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Phone：+86 15383419322Description
The Motorola MVME167-33B is a high-performance, single-board computer (SBC) designed for demanding embedded applications within the VMEbus architecture. As a member of the renowned MVME167 series, the MVME167-33B is built around the powerful 32-bit Motorola 68040 microprocessor, clocked at 33MHz. This module serves as the central processing unit for complex industrial control systems, providing the computational power necessary for real-time data acquisition, logic solving, and communication handling. It is widely recognized for its use in critical infrastructure, including serving as a processor component within General Electric (GE) heavy-duty gas turbine control systems (Mark V/VI), where reliability is paramount.The MVME167-33B distinguishes itself with a robust feature set tailored for industrial longevity. It integrates 4MB of DRAM and a 128KB unified cache, ensuring fast access to instructions and data. The board features a comprehensive array of I/O interfaces, including dual Ethernet ports, serial lines, and SCSI capabilities, allowing it to act as a gateway between legacy field devices and modern network architectures. The “33B” suffix specifically denotes the 33MHz clock speed and the specific hardware revision which typically includes battery-backed RAM for non-volatile storage of critical system variables. By combining the processing power of the 68040 with ruggedized construction, the Motorola MVME167-33B delivers the stability required for continuous, unattended operation in harsh environments.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | MVME167-33B |
| Manufacturer | Motorola (Emerson/Artesyn) |
| Product Type | Single Board Computer (SBC) / CPU Module |
| Processor | Motorola 68040 @ 33 MHz |
| Memory | 4 MB DRAM, 128 KB Cache |
| Bus Interface | VMEbus (P1/P2 connector) |
| On-Board I/O | 2x Ethernet, 2x Serial, 1x Parallel, SCSI |
| MMU | Paged Memory Management Unit |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 55°C (Typical Industrial Range) |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to 85°C |
| Part Number | 02-W3765B (Common Assembly Number) |
Main Features and Advantages
High-Performance 68040 Processing:
At the heart of the Motorola MVME167-33B lies the 32-bit 68040 processor running at 33MHz. This CPU integrates a floating-point unit (FPU) and a memory management unit (MMU), providing significant computational advantages over earlier 68030-based boards. The integrated 128KB cache minimizes bus contention and speeds up execution of complex control algorithms. For users migrating from older systems, the MVME167-33B offers a substantial performance boost, allowing for faster scan times and the ability to handle more complex logic tasks within a single rack.Comprehensive Connectivity and I/O:
The MVME167-33B is designed to be a standalone controller without requiring additional daughterboards for basic communication. It features two Ethernet ports (typically 10Base-2 or 10Base-T), enabling redundant network configurations or separation of control and monitoring traffic. Additionally, the inclusion of SCSI-2 interface allows for high-speed mass storage connection, which is essential for data logging and historical trending in process automation. The presence of multiple serial ports allows the Motorola MVME167-33B to interface directly with legacy serial devices, modems, or operator terminals.Rugged Design for Critical Applications:
Engineered for the “always-on” nature of industrial automation, the MVME167-33B is built to withstand vibration, temperature fluctuations, and electrical noise. The board layout and component selection adhere to strict reliability standards, making it a preferred choice for power generation and oil & gas applications. The specific “33B” configuration often includes battery backup circuitry to protect user data and system configuration during power interruptions. This ruggedness ensures that the MVME167-33B maintains system integrity even when operating conditions become less than ideal.
Application Field
Power Generation Turbine Control:
One of the most prominent applications for the Motorola MVME167-33B is within the control cabinets of heavy-duty gas turbines. In these systems, the board acts as a primary or secondary processor, handling the complex sequencing and regulation logic required to spin up a turbine to synchronous speed and manage combustion dynamics. The real-time processing capability of the 68040 ensures that safety trips—such as overspeed or flameout detection—are executed within milliseconds, protecting millions of dollars in equipment.Distributed Control Systems (DCS):
In large-scale chemical and petrochemical plants, the MVME167-33B serves as a node controller within a Distributed Control System. It aggregates data from remote I/O blocks and communicates with the central supervisory computer. Its ability to run embedded operating systems (like VxWorks or OS-9) allows it to execute proprietary control strategies locally, ensuring that the process remains stable even if the network connection to the central control room is temporarily lost.Industrial Automation and Robotics:
For complex manufacturing lines, the Motorola MVME167-33B provides the computational “brain” for robotic controllers or motion control systems. Its fast I/O handling and deterministic performance make it suitable for coordinating multi-axis movements and processing feedback from high-resolution encoders. The VMEbus architecture allows it to coexist with specialized graphics or acquisition boards in the same chassis, creating a versatile platform for custom automation solutions.
Related Products
- Motorola MVME167-01B: A variant of the same series, typically running at a lower clock speed (25MHz) or with different memory configurations.
- Motorola MVME167PA: An enhanced version of the MVME167, often featuring a “Plus” architecture with higher clock speeds (up to 40MHz) and improved SCSI performance.
- Motorola MVME162-522A: A cost-reduced version of the MVME167 series, often lacking the FPU or having reduced memory capacity, used for less compute-intensive tasks.
- Motorola MVME147: The predecessor to the MVME167 series, based on the 68030 processor. The MVME167-33B is the standard upgrade path for systems originally built with MVME147 boards.
- Emerson MVME5100: A modern migration path for users looking to upgrade from the legacy 68040 architecture to newer PowerPC or Intel-based VME platforms while maintaining backward compatibility.
Installation and Maintenance
Pre-installation preparation:
Before installing the Motorola MVME167-33B, ensure the VMEbus chassis power is completely disconnected. The module is sensitive to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD); always use a grounded wrist strap when handling the board. Inspect the P1 and P2 connectors on the back of the board for any bent pins, as these are fragile and critical for data transmission. Verify that the VME slot is configured for a 32-bit master module, as the MVME167-33B requires full 32-bit bus access to function correctly.Maintenance recommendations:
The MVME167-33B contains a battery for backing up RAM. A key maintenance task is monitoring the battery voltage; a low battery can lead to loss of configuration data or calibration constants. If the system reports “RAM parity errors” or fails to boot, check the battery status immediately. Additionally, ensure that the cooling airflow in the rack is unobstructed, as the 68040 processor generates significant heat. For long-term storage, remove the battery to prevent leakage damage to the Motorola MVME167-33B PCB.
