XYCOM XVME-260 Detailed Product Description

I. Product Overview

The XVME-260 is a 6U dual-high VMEbus relay output module launched by XYCOM (now affiliated with Acromag/Xembedded), designed specifically for strong current isolation control in industrial environments. It offers 16 Form C (SPDT) relay outputs, each with independent photoelectric isolation, capable of directly driving low to medium power loads such as solenoids, contactors, and indicator lights. It is suitable for industrial control, testing and measurement scenarios, as well as upgrading of old systems. This module has been officially discontinued and is mainly available in second-hand, refurbished, and inventory spare parts in the market. The standard order number is 70260-001.

Core Positioning

As a VMEbus peripheral device, XVME-260 focuses on "16 isolated relay outputs + photoelectric isolation + high-reliability switch + software-readable status + interrupt support". It integrates high-density isolated outputs in a single slot, addressing the pain point of TTL modules being unable to directly drive high-power loads, and is suitable for industrial scenarios requiring electrical isolation, safety interlocks, and large-power switch control.

II. Core Functional Characteristics

1. Standard VMEbus Interface (Full Compatibility Design)

Fully complies with IEEE 1014 VMEbus specifications, compatible with all 6U VME chassis and backplanes, operating in peripheral device mode. The address space supports A16 (64KB), fixed at 1KB address window, the base address is flexibly configured through onboard jumpers to avoid system address conflicts. Data width is compatible with D08/D16, suitable for 8/16-bit VME master controllers. Backplane connection requires P1+P2 connectors, compatible with dual-high VME module standards, supports VME interrupts (configurable priority), meeting requirements for real-time status feedback and fault alarm.

2. 16 Isolated Relay Outputs (Core Function)

Provides 16 independent Form C (SPDT) relay channels, each integrating photoelectric isolation + mechanical relay dual isolation, with a maximum isolation voltage of 500Vrms, effectively blocking on-site strong current interference and surges, protecting the VME system-side circuit safety.

Contact Specifications: Single-pole double-throw (SPDT), supports normally open (NO)/normally closed (NC) switching, suitable for different control logic.

Load Capacity: DC load maximum 30VDC/1A/30W, AC load maximum 48VAC/0.3A/33VA, capable of directly driving solenoids, small contactors, indicator lights, alarm buzzers, etc.

Action Time: Typical holding/release time 5ms, response is rapid, suitable for fast switch control scenarios.

Life Index: Mechanical life >10 million times, electrical life varies with load type, stable operation in industrial environments over the long term.

Status Reading: Supports software reading of the current state (holding/relaying) of each relay, facilitating closed-loop monitoring and fault diagnosis.

3. Photoelectric Isolation and Anti-interference Design

Each output uses an independent optocoupler for isolation, completely cutting off the electrical connection between the on-site load and the VME bus, eliminating ground loop interference, surge voltage, and common-mode noise. The circuit board uses multi-layer board wiring, gold-plated gold fingers, and shielding design, with additional transient suppression diodes (TVS) in key circuits, further enhancing EMC performance, and passing CE/FCC Class A certification, compatible with harsh industrial electromagnetic environments.

4. Interrupt and Status Monitoring Functionality Support for relay state change interrupts (holding / breaking trigger), and any channel interrupt can be shielded by software. When the relay operates abnormally or the load fails, an interrupt request will be sent immediately to the VME master controller to achieve millisecond-level fault response. Combined with the status readback function, each channel's working status can be monitored in real time, facilitating remote diagnosis and maintenance.

5. Industrial-grade high reliability design

Standard operating temperature: 0℃ to +65℃; Wide temperature version can cover -20℃ to +70℃; Storage temperature: -40℃ to +85℃; Humidity: 5%–95% RH (non-condensation); Suitable for industrial sites, outdoor and military environments with harsh conditions. Vibration and shock resistance comply with MIL-STD-810G standards, capable of withstanding 1g (10–100Hz) vibration and 15g impact, adapting to the vibration scenarios during equipment operation. Low power consumption, typical working power consumption +5V@1.5A (approximately 7.5W), small heat generation, suitable for enclosed chassis environments.

