Description
⚙️ Product Overview
The Motorola MVME162P-244LE is a VME embedded controller board designed for industrial computer systems, equipment control, data acquisition, and other applications requiring a compact VMEbus CPU platform.
This version uses a 25 MHz Motorola MC68LC040 processor and provides 16 MB of SDRAM, two serial ports, four DMA-capable IndustryPack interfaces, and Ethernet connectivity. Motorola documentation identifies the MVME162P-244LE as a 16 MB SDRAM configuration with Ethernet and four DMA IndustryPack interfaces.
The board supports VMEbus system-controller functions and can operate as part of a larger VME chassis containing additional processor, I/O, communication, or interface boards. It is a double-high VME module intended for rack/chassis installation rather than standalone operation.
🔧 Key Features
- Brand: Motorola
- Model: MVME162P-244LE
- Product Type: VME Embedded Controller Board
- Processor: MC68LC040
- CPU Frequency: 25 MHz
- Memory: 16 MB SDRAM
- Serial Ports: 2
- IndustryPack Interfaces: 4 DMA-capable IP interfaces
- Ethernet: Integrated
- VMEbus: ANSI/VITA 1-1994 / IEEE 1014 compatible architecture
- Debug / Monitor: 162Bug
- Board Type: Double-high VME board
- Application: Industrial computing, control and data acquisition
- Condition: Verify actual listing/unit condition
📋 Product Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Motorola |
| Model | MVME162P-244LE |
| Product Family | MVME162P |
| Product Type | VME Embedded Controller |
| Processor | MC68LC040 |
| CPU Clock | 25 MHz |
| SDRAM | 16 MB |
| Serial Ports | 2 |
| Serial Controller | 85230 |
| IndustryPack Interfaces | 4 |
| IndustryPack DMA | 4 channels |
| Ethernet | Integrated |
| Ethernet Controller | Intel 82596CA |
| VMEbus | VME64 / IEEE 1014 architecture |
| Data Width | 16/32-bit |
| Flash Memory | 1 MB |
| SRAM | 512 KB |
| Debug Monitor | 162Bug |
| Board Format | Double-high VME |
| Dimensions | Approx. 233 × 160 mm board size |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C with forced-air cooling |
| Power | +5 V, +12 V, -12 V DC; configuration dependent |
| Application | Industrial/VME control systems |
The published MVME162P specifications give a board height of approximately 233.4 mm, depth of 160 mm, and front-panel height of approximately 261.8 mm. The standard power figures for the MVME162 family are based on configurations without IndustryPack modules, so actual installed-system consumption can vary.
⚡ Operating Function
The MVME162P-244LE functions as the processing and control core of a VMEbus-based system.
The MC68LC040 processor executes the application software while the board communicates with other VME modules through the VMEbus. The IndustryPack interfaces provide a way to add application-specific I/O and interface functions, while the serial ports can be used for console or equipment communication.
The integrated Ethernet controller provides network connectivity for systems requiring Ethernet communication. The board also includes VMEbus interrupt handling, DMA functions, system-controller capabilities, and shared-memory features for multiprocessing applications.
The 162Bug monitor provides boot, diagnostic, and debugging functions, which can be useful when commissioning or troubleshooting a legacy VME system.
🧰 Installation & Configuration
Before installing an MVME162P-244LE:
- Confirm the complete model marking on the PCB.
- Check the CPU, memory configuration, and Ethernet hardware.
- Verify the VME chassis supports the required board format and power rails.
- Inspect the VME connector pins for contamination or mechanical damage.
- Check the board for corrosion, damaged components, or loose hardware.
- Verify the required IndustryPack modules before installation.
- Install the board into the correct VME slot according to the system design.
- Confirm VMEbus system-controller jumper/configuration settings.
- Connect serial, Ethernet, and IndustryPack interfaces as required.
- Apply power and check the front-panel status LEDs.
- Enter the appropriate 162Bug diagnostics if hardware verification is required.
- Load or restore the application configuration after the basic hardware checks pass.
The MVME162 family supports multiple hardware configurations, so a board that looks similar may have different processor, memory, SCSI, Ethernet, or IndustryPack configurations. Exact model-number matching is recommended for replacement work.
🔩 Maintenance Recommendations
For legacy VME equipment, maintenance should focus on board condition, connectors, memory backup, and cooling.
- Inspect the VMEbus edge connectors before installation.
- Check for oxidation or contamination around connectors.
- Inspect electrolytic capacitors and other aging components.
- Keep the board and chassis airflow path clean.
- Verify forced-air cooling is functioning correctly.
- Check the condition of the battery-backed memory circuitry.
- Record existing configuration and boot parameters before replacement.
- Verify Ethernet and serial communications after installation.
- Run available hardware diagnostics before returning the system to production.
- Avoid swapping firmware or memory configurations between different MVME162 variants without confirming compatibility.
The MVME162 documentation specifies forced-air cooling and an operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C for the standard configuration.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Motorola MVME162P-244LE?
It is a VMEbus embedded controller board based on the MC68LC040 processor.
What processor does it use?
The MVME162P-244LE uses a 25 MHz MC68LC040 processor. Motorola’s model information identifies the 244LE configuration specifically as a 25 MHz 68LC040 with 16 MB SDRAM.
How much memory does it have?
The 244LE configuration has 16 MB of SDRAM, together with 512 KB of static RAM and 1 MB of flash storage in the documented configuration.
Does it support Ethernet?
Yes. The MVME162P-244LE includes Ethernet hardware, using an Intel 82596CA controller according to the published specifications.
Does it have IndustryPack interfaces?
Yes. This version provides four IndustryPack interfaces with DMA capability.
Is this a PLC module?
No. It is a VME embedded computer/controller board. It can perform control functions inside an industrial system but is architecturally different from a conventional PLC CPU module.
Can any MVME162 board replace the MVME162P-244LE?
No. MVME162 variants have different CPU speeds, memory configurations, serial interfaces, SCSI/Ethernet options, and IndustryPack configurations. The exact part number should be matched before replacement.
🔄 Related Motorola VME Models
- Motorola MVME162P-244L
- Motorola MVME162P-242LE
- Motorola MVME162P-242L
- Motorola MVME162P-242LSE
- Motorola MVME162P-244LSE
- Motorola MVME162P-252SE
- Motorola MVME162P-344
- Motorola MVME162P-344E
- Motorola MVME162-432
- Motorola MVME162-412
The MVME162P-244L is the closest documented sibling to the 244LE, while the 242LE, 242LSE, 244LSE, and 344-series boards provide different combinations of processor, memory, SCSI, Ethernet, serial, and IndustryPack resources. Motorola’s product-transition documentation specifically identifies the 244LE as replacing the MVME162-432 and MVME162-412 in the relevant configuration family.
🏭 Application Summary
The Motorola MVME162P-244LE is a legacy VME embedded controller intended for industrial computer and equipment-control systems where VMEbus architecture is still in service.
Its combination of a 25 MHz MC68LC040 processor, 16 MB SDRAM, Ethernet, serial communication, and four IndustryPack interfaces makes it suitable for VME-based control, data acquisition, machine control, instrumentation, and legacy industrial computing platforms.
For replacement purchasing, match the MVME162P-244LE designation rather than selecting a board only by the general MVME162 family name. CPU type, memory size, Ethernet/SCSI configuration, IndustryPack resources, and firmware can all affect system compatibility.
