, AUI, parallel, and 8-bit SCSI connections | Legacy rear I/O configuration |
| IPMC7126E-002 | Multifunction rear I/O PMC module | Additional serial, parallel, and SCSI interfaces |
| PMCSPAN16E-002 | Primary PMCspan carrier/adapter with Scanbe handles | PMC expansion architecture |
These products are associated with the MVME5500 platform, but their compatibility depends on the backplane, P2 adapter, and installed I/O configuration.
Procurement note: Specify the complete MVME55006E-0161R part number when requesting a replacement. Confirm Scanbe handles, processor and memory configuration, board revision, MOTLoad firmware, and transition-module requirements. For used or refurbished units, request POST results, Ethernet and serial interface test records, and confirmation that both PMC sites function correctly.
