ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o VMEbus Interface Board

Product Overview

The ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o is a high-performance VMEbus interface board engineered for bidirectional communication between VME-based control systems and iba data acquisition platforms. It serves as a critical bridge for industrial automation environments where real-time data exchange, process monitoring, and control system integration are essential. The board supports both VME32 and VME64 systems and operates as a passive VMEbus device, requiring no active bus mastering.

Key Features

• Bidirectional fiber optic link on Channel 1 supporting 64 analog and 64 digital inputs and outputs

• Unidirectional fiber optic link on Channel 2 supporting 64 analog and 64 digital outputs

• Synchronous message transmission with a fixed 1 ms cycle time

• Cascade mode allowing up to eight SM128V boards on a single fiber optic link

• Compatible with ibaFOB series, ibaPADU-8, ibaNet750-BM, and ibaLogic systems

• Supports A24 and A32 VME address modes with D08, D16, and D32 data formats

• Configurable Big Endian or Little Endian byte order and integer or floating-point data format

• Front panel switches for mode, range, and address configuration

• Status LEDs for power, link activity, and error indication

Technical Specifications

• Power Supply: 5 V from VMEbus, maximum current consumption 1 A

• Memory Occupancy: 256 kByte VMEbus address space

• Fiber Optic Transmission Rate: 3.3 Mbps per channel

• Maximum Fiber Optic Distance: 2000 m with suitable cable

• Dimensions: 6U / 4HP front panel, 233.6 mm x 160 mm

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 50°C

• Storage Temperature: -25°C to 70°C

• Connectors: ST type for fiber optic, RJ11 for PCMCIA-F interface

System Integration and Compatibility

The ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o is designed for seamless integration into existing industrial control architectures. It is compatible with a wide range of iba products including ibaPDA for data acquisition, ibaLogic for soft PLC applications, and ibaFOB series interface cards. The board also supports direct integration with VME-based systems such as GE 90/70, Siemens Simatic TDC, and ALSPA control platforms including CP80/A800, C80 HPC, and C80 HPCI.

Configuration and Operation

Configuration is performed via front panel switches and onboard DIP switches. The Mode switch selects between normal cascade operation and peer-to-peer mode. The Range and Address switches define the position and number of signals in the fiber optic telegram when operating in cascade mode. Onboard DIP switches allow configuration of VME address, byte order, and data format. Status LEDs provide clear visual feedback on board status, link activity, and errors.

Applications

The ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o is suitable for a variety of industrial applications including real-time data acquisition from VME-based PLCs, process monitoring and analysis with ibaPDA, soft PLC control with ibaLogic, and cascaded I/O expansion using ibaPADU-8 series devices. Its ability to operate in peer-to-peer mode also enables direct data exchange between two VME systems.

Conclusion

With its robust design, high-speed synchronous transmission, and extensive configuration options, the ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o provides a reliable and flexible solution for integrating VME-based control systems with modern data acquisition and automation platforms. It is an essential component for industrial environments requiring deterministic data exchange and scalable I/O connectivity.