Description
Product Overview
The FORCE SPARC CPU-5CE/16 is a 6U VMEbus single-board computer based on the microSPARC-II processor. It was developed for embedded computing applications where a VMEbus interface, onboard I/O, and SBus expansion were required.
The documented CPU-5CE/16 configuration is commonly identified as SPARC/CPU-5CE/16-85-2, Part Number 501479. This version uses an 85 MHz microSPARC-II processor, 16 MB of DRAM, and 2 MB of user Flash EPROM.
The board provides a combination of VMEbus and peripheral interfaces, including Ethernet, SCSI, serial I/O, parallel I/O, floppy-disk support, and two SBus expansion sockets. OpenBoot firmware provides boot and system configuration functions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | FORCE Computers |
| Product Family | SPARC CPU-5CE |
| Model | CPU-5CE/16 |
| Common Configuration | CPU-5CE/16-85-2 |
| Part Number | 501479 |
| Processor | microSPARC-II |
| CPU Frequency | 85 MHz |
| Main Memory | 16 MB DRAM |
| User Flash EPROM | 2 MB |
| Bus Architecture | 32-bit VMEbus |
| Board Format | 6U VME single-board computer |
| Expansion | 2 × SBus slots |
| Ethernet | Onboard |
| SCSI | Onboard |
| Serial I/O | 2 ports |
| Parallel I/O | Centronics-compatible |
| Floppy Interface | Supported |
| Keyboard/Mouse | Supported |
| Firmware | OpenBoot |
| Supported OS | Solaris, VxWorks and other supported environments |
| Application | Embedded / industrial VME computing |
The CPU-5CE family was offered in several memory configurations. The /16 designation refers to the 16 MB memory version, while the complete suffix identifies processor speed and user EPROM configuration.
Key Features
- 85 MHz microSPARC-II processor
- 16 MB onboard DRAM
- 2 MB user Flash EPROM on the commonly documented -85-2 version
- Standard 32-bit VMEbus interface
- Two SBus expansion sockets
- Integrated Ethernet interface
- SCSI interface
- Two serial I/O ports
- Parallel and floppy-disk interfaces
- Keyboard/mouse support
- OpenBoot firmware
- 6U VME single-board computer format
The combination of VMEbus and SBus expansion made the CPU-5CE suitable for systems requiring additional I/O, memory, or specialized peripheral boards.
Typical Applications
The CPU-5CE/16 can be used as an embedded processor within legacy VME-based systems, including:
- Industrial control systems
- Test and measurement equipment
- Factory automation
- Data acquisition systems
- Scientific instrumentation
- Military and aerospace VME platforms
- Legacy UNIX/VME computing systems
- Semiconductor and manufacturing equipment
Historical documentation identifies Solaris and VxWorks among the software environments supported by the CPU-5CE platform.
Installation & Configuration
Before replacing a CPU-5CE board, verify the complete identification on the PCB. In particular, check whether the installed board is:
CPU-5CE/16-85-2 / P/N 501479
rather than another CPU-5CE memory or Flash configuration.
Recommended installation procedure:
- Switch off the VME chassis and remove system power.
- Confirm the board position and VME backplane compatibility.
- Inspect the VME connector and SBus sockets for contamination or physical damage.
- Install the board firmly into the appropriate VME slot.
- Connect the required peripheral interfaces.
- Power up the chassis and observe the board initialization sequence.
- Enter OpenBoot configuration if system parameters need to be checked.
- Verify boot-device and network settings before loading the application software.
Do not assume that another CPU-5CE variant is electrically or software-compatible simply because it uses the same board family.
Inspection & Testing
For a surplus or used CPU-5CE/16, recommended inspection includes:
- Verify manufacturer and complete model marking
- Confirm P/N 501479 where applicable
- Check PCB condition and connector pins
- Inspect SBus sockets and memory components
- Check for corrosion, cracked components, or damaged capacitors
- Power-on self-test
- Verify OpenBoot startup
- Check VMEbus communication
- Test Ethernet communication
- Verify serial ports
- Check SCSI operation when required
- Confirm boot operation with the intended operating environment
For legacy VME systems, testing the board together with the customer’s actual chassis and peripheral configuration is preferable to a simple power-on test.
Maintenance Notes
Keep the board in an ESD-safe environment when it is outside the VME chassis. VME and SBus connectors should remain clean and protected during storage.
Because this is a legacy computer platform, compatibility with the existing VME backplane, peripheral cards, operating system, and boot media should be checked before replacement.
Avoid changing firmware or system configuration unless the existing application documentation supports the change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What processor does the CPU-5CE/16 use?
A: The documented CPU-5CE/16-85 configuration uses an 85 MHz microSPARC-II processor.
Q: How much memory does the CPU-5CE/16 have?
A: The /16 configuration has 16 MB of DRAM. The commonly listed -85-2 version also has 2 MB of user Flash EPROM.
Q: Is this a VME board?
A: Yes. The CPU-5CE is a 6U VMEbus single-board computer with a 32-bit VME interface.
Q: Does it have expansion capability?
A: Yes. The CPU-5CE provides two SBus slots for additional expansion.
Q: Is CPU-5CE/16 the same as CPU-5CE/16-85-2?
A: Not necessarily. CPU-5CE/16 identifies the memory class, while the full suffix specifies the processor speed and user EPROM configuration. The commonly documented version is CPU-5CE/16-85-2.
Related Models
Other CPU-5CE configurations include:
- SPARC/CPU-5CE/16-85-0
- SPARC/CPU-5CE/16-85-2
- SPARC/CPU-5CE/32-85-2
- SPARC/CPU-5CE/64-85-2
These are related configurations rather than automatic drop-in replacements. The exact memory and Flash configuration should be matched to the original system.
Identification & Ordering Notes
When ordering a replacement, provide the complete information printed on the board whenever possible:
- FORCE Computers
- SPARC CPU-5CE
- CPU-5CE/16
- Full suffix, such as CPU-5CE/16-85-2
- Part Number, such as 501479
- PCB revision
- Serial number
The full board marking is important because the CPU-5CE family was available in multiple memory and firmware configurations.
Suggested eBay Title:
FORCE SPARC CPU-5CE/16 | 85MHz VME Single-Board Computer 501479
