Description
Product Overview
The MOTOROLA MVME162-262 is a VMEbus embedded controller designed for industrial, real-time, and specialized computer-control systems. It is part of the Motorola MVME162 family of 6U VME embedded computers and uses a 25 MHz Motorola MC68040 processor.
The -262 configuration is specifically documented with 16 MB memory, two IndustryPack interfaces, four serial I/O channels, and Ethernet capability. This combination makes the board suitable for legacy VME-based systems that require embedded processing together with industrial I/O and network connectivity.
The MVME162 architecture also provides VMEbus interfacing, onboard Flash, battery-backed SRAM/NVRAM, serial communication, optional SCSI, Ethernet, and IndustryPack expansion. These features make the board particularly useful as a replacement component for older automation, test, instrumentation, and equipment-control systems.

Key Features
- Manufacturer: Motorola
- Model: MVME162-262
- Product Type: VME Embedded Controller
- CPU: Motorola MC68040
- CPU Frequency: 25 MHz
- Memory Configuration: 16 MB
- IndustryPack Interfaces: 2
- Serial I/O: 4 channels
- Ethernet: Supported
- VMEbus architecture
- Onboard Flash memory
- Battery-backed SRAM/NVRAM
- Real-time clock
- Programmable timers
- Watchdog timer
- Designed for legacy embedded and industrial computing
Technical Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Model | MVME162-262 |
| Product Type | VME Embedded Controller |
| Processor | MC68040 |
| Processor Speed | 25 MHz |
| Memory | 16 MB |
| IndustryPack | 2 interfaces |
| Serial I/O | 4 channels |
| Ethernet | Yes |
| VMEbus | VMEbus compatible |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB family configuration |
| SRAM | Battery-backed SRAM |
| NVRAM / RTC | Supported |
| SCSI | Optional / configuration dependent |
| Watchdog | Programmable |
| Form Factor | 6U VME board |
| Condition | Refer to actual listing |
The exact MVME162-262 product record identifies the configuration as “MC68040 25MHZ CPU, 16MB, 2 IP, 4 SIO, E-net.”
Processor and Memory
The MVME162 family uses the Motorola 68040 processor architecture. The documented standard MVME162 platform supports either an MC68LC040 or an MC68040 processor at 25 MHz, with the MC68040 providing an integrated floating-point unit.
For the MVME162-262 configuration, the installed memory is identified as 16 MB.
The board architecture also incorporates:
- Flash memory for nonvolatile program storage
- Battery-backed SRAM
- NVRAM
- Time-of-day clock
- EPROM support
The onboard memory and battery-backed resources allow the controller to retain system data and configuration information when the main power supply is removed.
VMEbus Architecture
The MVME162 is designed around the VMEbus architecture and can function as an embedded computer within a larger VME system.
The VMEbus interface provides communication between the CPU board and other VME modules. The VMEchip2 architecture supports programmable master/slave address mapping, DMA, interrupts, system-controller functions, and VMEbus arbitration.
This makes the MVME162 suitable for systems where the processor needs to exchange data with dedicated acquisition, motion-control, communication, or I/O boards installed in the same VME chassis.
IndustryPack Expansion
The MVME162 platform provides IndustryPack expansion through dedicated IP interfaces. The documented architecture supports up to four IndustryPack modules on the general MVME162 platform, while the -262 configuration is identified with two IndustryPack interfaces.
IndustryPack modules can be used to add application-specific I/O and communication functions without replacing the main CPU board.
Depending on the installed modules, applications can include:
- Digital I/O
- Analog I/O
- Serial communication
- Data acquisition
- Industrial sensors
- Specialized control interfaces
The actual I/O capability depends on the IndustryPack modules installed in the system.
Communication Interfaces
The MVME162 family supports multiple communication options.
The standard architecture includes two serial interfaces, while the MVME162-262 configuration is identified with four SIO channels. Ethernet is also included in the -262 configuration.
The broader MVME162 platform can also be configured with an optional SCSI interface using a dedicated controller and DMA support.
This combination allows the board to operate as a central embedded computer while communicating with external equipment, storage devices, and other control modules.
Typical Applications
The MOTOROLA MVME162-262 is suitable for legacy VME-based systems such as:
- Industrial automation
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Machine control
- Test and measurement systems
- Data acquisition
- Scientific instrumentation
- Military and aerospace equipment
- Robotics
- Process-control equipment
- Legacy embedded computers
- VME-based equipment maintenance
Its combination of CPU processing, Ethernet, serial communication, VMEbus, and IndustryPack expansion makes it useful where a complete replacement of an older VME control computer is not practical.
Installation Guidelines
Before installing an MVME162-262:
- Shut down the VME system completely.
- Disconnect system power according to the equipment procedure.
- Follow ESD protection requirements.
- Record the existing board model and revision.
- Verify that the replacement is specifically MVME162-262.
- Check the installed IndustryPack modules.
- Inspect the VMEbus connectors.
- Verify the chassis slot configuration.
- Check serial and Ethernet connections.
- Confirm the required boot firmware and operating environment.
- Restore power.
- Perform system diagnostics before returning the equipment to service.
Do not remove or insert the board while the chassis is energized unless the particular system is explicitly designed and approved for live insertion.
Maintenance & Inspection
For a used MVME162-262, inspect the following before installation:
- VMEbus edge connectors
- PCB surface
- Processor area
- Memory devices
- IndustryPack connectors
- Serial connectors
- Ethernet connector
- Flash and EPROM devices
- Battery/NVRAM area
- Capacitors
- Signs of corrosion
- Heat discoloration
- Previous repair or rework
The battery-backed memory components deserve particular attention on older MVME162 boards. If the system has been stored for an extended period, the battery condition should be checked before relying on retained configuration or clock data.
Keep the board in ESD-safe packaging when stored.
Compatibility Notes
The correct identification should be:
Motorola → MVME162 → MVME162-262
Do not assume that every MVME162 board is interchangeable.
The MVME162 family includes numerous configurations with different processors, memory sizes, I/O arrangements, IndustryPack support, Ethernet options, and SCSI configurations.
For replacement purposes, compare:
- Complete model number
- Processor type
- Memory capacity
- IndustryPack configuration
- Serial I/O configuration
- Ethernet availability
- VMEbus configuration
- Firmware
- Operating system
- Installed mezzanine modules
- Host-equipment requirements
Common Questions
What is the Motorola MVME162-262?
It is a 6U VMEbus embedded controller based on the Motorola MVME162 platform, configured with an MC68040 25 MHz processor, 16 MB memory, two IndustryPack interfaces, four serial I/O channels, and Ethernet.
What CPU does the MVME162-262 use?
The documented -262 configuration uses a 25 MHz Motorola MC68040 processor.
How much memory does it have?
The MVME162-262 configuration is documented with 16 MB memory.
Does it support Ethernet?
Yes. Ethernet is included in the documented MVME162-262 configuration.
Does it have IndustryPack expansion?
Yes. The -262 configuration is identified with two IndustryPack interfaces.
Is MVME162-262 compatible with another MVME162 model?
Not necessarily. The MVME162 family contains multiple hardware configurations. The exact model number, memory, I/O, firmware, and installed expansion hardware should be checked before substitution.
Product Identification
Brand: Motorola
Model: MVME162-262
Product Type: VME Embedded Controller
Processor: MC68040
Processor Speed: 25 MHz
Memory: 16 MB
IndustryPack: 2
Serial I/O: 4
Ethernet: Yes
Application: VME Industrial and Embedded Computing
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MOTOROLA MVME162-262 | VME嵌入式控制器
