
Description
The EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R is a high-performance, ruggedized 6U VMEbus Single Board Computer (SBC) manufactured by Emerson (formerly Motorola/Artesyn) . It is engineered to serve as the central processing unit in demanding embedded computing applications, integrating a powerful PowerPC processor, substantial memory, and comprehensive I/O interfaces into a robust form factor . This SBC is designed for extreme reliability in harsh environments, making it suitable for mission-critical systems in industrial automation, defense, telecommunications, and aerospace .
Application Scenarios
In a military radar signal processing system, the ability to perform complex computations in real-time under conditions of extreme temperature, shock, and vibration is paramount. The EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R is deployed in such scenarios, housed within a ruggedized VME chassis. Its powerful processor handles intensive data algorithms, while the dual Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure high-speed data transfer to other system components. The module’s extended temperature range and robust construction guarantee continuous operation where commercial computing hardware would fail, directly contributing to the system’s reliability and mission success .
Parameter
Technical Principles and Innovative Values
Innovation Point 1: Ruggedized Design for Harsh Environments. The MVME61006E-0163R is built with industrial-grade components and is designed to operate reliably across a wide temperature range of -40°C to +85°C . This ensures deterministic performance in environments susceptible to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, which is critical for military, aerospace, and industrial applications .
Innovation Point 2: High-Performance Processing with AltiVec Technology. At the core of the SBC is a PowerPC MPC7457 processor featuring a 128-bit AltiVec vector processing unit . This technology accelerates data-intensive computations, such as signal processing algorithms used in radar and medical imaging systems, providing a significant performance boost over standard processors .
Innovation Point 3: Comprehensive Integration and Expansion. The board serves as a complete system hub, integrating a wealth of I/O interfaces, including dual Gigabit Ethernet and configurable serial ports . A key feature is the inclusion of two PMC/XMC expansion sites, allowing system designers to add specialized functionality like additional communication interfaces or data acquisition cards without custom hardware design, offering great flexibility .
Innovation Point 4: Long-Term Product Lifecycle and Ecosystem Support. As part of the proven MVME6100 series, this SBC is designed for long-term availability, which is crucial for systems with multi-decade lifecycles . It is supported by a mature ecosystem of software, including real-time operating systems like VxWorks and Linux, ensuring stability and ease of development for long-term projects .
Application Cases and Industry Value
Case Study: Industrial Automation Controller. A high-speed packaging line system utilizes the EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R as its main controller. Running a real-time operating system, the SBC directly interfaces with servo drives and vision systems via the VME backplane and PMC I/O cards. Its computational power enables complex motion control algorithms, while its rugged design ensures uninterrupted operation in a factory environment with significant electrical noise and mechanical vibration. The system integrator reported that the reliability and deterministic performance of the MVME61006E-0163R minimized unplanned downtime, directly enhancing production efficiency and throughput .
Related Product Combination Solutions
The EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R functions as the core of a larger system. Its effectiveness is maximized when integrated with other compatible components :
VMEbus Chassis and Backplanes: Rugged enclosures from manufacturers like Elma are required to house the SBC and provide power and interconnection with other VME cards .
PMC/XMC Expansion Cards: Specialized mezzanine cards for additional serial ports, analog/digital I/O, or specific networking protocols can be added to the SBC’s expansion sites to tailor functionality .
Other VME I/O Modules: The system can be expanded with dedicated VME modules for specific tasks, working alongside the MVME61006E-0163R under its control .
Emerson MVME5500: The preceding generation of PowerPC-based VME SBCs, highlighting the technological evolution and upgrade path .
Installation, Maintenance, and Full-Cycle Support
Installation and Maintenance: The EMERSON MVME61006E-0163R is designed for installation into a compatible VME system chassis. It is crucial to ensure the chassis provides adequate cooling (often forced air) and a power supply with sufficient capacity for the SBC and all other installed cards . The module is hot-swappable in redundant systems, allowing for replacement without shutting down the entire system, which is a significant advantage for minimizing maintenance downtime .
Full-Cycle Support: When procuring the MVME61006E-0163R, it is essential to verify the exact configuration against your requirements, as the suffix defines specific CPU, memory, and feature sets . Comprehensive support includes assistance with operating system selection (e.g., VxWorks, Linux) and driver availability. Given the long lifecycle of industrial systems, partners should offer lifecycle management planning to address potential future obsolescence and migration strategies .

