Description
Product Overview
The Motorola MVME374 is a VMEbus-based Ethernet controller and communication module designed to provide network connectivity for Motorola VME computer systems and other compatible industrial computing platforms. As part of the Motorola MVME family of embedded VMEbus products, the MVME374 integrates Ethernet communication capability with the VMEbus architecture, allowing host processors and industrial computing systems to exchange data with Ethernet-based equipment and higher-level network infrastructure. It is particularly suited to legacy VME installations where dependable network communication is required without replacing the existing VME computing platform.
The MVME374 is intended for applications involving industrial data acquisition, distributed computing, equipment monitoring, automated testing, and supervisory communication. Its VMEbus interface allows it to operate as a communication resource within a modular VME chassis, while the Ethernet interface provides a bridge between the VME system and external network devices. This architecture makes the MVME374 useful for extending the communication capabilities of established automation and embedded control systems.
In industrial environments, the MVME374 can support communication between VME-based controllers, operator systems, engineering workstations, and plant-level networks. The module is especially valuable in long-life installations where existing VME hardware remains operational and a reliable network interface is needed for system integration, data transfer, diagnostics, or gradual modernization.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | MVME374 |
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Product Family | MVME VMEbus Computer / Communication Series |
| Product Type | VMEbus Ethernet Network Controller |
| Bus Architecture | VMEbus |
| Network Interface | Ethernet |
| Ethernet Standard | IEEE 802.3 compatible |
| Network Speed | 10 Mbps Ethernet class |
| Host Interface | VMEbus backplane |
| Communication Function | Network data transfer and host communication |
| Installation Method | VME chassis / backplane |
| Operating System Support | Dependent on host CPU and software configuration |
| Operating Temperature | Dependent on system configuration and chassis environment |
| Power Supply | VMEbus backplane power |
| Typical Application | Industrial computing, networking, data acquisition, test and control systems |
Note: The MVME374 is a legacy VME product, and exact memory, connector, Ethernet transceiver, environmental, and software specifications can vary according to board revision and configuration. Original board documentation should be checked before system replacement or engineering integration.
Main Features and Advantages
VMEbus-based network integration
The MVME374 is designed around the VMEbus architecture, making it suitable for modular industrial computers and embedded systems that use VME backplanes. Instead of requiring an external standalone network device, the board provides Ethernet communication directly within the VME system, helping simplify system architecture and cabinet-level integration.
Reliable Ethernet communication
By adding Ethernet connectivity to a VME-based computing platform, the MVME374 enables data exchange with external computers, network servers, monitoring systems, and other Ethernet-capable equipment. This capability is useful for transferring process information, diagnostic data, test results, and system status information between the VME controller and higher-level systems.
MVME374
Suitable for legacy system maintenance
A major advantage of the MVME374 is its suitability for maintaining long-service industrial and embedded computing installations. Many VME systems remain in operation because of their stable hardware architecture and specialized application software. Replacing only the network interface can be significantly less disruptive than redesigning an entire control platform.
Modular installation and maintenance
The board is installed directly into a VME chassis, allowing technicians to maintain communication hardware using the established modular replacement approach. This can reduce troubleshooting time and facilitate spare-parts management in industrial facilities operating multiple VME-based systems.
Useful for data acquisition and test systems
The MVME374 can support applications where a VME computer must communicate with external network equipment. This makes it relevant to automated test equipment, laboratory instrumentation, industrial measurement platforms, transportation systems, and other embedded applications requiring structured network data exchange.
Application Fields
The MVME374 is suitable for industrial and embedded computing applications where VMEbus-based equipment requires Ethernet networking. In power-generation and electrical equipment applications, it can be used within VME-based monitoring, data acquisition, diagnostic, and control subsystems to provide communication between embedded computers and supervisory equipment.
In manufacturing and intelligent production systems, the MVME374 can support legacy VME controllers used in machine monitoring, production testing, inspection equipment, and automated manufacturing stations. Ethernet connectivity allows collected data and equipment status information to be transmitted to engineering workstations or plant-level information systems.
In aerospace, defense-related test equipment, transportation, and industrial research systems, VME architectures are often used for high-reliability embedded computing. The MVME374 can provide network communication for test benches, simulation platforms, instrumentation systems, and distributed data-processing equipment while preserving the existing VME infrastructure.
The module can also be valuable in chemical, oil & gas, metallurgy, and process-industry installations where older VME-based control or monitoring equipment remains operational. By providing network connectivity within the established VME platform, the MVME374 can assist with equipment modernization, remote diagnostics, data collection, and integration with higher-level automation systems without requiring wholesale replacement of the legacy computing hardware.
Related Products
- MVME147 – VME single-board computer used in earlier Motorola embedded computing systems; suitable for legacy VME control and processing applications.
- MVME167 – Motorola VME processor board offering substantially higher computing capability than earlier MVME generations; commonly encountered in industrial and embedded VME systems.
- MVME172 – VMEbus single-board computer designed for embedded control, data acquisition, and industrial computing applications.
- MVME177 – Higher-performance Motorola VME processor platform suitable for demanding embedded computing and control applications.
- MVME374-1 – Related MVME374 configuration/revision used in compatible VME Ethernet networking applications; exact specifications should be verified against the board identification label.
- MVME162 – Compact VME embedded controller frequently used for industrial control, instrumentation, and data-processing applications.
- MVME188 – Motorola VME processor family product designed for high-performance embedded computing and legacy VME system applications.
- MVME3600 Series – Later-generation Motorola/Force Computers VME computing platforms offering expanded processing and networking capabilities for VME system modernization.
