The Pinnacle of 68K VMEbus Architecture

The Motorola MVME172-533 is a high-performance Single Board Computer (SBC) that represents the ultimate refinement of the 68K processor family within the VMEbus ecosystem. Designed for the most demanding real-time applications, the MVME172-533 leverages the Motorola MC68060 microprocessor to provide an exceptional balance of raw processing speed, low power consumption, and integrated I/O density. In industrial environments where deterministic performance is non-negotiable, this board serves as a robust engine for mission-critical control and data acquisition.

The architecture of the MVME172-533 is optimized for modern embedded requirements. By combining a super-scalar processor core with a flexible mezzanine expansion system, Motorola created a board that can adapt to specialized hardware requirements without the need for multiple VME slots. This makes the MVME172-533 an ideal choice for aerospace testing, telecommunications management, and high-speed industrial robotics.

Functional Intelligence and Logic Performance

Superscalar Processing Efficiency

At the heart of the MVME172-533 is the MC68060, a superscalar processor capable of executing multiple instructions per clock cycle. This architectural leap allows the MVME172-533 to outperform its predecessors significantly while maintaining full software compatibility with the legacy MC68040 and MC68030 instruction sets. This allows facilities to upgrade their computational power without the need for a total rewrite of their real-time application software, providing a seamless path for system modernization.

Modular I/O via IndustryPack (IP) Slots

The MVME172-533 is more than just a processor; it is a customizable I/O hub. Through its four IndustryPack slots, engineers can add specific functionality—such as high-speed A/D converters, digital pulse counters, or specialized motion control modules—directly to the SBC. This mezzanine approach reduces signal latency by placing the I/O hardware on the processor's local bus, bypassing the VMEbus backplane for time-critical data transfers.

Network and Communication Versatility

Connectivity is a core strength of the MVME172-533. The board features an integrated Ethernet controller that offloads network protocol processing from the main CPU, ensuring that network traffic does not interfere with real-time control logic. For localized hardware control, the board provides four programmable serial ports and an integrated SCSI-2 interface, allowing for high-speed communication with mass storage devices or specialized scientific peripherals. This comprehensive connectivity suite makes the MVME172-533 suitable for distributed control systems (DCS) where data must be shared across a wide industrial network.

Primary Industrial Applications

The versatility and power of the MVME172-533 have made it a standard in several high-reliability sectors:

• Aerospace & Defense: Used in flight control simulators and radar processing units where deterministic logic is essential.

• Scientific Research: Powering data acquisition systems for particle accelerators and high-energy physics experiments.

• Manufacturing Automation: Coordinating high-speed robotic assembly lines and complex CNC machining centers.

• Transportation: Controlling signaling and management systems for railway networks and automated transit.

Installation and Maintenance Guidelines

To ensure the maximum operational life of the Motorola MVME172-533, it should be installed in a VMEbus chassis with sufficient forced-air cooling. The MC68060 is a high-performance processor that requires steady airflow to maintain optimal operating temperatures. Maintenance personnel should periodically verify the health of the onboard battery to ensure the NVRAM remains backed up during power-off cycles. Handling of the board should always follow standard anti-static (ESD) protocols to protect the sensitive CMOS components.

When integrating IndustryPack modules, ensure that the total power draw remains within the thermal limits specified in the Motorola technical manual. By adhering to these engineering standards, the MVME172-533 will continue to provide a stable, high-performance computing platform for decades of industrial service, protecting your investment in the VMEbus ecosystem.