The connector is right angled, with keyway and pop-up device for easy insertion and extraction.
The signal is directly connected to the I/O pin of the corresponding IP module.
Backboard P2
All 50 I/O pins of slot D are routed to rows A and C of the P2 connector.
There are 14 configurable I/O pins in slot C that can be routed to P2 (which 14 pins can be selected through jumper or PLD).
The I/O of slots A and B is not routed to P2 and is only available on the front panel.
This design allows system integrators to extract some or all of the IP I/O signals from the back of the chassis, simplifying front cable management, especially suitable for rack mounted VME systems. For example, high-density analog input IP I/O can be connected from P2 to the rear terminal block, while leaving the front panel for debugging or temporary connections.
Power protection and monitoring circuit
VIPC616 has made careful consideration in terms of power integrity:
Each IP slot has independent fuses for+5V,+12V, and -12V. When an IP module experiences overcurrent or short circuit, only the fuse in that slot is blown, without affecting other slots and the VME backplane.
RF filtering and decoupling capacitors: suppress power noise from the backplane and provide clean power for the IP module.
Two power detection circuits:
Monitor the power status of slot A and slot B
Another monitor is the power status of slots C and D
Front panel green LED:
One access LED per slot: When the VME master device accesses the I/O, ID, or memory space of that IP, the LED flashes.
Two power LEDs: indicating that the A/B slot power supply is normal and the C/D slot power supply is normal, respectively. If the LED goes out, the corresponding fuse may have blown or there may be a circuit fault.
These diagnostic functions are extremely practical in on-site maintenance and debugging, and can quickly locate faulty IP or power issues.
Clock and unsupported function limitations
VIPC616 only provides an 8 MHz IP clock. Although the Industry Pack specification allows for 8 MHz or 32 MHz, many modern IP modules may require 32 MHz to achieve full speed. Therefore, when selecting an IP module, it is necessary to confirm its support for an 8 MHz clock.
In addition, the following features are explicitly not supported:
32-bit IP interface (IP module can only operate in 8-bit or 16 bit mode)
IndustriePack DMA (meaning that the IP module cannot initiate VME bus data transfer actively and can only be accessed by the VME master device through Programmed I/O)
These limitations mean that VIPC616 is not suitable for applications that require high data throughput or DMA offloading, such as high-speed video capture or real-time data recording. For such requirements, VIPC618 or higher-level carrier boards should be considered.
Physical dimensions, weight, and environmental specifications
Board size: 160 mm × 233.35 mm (standard 6U)
Weight: 0.34 kg (0.81 lb)
Self power consumption (without IP module):
+5 V: 610 mA (typical)
+12 V:0 mA
-12 V:0 mA
Maximum power supply that can be provided for IP modules:
+5 V: 3 A per slot (12 A in total for four slots, but limited by backplane power supply capacity)
+12 V: Total 3 A (shared by all slots)
-12 V: Total 3 A (shared by all slots)
Working temperature: 0 ° C to+70 ° C (commercial/industrial grade)
Storage temperature: -40 ° C to+85 ° C
Humidity: 5% to 95%, non condensing
For applications that require an extended temperature range (-40 ° C to+85 ° C operation) or high vibration resistance, it is recommended to use the VIPC664-WL (wedge lock) or VIPC664WL-CC (conduction cooling) versions.
Engineering kit (EK-VIPC616)
For the convenience of system integration and secondary development, VIPC616 provides a complete engineering kit, including:
Printed hardware user manual (detailed instructions on jumper settings, connector pin definitions, memory configuration, etc.)
Bill of Materials (BOM)
Circuit schematic (for fault analysis and customized modifications)
Assembly drawing (guiding mechanical assembly)
These materials are very valuable for maintenance, reverse engineering, or developing custom interrupt PLDs.
Related product matrix
Product Model Description
VIPC618 is the same as VIPC616, but the front panel I/O uses shielded high-density 50 pin D-type connectors with locking for better EMI performance
VIPC664-ET rear I/O version (via P2 only), front panel without connector, suitable for full rear wiring
VIPC664-WL VIPC664 with wedge-shaped locking device, anti vibration reinforcement
VIPC664WL-CC conduction cooling version, suitable for fanless, wide temperature, high reliability military systems
VIPC860-FP 6U VME single board computer, integrated with MPC860T processor, with four IP slots, I/O leads from the front panel
VIPC860-BP is the same as above, but I/O is led out from backplane P2
C-IP50F-IP50F-3/6 3-foot or 6-foot long, 50 core ribbon cable, used to connect the front panel to the terminal board or equipment
IP-TERM 50 screw terminal block with ribbon cable connector for easy on-site wiring
These associated products enable systems based on VIPC616 to be flexibly upgraded, expanded, or replaced without the need for significant software modifications.