Motorola MVME55006E-0163R High-End VMEbus Single Board Computer
Motorola MVME55006E-0163R | High-End VMEbus Single Board Computer
The Motorola MVME55006E-0163R is a high-performance, RoHS-compliant (indicated by the ‘E’ suffix) single-board computer based on the VMEbus architecture.
As one of the flagship models in the MVME5500 family, it features the powerful PowerPC MPC7457 processor and the high-speed Marvell Discovery II (GT-64260B) system controller.
This board is engineered for bandwidth-intensive applications, providing a significant leap in data processing and memory throughput over previous generations.
Technical Parameter Table
| Parameter | Specification |
| Microprocessor | 1.0 GHz PowerPC G4 (MPC7457) |
| L3 Cache | 2 MB Secondary Cache |
| System Controller | Marvell Discovery II (GT-64260B) |
| DRAM Memory | 512 MB ECC DDR SDRAM (Soldered) |
| Flash Memory | 40 MB Onboard Flash (Dual bank support) |
| Bus Architecture | VME64 (2eSST support for 320 MB/s transfer) |
| Network Interface | Dual Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000BaseTX) |
| I/O Ports | 2x RS-232 Serial, 1x PMC slot (64-bit/66MHz) |
| Operating System | VxWorks, LynxOS, Linux, and OS-9 support |
| Form Factor | 6U VME |
Product Advantages and Features
AltiVec™ Technology: The MPC7457 processor includes a powerful vector processing unit, making it ideal for high-speed signal processing and complex algorithms.
2eSST Protocol Support: Enables VMEbus transfer rates of up to 320 MB/s, effectively breaking the traditional VME64 bandwidth bottlenecks.
Gigabit Networking: Dual onboard Gigabit Ethernet ports provide high-speed connectivity for data-heavy industrial networks.
ECC Memory Protection: Full Error Correction Code (ECC) protection on the 512MB RAM ensures system stability in environments prone to radiation or electrical noise.
RoHS Compliance: The “6E” designation ensures the board meets modern environmental standards for hazardous substance restriction, suitable for global deployment.
Application Cases
Radar & Sonar Processing: Utilizing AltiVec technology for real-time Fourier transforms and signal filtering in defense systems.
Medical Imaging: Processing high-resolution data streams in MRI, PET, and CT scanners.
Industrial Control Units: Serving as the central processing node in complex manufacturing cells and semiconductor production lines.
Simulation & Training: High-fidelity embedded processing for aerospace and naval flight simulators.
Other Models in the Same Series
MVME5500-0161: 1.0 GHz version with 512 MB RAM (Non-RoHS).
MVME5500-0163: The standard non-RoHS version of this specific board.
MVME5100: The predecessor series using the PowerPC 750 (G3) processor.
MVME761: A compatible transition module for breaking out serial and network ports.
Installation and Maintenance
Installation: Carefully align the 5-row VME64 connectors with the backplane.
Use the injector/ejector handles to fully seat the board. Ensure the chassis provides adequate forced-air cooling (minimum 400 LFM) as the 1GHz processor generates significant heat.
Configuration: Use the MOTLoad firmware environment to configure boot parameters, network settings, and VMEbus mapping. MOTLoad is the successor to the older PPCBug monitor.
Memory Management: Because the 512MB RAM is soldered for maximum vibration resistance, memory failures require professional board-level repair or replacement.
Flash Protection: The dual-bank flash allows for safe firmware updates; one bank can hold a “Golden Image” for recovery while the other is being updated.
Unique Product Description
The Motorola MVME55006E-0163R is the “supercomputer” of the VME world. By combining 1.0 GHz of G4 processing power with the 2eSST VME protocol, it provides a bridge between legacy reliability and modern high-speed data requirements.
It is a ruggedized, environmentally conscious solution built for those who cannot compromise on performance or long-term availability. For mission-critical systems where every millisecond counts—from defense arrays to advanced medical diagnostics—this module is the definitive engine.