Description
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME2301-900 is a VMEbus embedded processor module from the MVME2300 family. The manufacturer documentation identifies the -900 version as a 200 MHz MPC603-based processor board with 16 MB ECC DRAM and a Scanbe-style VME front-panel handle. It also includes 5 MB of Flash memory.
The MVME2300 platform combines an embedded CPU with VMEbus control, PCI-based local architecture, Ethernet, PMC expansion, nonvolatile memory, and timing/watchdog resources. It was designed for embedded industrial computers and other VME-based control systems.
Key Features
- Motorola MVME2300 VME processor family
- MVME2301-900 CPU board
- PowerPC MPC603 @ 200 MHz
- 16 MB ECC DRAM
- 5 MB Flash
- VMEbus interface
- 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
- Two PMC expansion slots
- PCI expansion capability
- NVRAM and time-of-day clock
- Watchdog timer
- Scanbe VME front-panel handle
- Suitable for legacy embedded-control systems
Product Datasheet
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Motorola |
| Model | MVME2301-900 |
| Product Type | VME Embedded Processor Module |
| Processor | PowerPC MPC603 |
| CPU Frequency | 200 MHz |
| DRAM | 16 MB ECC |
| Flash Memory | 5 MB |
| VMEbus | Supported |
| Ethernet | 10/100 Mbps |
| PMC Slots | 2 |
| PMC Interface | IEEE P1386.1 compliant |
| PCI Expansion | Supported through PMCspan/expansion architecture |
| NVRAM | 8 KB × 8 |
| Timers | Four 32-bit timers + one 16-bit timer |
| Watchdog | Included |
| Serial Interface | Asynchronous serial debug port |
| Front Panel | Scanbe handle |
| Form Factor | Single-slot VME module |
| Application | Embedded industrial computing / control |
The manufacturer documentation specifically distinguishes MVME2301-900 from the standard MVME2301 by the Scanbe handle; the core processor and 16 MB ECC memory configuration remain the same.
Functional Description
The MVME2301-900 functions as the CPU and control processor within a VME-based embedded computer. The MPC603 processor executes the application software while the board provides access to VMEbus peripherals and optional PMC expansion hardware.
The integrated Ethernet interface supports 10/100 Mbps operation, while the PMC architecture allows additional I/O or communication functions to be added without replacing the main CPU board.
Typical Applications
- VME industrial computers
- Factory automation
- Machine control
- Data acquisition
- Test and measurement systems
- Semiconductor equipment
- Transportation control
- Power and utility equipment
- Legacy embedded-control platforms
Installation & Configuration
- Verify MVME2301-900 on the board label.
- Confirm compatibility with the existing VME chassis and backplane.
- Check the VME slot assignment.
- Inspect the VME connector and front-panel handle.
- Install the board using appropriate ESD precautions.
- Connect Ethernet and serial interfaces as required.
- Install compatible PMC modules if used.
- Apply system power.
- Monitor the board’s startup/diagnostic indicators.
- Access the system console through the appropriate serial interface.
- Verify Ethernet and VMEbus operation.
- Load or start the existing application software.
Commissioning Checklist
- Confirm complete model number
- Verify MPC603 processor
- Confirm 16 MB ECC DRAM
- Check Flash memory
- Inspect VME connector
- Verify chassis compatibility
- Check PMC modules
- Test serial console
- Test Ethernet
- Verify VMEbus communication
- Check watchdog/timer operation
- Confirm application startup
⚠️ Replacement Note
A common mistake with this family is confusing the MVME2301-900 with later MVME2304 configurations. The MVME2301-900 is specifically a 200 MHz MPC603 / 16 MB ECC DRAM model, while the MVME2304 variants include substantially different memory and processor configurations.
The “-900” suffix also matters because it identifies the Scanbe front-panel handle configuration. Therefore, when replacing an existing board, match the complete MVME2301-900 designation rather than purchasing a generic MVME2301 based only on the processor and memory specifications.
