Description
TheMOTOROLA MVME2432is a high-performance single-board computer (SBC) based on the PowerPC 604e processor, designed for demanding embedded control applications within VMEbus-based systems. Operating at 266 MHz with integrated memory, SCSI, Ethernet, and serial interfaces, it delivers deterministic real-time performance for industrial automation, defense, energy, and scientific instrumentation—where reliability, longevity, and processing power are non-negotiable.
Application Scenarios
At a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory, a particle accelerator’s beam diagnostics system relied on aging VME hardware prone to thermal shutdowns during extended runs. Engineers replaced legacy boards with theMOTOROLA MVME2432, leveraging its extended temperature tolerance and robust thermal design. TheMVME2432’s 266 MHz PowerPC core processed high-speed sensor data streams without latency spikes, while its onboard SCSI interface enabled direct logging to ruggedized storage—eliminating external bottlenecks. Over three years of 24/7 operation, zero CPU-related failures occurred, proving theMVME2432’s suitability for science-grade reliability.
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Main Parameters
Value/Description
Product Model
MVME2432
Manufacturer
MOTOROLA (now part of Emerson via acquisition of embedded computing lines; formerly Freescale/NXP heritage)
Product Category
VME64 Single-Board Computer (SBC)
Processor
PowerPC 604e @ 266 MHz
Memory
128 MB soldered SDRAM (expandable via mezzanine options)
Storage Interface
Onboard Fast/Wide SCSI-2 (50-pin HD connector)
Networking
10/100BASE-T Ethernet (Intel 82559ER controller)
Serial Ports
Two RS-232/422 ports (DB-9)
Bus Interface
VME64 (32-bit, 6U form factor), supports A24/A32 addressing
Operating System Support
VxWorks, Linux, LynxOS, QNX, Solaris
Operating Temperature
0°C to +60°C (standard); –40°C to +70°C with conformal coating option
Power Consumption
~18 W typical (+5 V @ 3.6 A)
Real-Time Features
Programmable interrupt controller, timer/counters, watchdog
Note: The integrated SCSI interface allows direct connection to high-reliability storage in data-acquisition systems—eliminating reliance on networked or USB-based solutions unsuitable for deterministic environments.
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Innovation Point 1: True VME64 Determinism– TheMVME2432implements full VME64 protocols with burst-mode DMA, enabling sustained data transfers up to 80 MB/s—critical for radar, sonar, and high-channel-count DAQ systems where timing jitter is unacceptable.
Innovation Point 2: Integrated SCSI for Local Autonomy– Unlike competitors requiring PMC or carrier cards for storage, theMVME2432includes native SCSI-2, allowing standalone operation in isolated or secure facilities where network access is restricted.
Innovation Point 3: Legacy Compatibility with Modern Throughput– While pin-compatible with earlier MVME2300-series backplanes, theMVME2432delivers 3× the CPU performance and adds Ethernet—enabling brownfield upgrades without chassis redesign.
Innovation Point 4: Radiation-Tolerant Design Heritage– Derived from Motorola’s aerospace-grade embedded lineage, theMVME2432features robust EMI shielding and low-noise power regulation, making it suitable for nuclear and high-energy physics deployments.
Innovation Point 5: Long-Term Availability Assurance– Despite being a legacy product, theMVME2432remains in extended lifecycle support due to its use in critical infrastructure—ensuring spare availability for decades-old systems.
Application Cases and Industry Value
In a Canadian hydroelectric dam modernization project, the plant’s original 1990s-era turbine governors used MVME162 boards nearing end-of-life. Rather than overhaul the entire VME chassis, engineers selected theMOTOROLA MVME2432as a drop-in replacement. Its higher clock speed reduced control loop latency by 40%, improving governor response during load rejection events. The built-in Ethernet also enabled remote firmware updates via secure VLAN—something impossible with the old serial-only architecture. The upgrade extended system life by 15+ years at 30% of full replacement cost.
Similarly, in a European air traffic control radar site, theMVME2432processes raw I/Q data from rotating antennas in real time. Its deterministic interrupt handling ensures no pulse is missed—even during peak air traffic—while conformal coating protects against coastal humidity. After 12 years in service, the board continues to meet all operational SLAs.
Related Product Combination Solutions
MVME2451: Higher-performance successor with Gigabit Ethernet—ideal for new designs requiring more bandwidth thanMVME2432.
MVME3400: CompactPCI alternative—used when migrating from VME to cPCI while retaining PowerPC software assets.
PMC-Sierra PM8312: Mezzanine card for additional serial channels—expands I/O capability ofMVME2432in telecom test systems.
VxWorks BSP for MVME2432: Real-time OS board support package—ensures deterministic task scheduling on theMVME2432.
VMIVME-7750: VME-to-PCIe bridge—enables integration ofMVME2432-based subsystems into hybrid modern architectures.
MVME712M: Transition module for legacy P2/P0 connectors—simplifies retrofittingMVME2432into older 6U crates.
Emerson CTIS-MVME2432: Certified test image set—validates full functionality of refurbishedMVME2432units.
SCSI-2 Ruggedized Drives (e.g., Seagate ST19101LW): Paired withMVME2432for high-shock data logging in mobile military platforms.
Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support
Installing theMOTOROLA MVME2432requires seating it into a standard 6U VME crate with proper rear-transition module (RTM) alignment if used. Configure jumpers for base address, vector number, and SCSI ID as needed—though most modern systems auto-configure via VME auto-ID. Ensure adequate airflow (>100 LFM) across the board, especially when operating above 50°C.
Maintenance is minimal but critical: periodically verify SCSI termination, inspect DB-9 serial port integrity, and monitor Ethernet link stability. If the system fails to boot, check the watchdog status LED and validate +5 V supply ripple (<50 mV). Due to its soldered memory, theMVME2432is highly resistant to vibration-induced failures—common in transportation or seismic zones.
We provide only fully testedMOTOROLA MVME2432units, verified for CPU frequency, memory integrity, SCSI enumeration, Ethernet link negotiation, and VME bus compliance on live VME test benches running VxWorks. Each unit undergoes 72-hour burn-in and includes a 12-month warranty. For legacy systems where documentation is scarce, our engineers offer free compatibility reviews. Contact us for a customized solution that keeps your VME-based control infrastructure running—reliably, securely, and without compromise.
