Description
Product Overview
The MOTOROLA MVME162-212 is a 6U VMEbus embedded controller designed for industrial computing, automation, instrumentation, and legacy control systems. It uses a 25 MHz MC68LC040 processor and is configured with 4 MB of DRAM, two IndustryPack expansion interfaces, and an Ethernet transceiver interface.
The MVME162 family was built around the Motorola 68040 processor architecture and provides a combination of VMEbus integration, local memory, serial communication, networking, timers, and modular I/O expansion. The -212 configuration is particularly identifiable by its 4 MB memory, two IndustryPack ports, and Ethernet capability.
Key Features
- MOTOROLA MVME162-212 embedded controller
- 25 MHz MC68LC040 processor
- 4 MB DRAM
- 2 IndustryPack ports
- Ethernet transceiver interface
- 6U / double-high VME module
- VMEbus system integration
- 1 MB Flash memory
- Battery-backed SRAM
- On-board diagnostic / monitor capability
- Designed for industrial and legacy embedded-control applications
The exact -212 configuration is listed by Motorola-related product documentation as 25 MHz, 4 MB, 2 IndustryPack ports, and Ethernet.
Technical Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | MOTOROLA |
| Model | MVME162-212 |
| Product Type | VME Embedded Controller / Single Board Computer |
| Form Factor | 6U VMEbus, Double-High |
| Processor | MC68LC040 |
| CPU Speed | 25 MHz |
| DRAM | 4 MB |
| IndustryPack | 2 Ports |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB |
| SRAM | Battery-backed SRAM; configuration-dependent |
| VMEbus | VMEbus interface |
| Application | Industrial Control / Embedded Computing |
| Related P/N | 01-W3866B42 / 01-W3913B02 |
Some MVME162 family references describe different memory/SRAM configurations across revisions and variants. For this reason, the physical board label and installed components should be checked when an exact replacement configuration is required.
Processor & Memory
The -212 uses the 25 MHz MC68LC040, a 32-bit Motorola processor intended for embedded applications. Unlike the full MC68040, the LC040 does not include the integrated floating-point unit.
The board’s 4 MB DRAM provides the primary working memory for the embedded controller. The MVME162 platform also incorporates nonvolatile storage and battery-backed memory functions used by the board’s firmware and system configuration.
VMEbus & I/O
The MVME162-212 is designed for integration into a VMEbus chassis. This allows the controller to communicate with other VME boards installed in the same system.
Two IndustryPack ports provide additional I/O expansion. IndustryPack modules can be used to add application-specific interfaces without replacing the main CPU board. The -212 configuration also includes Ethernet capability for network communication.
The broader MVME162 platform supports serial communication, timers/watchdog functions, optional SCSI on applicable variants, and VMEbus master/slave functionality. Not every feature is populated on every MVME162 model, so these should not be assumed to be present on the -212 unless confirmed on the actual board.
Typical Applications
The MVME162-212 can be found in older industrial and embedded systems such as:
- Industrial automation controllers
- Factory control systems
- Test and measurement equipment
- Machine-control systems
- Data acquisition systems
- Telecommunications equipment
- Legacy VME computer systems
- Semiconductor and production equipment
- Industrial instrumentation
Its value today is often related to maintaining existing VME-based systems where replacing the complete control architecture would require significant hardware and software changes.
Installation & Configuration
Before installing a replacement MVME162-212, check the following:
- Confirm the complete model number on the board.
- Verify the CPU and installed memory configuration.
- Check the VME chassis and backplane compatibility.
- Confirm the IndustryPack modules installed in the two IP positions.
- Check Ethernet cabling and the applicable rear/front I/O arrangement.
- Verify the board’s firmware and boot configuration.
- Inspect the VME connectors for bent, contaminated, or damaged contacts.
- Confirm the system’s board address and configuration settings.
- Power up the chassis and observe the diagnostic/status indicators.
- Verify communication with the host system before returning the equipment to production.
Because MVME162 boards exist in many closely related configurations, replacing a -212 with another MVME162 variant should not be treated as a guaranteed plug-and-play substitution.
Maintenance & Inspection
For a stored or previously installed board, inspect:
- VMEbus connector pins
- IndustryPack connectors
- Ethernet interface
- Front-panel connectors
- PCB contamination
- Electrolytic capacitors
- Battery condition
- Corrosion or oxidation
- Loose components
- EPROM/Flash devices
- Board revision and identification labels
If the board contains a battery-backed clock or SRAM, battery condition should be considered during long-term storage and maintenance.
Avoid removing or changing memory, firmware devices, jumpers, or configuration components unless the original system documentation specifies the procedure.
Compatibility & Replacement Notes
The exact model MVME162-212 is important when sourcing a replacement. The MVME162 family contains many similar-looking versions with different RAM sizes, processor configurations, SCSI interfaces, IndustryPack interfaces, Ethernet options, and VME capabilities.
For example, the MVME162-211 is associated with SCSI and no Ethernet, while the MVME162-213 adds both SCSI and Ethernet to the 4 MB / 2-IP configuration. Therefore, these models should not automatically be considered direct replacements for the -212.
When ordering a replacement, compare:
Model + Board Part Number + Revision + CPU + Memory + Installed Options
Product Identification
Brand: MOTOROLA
Model: MVME162-212
Product: VME Embedded Controller
CPU: MC68LC040, 25 MHz
Memory: 4 MB DRAM
Expansion: 2 IndustryPack Ports
Network: Ethernet
Form Factor: 6U VMEbus / Double-High
Recommended eBay SEO Title
MOTOROLA MVME162-212 VME Embedded Controller MC68LC040 25MHz 4MB Ethernet
Short Chinese Title
MOTOROLA MVME162-212 | VME嵌入式控制器
