MVME162-020A
May 15, 2026

MVME162-020A

The MVME162‑020A is a 6U single‑height VMEbus SBC (Single Board Computer) manufactured by Motorola / Emerson, based on MC68LC040 @ 25 MHz (optional MC68040 with FPU). It is the industrial high‑reliability revision of MVME162‑020, with 4 × IndustryPack (IP) slots, no Ethernet, no SCSI, designed for maximum I/O flexibility via IP modules in industrial control, real‑time, and rugged embedded systems.

Description

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1. General Description

The MVME162‑020A is a 6U single‑height VMEbus SBC (Single Board Computer) manufactured by Motorola / Emerson, based on MC68LC040 @ 25 MHz (optional MC68040 with FPU).
It is the industrial high‑reliability revision of MVME162‑020, with 4 × IndustryPack (IP) slots, no Ethernet, no SCSI, designed for maximum I/O flexibility via IP modules in industrial control, real‑time, and rugged embedded systems.
Key uniqueness in MVME162 family:
  • 020A = 4×IP slots, no Ethernet/SCSI, industrial high‑rel revision

  • Difference from 020: improved reset circuit, enhanced noise immunity, industrial temperature screening, more robust VME arbitration timing, and tighter component grading

  • Position: ruggedized, high‑reliability version of 020 for harsh environments

2. Core Specifications

  • Processor: Motorola MC68LC040 @ 25 MHz (standard, 8 KB cache, MMU, no FPU)

    Optional: MC68040 @ 25 MHz (with FPU)

  • DRAM: 4 MB parity‑checked DRAM (factory standard; expandable to 8 MB)

  • Battery‑Backed SRAM: 512 KB

  • Flash Memory: 1 MB Flash (for 162BUG firmware)

  • NVRAM/RTC: 8 KB NVRAM + Real‑Time Clock (TOD), battery‑backed

  • VMEbus: A32/D32, master/slave, system controller capable

3. Onboard Interfaces

  • IndustryPack (IP): 4 × single‑height IP slots (or 2 × double‑height)

    • Supports wide range of I/O: AI/AO/DI/DO, serial, CAN, Profibus, etc.

  • Serial Ports:

    • 1 × Console: EIA‑232‑D (DCE)

    • 1 × Configurable: EIA‑232‑D / EIA‑530 (DCE/DTE)

  • Timers: Six tick timers + watchdog timer

  • Front Panel:

    • 8 LEDs: FAIL, STAT, RUN, SCON, LAN, FUSE, SCSI, VME

    • 2 pushbuttons: RESET, ABORT

  • Not included: Ethernet, SCSI (020A = IP‑only I/O)

4. Mechanical & Environmental

  • Form Factor: 6U VMEbus, single slot

  • Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +55°C (industrial grade, screened)

  • Storage Temperature: ‑40°C ~ +85°C

  • Humidity: 5%–95% non‑condensing

  • Ruggedization: Enhanced ESD/noise immunity, tighter component tolerance, improved power supply filtering (vs. 020)

5. Firmware & Software Support

  • Boot Monitor: 162BUG (Motorola proprietary)

  • Supported OS: VxWorks, LynxOS, OS‑9, pSOS+, VRTX, OpenBSD/mvme68k, NetBSD/mvme68k

  • Functions: POST, memory/VME mapping, serial console, IP slot mapping & configuration, watchdog control

6. MVME162 Series Comparison (Key Models)

  • 010A: 2×IP, no SCSI/Ethernet

  • 011A: SCSI‑2, no Ethernet/IP

  • 012/012A: Ethernet + 2×IP, no SCSI

  • 013/013A: SCSI‑2 + Ethernet, no IP

  • 014A: Ethernet + 2×IP, no SCSI, industrial high‑rel

  • 020: 4×IP, no Ethernet/SCSI (standard)

  • 020A: 4×IP, no Ethernet/SCSI, industrial high‑rel (ruggedized 020)

7. Typical Applications

  • VMEbus systems requiring massive custom I/O (up to 4 IP modules) in harsh environments

  • Industrial automation & DCS with distributed analog/digital I/O and fieldbus

  • Real‑time control systems needing high I/O density without Ethernet/SCSI

  • Rugged/industrial upgrades from 020 to 020A for better reliability

8. Maintenance Notes

  • Replace onboard backup battery every 3–5 years to preserve SRAM/RTC data

  • Configure VMEbus master/slave and IP slot addressing via onboard jumpers

  • Verify IP module IDs and compatibility before power‑on

  • For 020→020A upgrades: no wiring changes; direct plug‑and‑play replacement


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