6. Panel status indicator lights

The front cover is equipped with multiple sets of LED indicator lights, which intuitively display the module operation and channel status: POWER indicator light, always on when the power is normal; RUN indicator light, always on when the power-on self-test passes and the module is running normally; CH0–CH15 ON indicator lights, corresponding to the relay being held, which lights up when the relay is held, facilitating rapid troubleshooting of the channel working status at the site.

III. Hardware Specifications Details

Bus interface specifications

Bus protocol: IEEE 1014 VMEbus, slave device mode;

Address space: A16 (64KB), 1KB window, jumper configuration base address;

Data width: D08/D16;

Interrupt support: VME interrupt, configurable priority and trigger mode;

Backplane interface: P1+P2 connectors;

Size: 6U (160mm×233.4mm), single slot;

Weight: approximately 0.4kg.

Relay output channel specifications

Channel quantity: 16 independent Form C (SPDT) relays;

Isolation method: Each channel is optically isolated + mechanical relay isolation, isolation voltage 500Vrms;

Contact type: single-pole double-throw (SPDT), normally open / normally closed selectable;

Maximum load (DC): 30VDC, 1A, 30W;

Maximum load (AC): 48VAC, 0.3A, 33VA;

Action time: typical 5ms (holding / release);

Mechanical life: >10,000,000 times;

Status readback: software can read the status of each relay;

Protection mechanism: surge suppression, overcurrent protection, contact arc extinguishing protection.

Electrical and environmental specifications

Power supply: +5V DC ±5%, typical current 1.5A;

Operating temperature: 0℃ to +65℃ (standard), -20℃ to +70℃ (wide temperature);

Storage temperature: -40℃ to +85℃;

Vibration resistance: 1g (10–100Hz);

Impact resistance: 15g;

Humidity: 5%–95% RH (non-condensation).

IV. Typical Application Scenarios

1. Industrial automation isolation control

Suitable for automotive manufacturing, electronic assembly, packaging machinery, etc. production lines, driving solenoid valves, pneumatic valves, small contactors, controlling start-stop of production lines, material transportation, equipment interlock; 16 isolation outputs meet the demand for strong current control of multiple nodes, optical isolation protects the safety of the control system.

2. Process industry safety interlock and alarm

Suitable for power, chemical, water treatment, etc. process industries, controlling valve opening and closing, pump start-stop, alarm lights / buzzer triggering; Relay isolation design is suitable for flammable and explosive, strong corrosive dangerous environments, status readback and interrupt functions ensure reliable interlock actions and rapid fault alarms. 3. Load control for test measurement system

Used in ATE test platforms and laboratory instrument measurement control systems, it controls the actions of test fixtures, power on/off, and load switching; relays output adapt to different voltage/current levels of loads, and photoelectric isolation avoids interference from the test circuit affecting measurement accuracy.

4. Upgrade and replacement of old VME systems

Directly replace the output modules in the old system that lack isolation or have insufficient channels. Without modifying the chassis structure and main program, it can upgrade the 16-channel isolated relay output capacity, suitable for the maintenance of old VME equipment in military, aerospace, and industrial control fields, and extend the equipment lifespan.

5. Building and infrastructure control

Used in intelligent buildings, rail transit, and security systems, it controls lighting circuits, access control locks, fans, and alarm devices; wide temperature and anti-interference design is suitable for complex environments, and the long-life relay contacts ensure long-term stable operation.

Six, Installation and Programming Key Points Installation steps

Preparations: Ensure that the P1/P2 slots of the VME chassis are intact and the +5V power supply is stable; Prepare strong current shielding cables according to the load type and distinguish between normally open and normally closed contacts for wiring.

Jumper configuration: Set the A16 base address jumper to avoid address conflicts; Configure the interrupt priority jumper (if interrupt function is required).

