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GE VMIVME-7696 VME Single-Board Computer

  • Model: VMIVME-7696
  • Brand: GE / VMIC
  • Series: VMEbus / VMIC VME
  • Core Function: Real-time VME single-board computer
  • Product Type: Single-board computer
  • Key Specs: Intel Pentium II 450 MHz; up to 512 MB SDRAM; dual Ethernet
  • Condition: New Surplus / Obsolete Model – Limited Stock Available
Categories: , , , , SKU: VMIVME-7696 Brand:

Description

Key Technical Specifications

  • Processor: Intel Pentium II MMX 450 MHz
  • Memory: Up to 512 MB SDRAM
  • Flash Storage: 96 MB bootable flash memory
  • Battery-Backed SRAM: 128 KB
  • Ethernet: Dual 10/100Base-T ports
  • Serial Ports: Two RS-232 ports
  • Bus Interface: Full VMEbus compliance, VME64 modes
  • Data Transfers: A32/A24 addressing, D32/D16/D08 data transfers, BLT/MBLT
  • Expansion: Single PMC slot
  • Power: +5 V DC, ±12 V DC
  • Operating Temperature: 0 to 55°C

 

Product Introduction

GE VMIVME-7696 is a VMEbus single-board computer used in legacy industrial automation, embedded control, and data acquisition systems. It combines a 450 MHz Pentium II processor with VME64 support, dual Ethernet, serial ports, and onboard flash/SRAM for deterministic operation in older VME racks.

This board is usually selected when the customer needs an exact replacement for a live VME platform, not a redesign. In field replacements, the real value is compatibility with existing backplanes, software, and I/O infrastructure, but you still need to verify power, jumper settings, and PMC/I/O dependencies before installation.

 

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Symptom Possible Cause Relevance to This Part Quick Check Method Recommendation
No boot activity Backplane power issue or failed board seating ✅ High Measure +5 V and ±12 V at the VME rack, reseat the SBC, check front-panel LEDs Verify rack power and connectors before declaring the board bad
Boots but no network link Damaged Ethernet port or cable/switch issue ⚠️ Medium Test each RJ-45 port with a known-good cable and switch port Swap cable and switch first; NIC failure is less common than field wiring issues
OS loads but VME I/O does not respond VME address/configuration mismatch ✅ High Check VME address settings, slot configuration, and software setup Match the board’s configuration to the legacy system documentation
Random hangs or watchdog resets Thermal issue or unstable power ✅ High Monitor board temperature and rail voltage under load Check airflow, rack fans, and power supply margin
Serial ports stop responding Cable pinout or COM configuration mismatch ⚠️ Medium Loopback test the RS-232 port and verify baud/parity settings Confirm cable wiring before replacing the SBC
PMC card not detected PMC seating or compatibility issue ✅ High Remove and reseat the PMC module, verify firmware/software support Check PMC compatibility and power budget
Intermittent boot failure after swap Firmware or jumpers set differently than the old card ✅ High Photograph old jumper positions and compare them on the replacement Mirror the original hardware settings exactly before commissioning

Contact technical support with photos of the board, jumper positions, and diagnostic logs if the fault is still unclear.

VMIVME-1150-123L
VMIVME-7696

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is VMIVME-7696 still available new?
A: In most cases, no. This is a legacy VME SBC, so supply is usually surplus or refurbished stock rather than fresh factory production. That is why buyers should confirm exact condition and availability before planning a shutdown window.

Q: Can I drop this into my existing VME rack?
A: Usually yes, if your rack already uses the same VMIVME-7696 family and your software stack matches. Still, verify backplane power, VME addressing, jumper settings, and any PMC dependencies before installation.

Q: Does this keep my existing configuration?
A: No, not automatically. The replacement board may have different jumper positions, boot priorities, or firmware status, so document the old card before removal and mirror those settings on the new unit.

Q: Is this board hot-swappable?
A: No. Power down the rack before pulling or inserting the board. Live insertion is how people lose a good card or take down a whole backplane.

Q: Why is this cheaper than a new OEM controller?
A: Because it is typically surplus inventory from a discontinued platform. The lower price reflects market availability, not a lower-spec substitute, so the key is matching the exact part number and revision you need.

Q: What should I check before buying it?
A: Confirm the exact part number, CPU speed, memory configuration, and VME bus requirements. If your system uses a PMC expansion card, make sure that card still fits your software and power budget.

Q: Is this model obsolete?
A: Yes. Treat it as an obsolete legacy control part with limited stock. For a production plant, that means buying the exact match matters more than trying to “equivalent substitute” your way through the swap.