General Information

• Manufacturer: XYCOM (later part of GE Fanuc, now part of Emerson Automation Solutions)
• Type: VMEbus Single Board Computer (SBC)
• VMEbus Compliance: Complies with VME64 (IEEE 1014-1987) and VME64x standards, supporting 32-bit/64-bit data paths and 3U/6U form factors (typically 6U for high-performance models).
• Form Factor: 6U VME form factor (233.35 mm x 160 mm / 9.2" x 6.3"), double-height for expanded I/O and component integration.
• Ruggedization: Optional conformal coating, extended temperature range, and vibration/shock resistance, making it suitable for harsh operating conditions.

Processor & Core Performance

• CPU Options: Powered by Motorola PowerPC processors, with common configurations including the PowerPC 750 (G3) or PowerPC 7400/7410 (G4) series.
  • Typical clock speeds: 300 MHz to 733 MHz (varies by model and configuration).
• Cache Memory:
  • L1 Cache: 32 KB instruction + 32 KB data (per core).
  • L2 Cache: 256 KB to 1 MB on-chip or external synchronous cache, enhancing data processing speed.
• System Controller: Integrated memory controller and PCI bridge, enabling high-speed data transfer between the CPU, memory, and VMEbus.

Memory Configuration

• DRAM: Up to 1 GB of DDR SDRAM (expandable via optional mezzanine modules), supporting ECC (Error-Correcting Code) for data integrity in mission-critical applications.
• Flash Memory: Up to 128 MB of onboard Flash memory (configurable as boot ROM or storage), providing non-volatile storage for operating systems and application firmware.
• Storage Interfaces: Supports IDE/ATA or SCSI interfaces for connecting external hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), or floppy drives (via VMEbus P2 connector).

Communication & I/O Interfaces

• Ethernet: 1 or 2 x 10/100 Base-T Ethernet ports (Intel 82559 or similar controllers), supporting TCP/IP, UDP, and industrial protocols.
• Serial Ports: 2 to 4 x RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 serial ports (16550-compatible UARTs), configurable for asynchronous/synchronous communication.
• Parallel Port: 1 x EPP/ECP-compatible parallel port for connecting printers, industrial peripherals, or data acquisition devices.
• USB: 2 x USB 1.1 ports (optional), enabling connection to modern USB peripherals.
• Video Interface: Integrated VGA controller (ATI Rage XL or equivalent), supporting resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 with 256 colors, suitable for industrial HMI (Human-Machine Interface) applications.
• Mezzanine Support: Optional PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card) or XMC (Switched Mezzanine Card) interface, allowing expansion with additional I/O modules (e.g., Fibre Channel, analog I/O, or wireless communication).

VMEbus Features

• Bus Master/Slave Modes: Operates as both a VMEbus master and slave, supporting 32-bit/64-bit address and data transfers at speeds up to 80 MB/s (VME64x).
• Interrupt Handling: Supports all 7 VMEbus interrupt levels (IRQ 1-7) and IACK (Interrupt Acknowledge) cycles, enabling real-time response to external events.
• Arbitration: Complies with VMEbus arbitration modes (Priority, Round-Robin, Single), ensuring fair and efficient bus access in multi-module systems.
• JTAG Support: Onboard JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) interface for debugging, programming, and hardware diagnostics.

Environmental & Power Specifications

Typical Applications

• Aerospace & Defense: Used in avionics systems, radar control, and military communication nodes, leveraging its rugged design and real-time processing capabilities.
• Industrial Automation: Deployed in process control systems, factory automation, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) networks, handling high-speed data processing and device integration.
• Test & Measurement: Integrated into automated test equipment (ATE) for semiconductor manufacturing, automotive testing, and aerospace component validation.
• Transportation: Applied in rail transit control systems, marine navigation, and vehicle monitoring, where reliability in extreme temperatures and vibration is critical.