Module insertion: Align the XVME-260 to the 6U slot and push it in smoothly to ensure that the gold fingers make good contact with the backplane, and tighten the panel fixing screws.

Cable connection: Connect the relay output to the load, the common terminal (COM) to the power supply, and the normally open (NO)/normally closed (NC) terminals to the load circuit; Separate the strong current cables from the weak current cables, ground the shield layer at one end, and keep them away from strong interference equipment such as frequency converters and motors.

Power-on self-test: After the chassis is powered on, the POWER and RUN indicator lights are constantly on, and all CH ON indicator lights are off; The software sends a latch-up instruction, and the corresponding CH ON indicator light is lit, the relay operates, indicating that the module is running normally.

Programming flow (simplified)

Address mapping: Configure the A16 base address, map the control register, output register, status read-back register, and interrupt register to the system memory to establish a communication channel between the CPU and the module.

Output control: Write control data to the output register, control 16 relays on or off bit by bit, support single-point control or batch control.

Status read-back: Read the status read-back register to obtain the current state of each relay, used for closed-loop monitoring and fault judgment.

Interrupt configuration: Enable interrupts and set trigger conditions (relay state change), write the interrupt service program to achieve real-time response and alarm for faults.

Reset operation: When the system is reset or software is reset, all relays of the module are disconnected, interrupts are disabled, and flags are cleared to ensure safety.

Six. Core advantages

1. 16-channel isolated relay output, worry-free strong current control

16 independent Form C relays, each channel is optically isolated, with a 500Vrms isolation voltage, can directly drive medium and low-power AC/DC loads, solving the pain point that TTL modules cannot drive strong current, suitable for industrial strong current control scenarios.

2. High-reliability relays, long-life stable operation

Mechanical life over 10 million times, 5ms fast response, contact arc extinguishing and surge suppression design, long-term operation without faults, low maintenance cost.

3. Status read-back + interrupt, safer closed-loop control

Support software reading of relay status, combined with interrupt triggered by status change, achieve control-feedback closed-loop, facilitating remote diagnosis and rapid fault response, improving system safety and reliability.

4. Industrial-level anti-interference, suitable for harsh environments

Optical isolation, multi-layer board shielding, EMC compliance design, wide temperature range, shock and vibration resistance, suitable for industrial sites, outdoors, military, etc., stable operation.

5. Standard VME bus, easy integration and upgrade

Fully compatible with VMEbus specifications, directly compatible with existing 6U VME systems; simple configuration, convenient wiring, supports upgrading of old systems and building new systems, strong compatibility.

Seven. Notes

The module is no longer in production. When purchasing, prefer to choose second-hand/reconditioned spare parts with complete test reports, check the model 70260-001 and version, to avoid faulty or incompatible modules.

Relay output is a strong current circuit, before wiring, the power supply on the load side must be cut off to prevent electric shock; Strictly distinguish between normally open and normally closed contacts to avoid control logic errors.

The load power must not exceed the module's rated value (30VDC/1A, 48VAC/0.3A), otherwise the relay contacts will be burned out. When driving inductive loads (such as contactors, solenoid valves), a parallel-connected diode or a resistive-capacitive absorber should be connected across the load to protect the contacts.

The strong wires in the field must be laid separately from the weak wires, with a spacing of ≥ 30cm; the shielding layer should be grounded at one end and kept away from strong interference devices such as frequency converters, motors, and high-voltage lines to reduce electromagnetic interference.

The operating temperature is 0℃ to +65℃. During installation, ensure that the chassis has good ventilation to avoid overheating; in high-temperature environments, it is recommended to reduce the action frequency of the relay and extend the contact life.

During installation and maintenance, proper static protection must be carried out. Wear an anti-static wristband and operate on an anti-static workbench; before plugging or unplugging the module, cut off the power supply of the chassis to prevent damage to the backplane and the module due to live plugging or unplugging.