Description
The Motorola MVME162PA-344SE is a 6U VMEbus embedded processor board from the MVME162P4 family. It is built around a 32 MHz Motorola 68040 processor and provides 16 MB of SDRAM, four IndustryPack interfaces, two serial ports, SCSI, Ethernet, and VMEbus connectivity. Motorola documentation identifies the “PA” suffix as the second-generation Petra ASIC version.
This board is designed for embedded computing applications where a VMEbus controller manages local I/O, storage, communication, and other VME boards. It is commonly encountered in legacy industrial computers, automation equipment, test systems, telecommunications equipment, and other long-life embedded platforms.
Main Function
The MVME162PA-344SE works as the main processor/controller within a VME chassis.
Typical architecture:
VME I/O Boards / IndustryPack Modules → VMEbus → MVME162PA-344SE → Application Software / Operating System
The 344SE configuration combines the 32 MHz 68040 CPU, 16 MB memory, four IndustryPack interfaces, two serial interfaces, SCSI, and Ethernet.
Product Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Model | MVME162PA-344SE |
| Product Family | MVME162P4 |
| Product Type | VME Embedded Processor / Single-Board Computer |
| CPU | Motorola MC68040 |
| CPU Clock | 32 MHz |
| System Memory | 16 MB SDRAM |
| IndustryPack Interfaces | 4 |
| Serial Interfaces | 2 |
| Ethernet | 1 |
| SCSI | 1 |
| VMEbus | VMEbus |
| Petra ASIC | Second-generation Petra / Petra II |
| Form Factor | Double-high VME board |
| Board Dimensions | Approx. 233 × 160 × 20 mm |
| Front Panel Dimensions | Approx. 262 × 188 × 20 mm |
| Operating Temperature | Configuration/cooling dependent |
| Application | Embedded Industrial Computing |
| Installation | 6U VME Chassis |
The MVME162P4 manual specifically lists the 344SE configuration as 32 MHz 68040, 16 MB SDRAM, 2 SIO, 4 DMA IndustryPack interfaces, SCSI and Ethernet.
Key Features
- 32-bit Motorola 68040 processor
- 32 MHz CPU clock
- 16 MB SDRAM
- Four IndustryPack expansion interfaces
- Two serial I/O channels
- Integrated Ethernet
- Integrated SCSI interface
- VMEbus system interface
- Second-generation Petra ASIC
- Suitable for legacy VME control systems
- Designed for embedded, continuous-operation applications
Typical Applications
The MVME162PA-344SE can be found in systems such as:
- Industrial automation computers
- VME-based control systems
- Factory test equipment
- Data acquisition systems
- Telecommunications equipment
- Transportation control
- Machine-control systems
- Scientific instrumentation
- Defense and aerospace equipment
- Legacy embedded computer platforms
Installation & Configuration
- Power down the VME chassis and isolate the system.
- Verify the complete MVME162PA-344SE part number.
- Confirm the VME chassis and backplane are compatible.
- Check the board revision and installed memory configuration.
- Inspect the VME connectors and front-panel connections.
- Install the processor board in the designated VME slot.
- Install or verify any IndustryPack modules.
- Connect Ethernet, serial, and SCSI interfaces as required.
- Power up the VME chassis.
- Check the board’s startup/diagnostic indicators.
- Verify memory and peripheral detection.
- Confirm the boot ROM/firmware configuration.
- Load or verify the required operating system and application.
- Test VMEbus and external I/O communication.
Technical Notes
The PA designation is worth paying attention to. Motorola documentation states that boards carrying the PA suffix use a second-generation Petra ASIC, while the remaining board characteristics are otherwise based on the corresponding MVME162P configuration.
The 344SE suffix also has a very specific meaning:
- 344 = 32 MHz 68040, 16 MB SDRAM, 2 serial ports, 4 IndustryPack interfaces
- S = SCSI
- E = Ethernet
- SE = SCSI + Ethernet
This makes the complete ordering code important when selecting a replacement. The Motorola-family specification confirms the 344SE combination of SCSI and Ethernet.
Compatibility & Replacement Notes
Do not substitute an MVME162 board solely because it has the same basic family number. Variants such as MVME162P-344, -344S, -344E, and -344SE have different interface configurations.
For replacement, verify:
- Exact model: MVME162PA-344SE
- CPU type and speed
- Memory capacity
- Petra ASIC generation
- IndustryPack configuration
- SCSI requirement
- Ethernet requirement
- VMEbus chassis
- Boot firmware
- Operating system
- Application software
The supplied listing identifies the item as Motorola MVME162PA-344SE Processor Board. View the supplied eBay listing
Product Identification
Brand: Motorola
Model: MVME162PA-344SE
Product Type: VME Embedded Processor Board
CPU: 68040
CPU Speed: 32 MHz
Memory: 16 MB SDRAM
IndustryPack: 4 interfaces
Serial: 2 ports
Networking: Ethernet
Storage/Interface: SCSI
Bus: VMEbus
Application: Industrial Embedded Computing
