Model Introduction of Motorola MVME-172 Series Industrial Embedded Computing Platform

This is the model

1、 Family coordinates: the "puzzle" of VME bus ecosystem

MVME (Motorola Versatile Modular Element) is an industrial embedded computing family led by Motorola, which relies on the VME bus (high-speed parallel bus standard) to connect I/O and communication modules like "Lego" to build a distributed control system.   

The 172 series is a specialized version of the MVME family designed for extreme scenarios, with a greater emphasis on resistance to harsh environments such as extreme cold/high temperatures, strong vibrations, and electromagnetic interference compared to the 162 (basic) and 167 (mid to high end). It is suitable for:

-Military industry: electronic equipment for tanks/armored vehicles, shipborne communication systems (capable of handling bumps and electromagnetic pulses);   

-Industry: Mine automation (high temperature+dust), wind power SCADA (strong vibration+temperature difference);   

-Aerospace: Rocket ground testing, satellite measurement and control stations (high reliability essential).   

2、 Model disassembly: The suffix is "scene password"

The models of MVME-172 are divided into * * basic type (MVME172-XXX) * * and * * PA series (MVME172PA-XXX) * *, with suffix letter/number combinations, hiding * * hardware configuration, functional focus, and industry adaptation * *:

|Model format | Core differences | Typical scenarios|

|----------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|

|MVME172-260 | Basic model, distinguishing CPU/memory/interface (e.g. -260 focuses on computing performance) | Old military equipment "life extension", mine automation control|

|MVME172-263 | Both belong to the basic model, possibly a * * hardware minor modification * * (changing batches of components, optimizing heat dissipation) | Industrial production line upgrade compatibility (minimal system changes)|

|MVME172-263/260 | Multi module expansion type, supporting simultaneous connection of multiple I/O cards and communication cards | Multi device collaboration for complex industrial systems (petrochemical DCS)|

|MVME172-417 | Specialized communication type, strengthened serial/network port expansion | Smart grid data acquisition (multiple meters communicate simultaneously)|

|MVME172PA-644SE | with PA → highly integrated (communication/encryption module soldered); `SE ` → Secure Encryption | Shipborne/Vehicle mounted Equipment (Small Space+Data Sensitive)|

3、 Value: The Irreplaceability of 'Old Hardware'

-Extreme environmental "necessity": In scenarios that ordinary industrial computers cannot withstand (-40 ℃ extreme cold, ship borne strong vibration), the MVME-172 relies on military grade design (reinforced circuit board, wide temperature capacitor, metal shielding cover) for rigidity, such as the environmental monitoring system of the Antarctic scientific research station, only it can operate stably.   

-* * Legacy system "locked" * *: The control system of old military projects and industrial production lines is a "customized black box" software. Changing hardware means restructuring the entire system, which is costly (for example, in a military factory testing equipment, changing software requires re certification according to military standards). Therefore, only MVME-172 can be purchased as a spare part.   

-* * Technical "living fossil" * *: When researching the VME bus architecture and real-time operating system (VRTX) * * for embedded developers, MVME-172 is a "physical textbook" that can intuitively understand the "hard core logic" of industrial grade embedded design (how to use hardware redundancy to withstand faults).   

Simply put, the MVME-172 series is the "special forces" in industrial embedded systems, specializing in tackling extreme environments and daring to upgrade. It is now either leading the military/industrial "front line" or serving as a "hardcore teaching tool" in technology museums. It is a "tough and stable" existence in the history of industrial automation.