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Motorola MVME-162-P244L PowerPC VME Embedded Controller

  • Model: MVME162-P244L
  • Brand: Motorola
  • Series: Motorola MVME162 PowerPC Embedded Controller
  • Core Function: PowerPC-based VMEbus embedded controller with PCI
  • Product Type: VME single board computer (SBC) / embedded controller
  • Key Specs: PowerPC 603E 133 MHz, 128MB DRAM, 2× Ethernet, IndustryPack slotscontroltech-supply+1
  • ⚠️ Obsolete Model – Limited Stock Available
  • Condition: New surplus / refurbished (tested)
Categories: , , , , SKU: MVME-162-P244L Brand:

Description

Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Specification
Manufacturer Motorola (Motorola Embedded Computing)
Model Number MVME162-P244L
Processor PowerPC 603E (PPC603E)
Clock Frequency 133 MHz
L1 Cache 32 KB instruction + 32 KB data (64 KB total)
Memory Up to 256 MB DRAM (P244L typically 128 MB)
Flash Memory 1 MB on-board flash
NVRAM Battery-backed NVRAM with time-of-day clock
Bus Standard VMEbus (6U form factor, dual-high)
PCI Interface 32-bit PCI (local bus)
Serial Ports 2× EIA-232-D (console + configurable)
Ethernet Dual 10BaseT/100BaseTX (optional Ethernet transceiver)
IndustryPack Slots 4× IPIC ports for I/O module expansion
SCSI Optional 53C710 SCSI with 32-bit DMA
Timers Six 32-bit timers + watchdog timer
VMEbus Interface A32/D64 master/slave with system controller function
Operating Systems VxWorks, Linux, LynxOS, OS-9
On-Board Debugger Yes (diagnostic firmware included)
Form Factor 6U VME (dual-high)
Application Industrial automation, DCS, telecom, embedded control

 

Product Introduction

Motorola MVME162-P244L is a PowerPC 603E-based VME embedded controller running at 133 MHz with 128MB DRAM and 32-bit PCI support. It is part of the MVME162 series, which offers scalability with different processor options (MC68040 or PowerPC 603E) and memory configurations.

The MVME162-P244L uses PowerPC architecture for better performance than the 68040-based variants, supporting Linux and newer real-time operating systems. It features 4 IndustryPack slots, optional dual Ethernet, and optional SCSI with DMA support, making it suitable for industrial automation, DCS, telecom, and embedded control applications. Like all MVME162 boards, it includes on-board debugger firmware and diagnostic capabilities.

MVME-162-P244L
MVME-162-P244L

 

Troubleshooting Quick Reference

Symptom Possible Cause Relevance to this Part Quick Check Method Recommendation
System will not boot SBC fault or poor VME backplane seating ✅ High Power down, reseat board, inspect VME connector pins Replace if boot failure follows the board
No POST or console output PowerPC CPU fault or memory failure ✅ High Check front-panel LEDs, measure 5V/±12V rails, read diagnostic buffer Replace if CPU does not initialize
Random crashes or lockups Memory error or overheating CPU ✅ High Monitor CPU temperature, run memory test if available Improve cooling or replace if errors persist
Ethernet not working Network interface fault or cable issue ✅ Medium Test with known-good cable, check link LEDs, verify IP config Replace if both ports fail with good cables
IndustrialPack module not detected IP module fault or IP controller failure ✅ Medium Reseat IP modules, test with known-good IP card Replace if IP controller fails with good modules
Board overheats Failed thermal path or CPU overload ✅ High Thermal check after power-up; verify heatsink contact Replace if overheating continues with proper cooling

If you are stuck, contact technical support with photos of the board, front-panel LEDs, VME connector, and diagnostic logs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is MVME162-P244L a direct replacement for my existing board?
A: Only if your system uses a PowerPC 603E MVME162 at 133 MHz. The MVME162 family has many variants (68040 at 25/32 MHz or PowerPC 603E at 100/133 MHz). Memory size (64/128/256 MB), Ethernet presence, and SCSI options must also match. Check your board revision and firmware version.

Q: Is this part new or used?
A: This model is obsolete and typically sold as new surplus or refurbished (tested). No new factory stock exists. All available units are surplus or refurbished from EOL inventory.

Q: What warranty do I get?
A: Warranty varies by vendor: typically 30–90 days for used/refurbished units, 1 year for new surplus. Confirm before ordering.

Q: Can I hot-swap this board?
A: No. VMEbus SBCs are not hot-swappable. Power down the entire rack before removing or installing. Backplane damage is a real risk if you try.

Q: Will this fix a system that will not boot?
A: Maybe. A bad backplane, power supply, or other VME card can cause similar symptoms. Check supply rails (5V, ±12V), reseat the board, and confirm the fault follows the SBC before replacing it.

Q: Do I need to reprogram the board after replacement?
A: Yes, likely. Back up the existing configuration (firmware version, network settings, IP module settings) before removal and restore it on the new board. Document DIP switches/jumpers with photos. The MVME162 has battery-backed NVRAM with time-of-day clock.

Q: Why is PowerPC MVME162 more expensive than 68040 models?
A: PowerPC 603E (133 MHz) is significantly faster than MC68040 (25/32 MHz) and supports Linux plus newer real-time OS versions with better performance. The PowerPC architecture is more modern and suitable for demanding applications

Q: What should I verify before ordering?
A: Match the model (MVME162-P244L), processor (PowerPC 603E 133 MHz), memory size (128 MB), Ethernet/SCSI options, and firmware version. Confirm OS compatibility with your application. Always back up configuration before swapping. Take a photo of DIP switches/jumpers before removal.