Description
The Motorola MVME162PA-344SE is a VME embedded processor/controller board from the MVME162P family. It uses a Motorola 68040 CPU, provides 16 MB memory, two serial ports, four DMA IndustryPack interfaces, and integrated SCSI and Ethernet connectivity. Motorola documentation identifies the “PA” version as using the second-generation Petra ASIC.
This board is intended for embedded industrial computers, VME-based control systems, semiconductor equipment, test systems, and other legacy applications requiring a compact CPU controller with VMEbus connectivity.
Key Features
- Motorola MVME162PA embedded controller
- MVME162PA-344SE processor board
- 68040 processor
- 33 MHz CPU clock
- 16 MB DRAM
- 2 serial ports
- 4 DMA IndustryPack interfaces
- Integrated SCSI interface
- Integrated Ethernet interface
- VMEbus architecture
- Second-generation Petra ASIC
- Suitable for legacy industrial computer and control applications
Product Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Motorola |
| Model | MVME162PA-344SE |
| Product Type | VME Embedded Controller / Processor Board |
| CPU | Motorola MC68040 |
| CPU Frequency | 33 MHz |
| Memory | 16 MB DRAM |
| Serial Ports | 2 |
| IndustryPack Interfaces | 4 DMA IP |
| SCSI | Integrated |
| Ethernet | Integrated |
| VMEbus | Supported |
| ASIC | Petra II / second-generation Petra |
| Form Factor | Double-high VME module |
| Application | Embedded industrial computing and control |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C with forced-air cooling |
| Non-operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C |
| Humidity | 5–90% RH, non-condensing |
Motorola’s technical documentation lists the -344SE configuration as 32/33 MHz 68040, 16 MB SDRAM, 2 SIO, 4 DMA IP, SCSI/Ethernet; the “PA” designation indicates the second-generation Petra ASIC.
Functional Description
The MVME162PA-344SE combines CPU processing, memory, serial communication, storage connectivity, Ethernet, VMEbus access, and IndustryPack expansion on a single embedded controller.
The SE suffix is important: it identifies the configuration with both SCSI and Ethernet. It should not be treated as interchangeable with the -344, -344S, or -344E versions without checking the original system requirements.
The four IndustryPack interfaces provide additional I/O and peripheral expansion, making the board useful in specialized embedded-control systems.
Typical Applications
- VME industrial computers
- Industrial automation equipment
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Motion and machine control
- Data acquisition systems
- Test and measurement equipment
- Military/aerospace embedded systems
- Legacy factory-control platforms
- VME-based process-control systems
Installation & Configuration
- Verify the complete board number MVME162PA-344SE.
- Check the VME chassis and backplane compatibility.
- Verify the installed memory and board revision.
- Check the CPU and firmware configuration.
- Install the board in the correct VME slot.
- Connect the required serial, Ethernet, SCSI, and IndustryPack interfaces.
- Verify VMEbus system-controller configuration.
- Power up the VME chassis.
- Check the board LEDs and startup diagnostics.
- Verify serial-console or network communication.
- Confirm SCSI/peripheral detection if used.
- Run the application’s normal system test.
Commissioning Checklist
- Confirm model and revision
- Inspect VME connector pins
- Check board condition
- Verify memory
- Confirm VME slot assignment
- Check serial communication
- Test Ethernet connection
- Verify SCSI operation where applicable
- Check IndustryPack modules
- Verify firmware/boot configuration
- Confirm application startup
⚠️ Replacement Note
The MVME162PA-344SE is an older VME embedded-controller platform. Exact compatibility depends on the host chassis, VMEbus configuration, installed firmware, memory configuration, IndustryPack modules, and application software.
Also note that some online listings describe the CPU as 32 MHz, while other Motorola-related records specify 33 MHz. The original technical ordering information identifies the MVME162PA-344SE as a 33 MHz MC68040 configuration.
