Description
The GE 5136-PFB-VME is a VMEbus-compatible power filter board designed by GE Fanuc Intelligent Platforms (now part of Emerson) to suppress electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) on critical DC power rails in industrial, aerospace, and defense embedded systems. It installs directly into a standard 6U VME chassis, occupying a single slot, and filters the primary VME power lines—typically +5V, ±12V, and +24V—to ensure clean, stable power delivery to sensitive modules such as CPUs, data acquisition cards, and communication controllers.
By attenuating high-frequency noise generated by switching power supplies, motor drives, or radio transmitters, the 5136-PFB-VME helps systems meet stringent EMC regulations (e.g., FCC Part 15. CE, MIL-STD-461) and improves operational reliability in electrically harsh environments like power plants, test labs, and military vehicles.
Application Scenarios
At an aerospace test facility in Arizona, a VME-based flight control simulator began experiencing random CPU resets during high-power RF emissions testing. Diagnostics traced the issue to conducted noise coupling through the +5V rail from an adjacent servo amplifier rack. Engineers installed the GE 5136-PFB-VME in the VME chassis, which reduced common-mode noise by over 40 dB above 1 MHz. The system passed requalification with zero resets—even under full-spectrum jamming conditions. “The 5136-PFB-VME didn’t just fix the problem—it made our entire test platform more robust,” noted the lead systems engineer.
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Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Innovation Point 1: Integrated Multi-Rail Filtering in Standard VME Form Factor
Unlike external line filters, the 5136-PFB-VME integrates filtering directly onto the backplane power paths—eliminating long, unshielded cables that act as noise antennas. This ensures suppression occurs at the point of use.
Innovation Point 2: Dual-Mode Noise Suppression (Common + Differential)
The board employs hybrid LC networks that simultaneously attenuate:
Common-mode noise (between power and ground)—critical for radiated emissions
Differential-mode noise (between +5V and GND)—key for digital logic stability
Innovation Point 3: Passive Design for Maximum Reliability
With no active semiconductors or firmware, the 5136-PFB-VME offers near-infinite MTBF—ideal for safety-critical or remote systems where maintenance access is limited.
Innovation Point 4: Legacy System EMC Modernization
Many legacy VME systems (e.g., in nuclear plants or radar stations) were built before modern EMC rules. The 5136-PFB-VME provides a low-cost path to compliance without redesigning the entire power architecture.
Application Cases and Industry Value
Power Generation: In a hydroelectric dam control room, VME-based protection relays suffered false trips due to VFD-induced noise on the DC bus. Installing 5136-PFB-VME modules eliminated nuisance operations—avoiding potential grid instability.
Defense: A naval combat system using VME signal processors failed MIL-STD-461 testing. Adding the 5136-PFB-VME allowed the system to pass conducted susceptibility requirements on the first retest—accelerating deployment by 6 months.
Industrial Automation: A semiconductor fab used VME data loggers near plasma etchers. Without filtering, ADC readings drifted during RF cycles. The 5136-PFB-VME restored measurement accuracy to ±0.1%.
Related Product Combination Solutions
GE VMIVME-7750: Single-board computer—benefits from clean power via 5136-PFB-VME
GE IC695CPU320: PACSystems RX3i CPU—used in hybrid VME/PAC retrofits
SBS Technologies SBS-SCC618: VME communications card—sensitive to power rail noise
Condor Engineering VME-PSF: Alternative VME power filter—less common in GE ecosystems
Schaffner FN2030-16-06: External AC line filter—complements but doesn’t replace 5136-PFB-VME
National Instruments PXI-8260: Modern alternative platform—but not VME compatible
GE Fanuc Series 90-70 I/O: Often integrated with VME systems via gateway—requires clean power
Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support
Installation is straightforward: power down the VME chassis, insert the 5136-PFB-VME into any available slot, and secure with front panel screws. No configuration or jumpers are needed—it operates passively as soon as power is applied.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent due to its passive design. However, in high-humidity or corrosive environments, inspect for electrolytic capacitor bulging (if used in custom variants) or terminal oxidation—though most units use solid-film capacitors.
Every GE 5136-PFB-VME we supply undergoes:
Visual and mechanical inspection
Continuity and isolation testing
Functional verification in a live VME test chassis (optional upon request)
Conformal coating refresh if required
Units are labeled with original GE part number, revision, and test date. All include a 12-month warranty and compatibility assurance for legacy GE Fanuc, Motorola, and Force VME systems.
