GE SM128V | VMEbus Interface Board for 90/70 Control Systems

• Catalog Brand: GE
• Manufacturer Identification: iba AG
• Full Model Number: SM128V
• Product Family: ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o
• Lifecycle Status: Discontinued / legacy
• Core Function: VMEbus data acquisition and control-system interface
• VMEbus Address Space: 256 kB
• Channel 1: 64 analog + 64 digital inputs/outputs
• Channel 2: 64 analog + 64 digital outputs
• Data Transfer: Synchronous transmission at 1 ms intervals
• Fiber Interface: ST-type optical interfaces
• Form Factor: 6U VMEbus board
• GE Application: GE 90/70 systems among supported VME applications
• Stock & Condition: Availability and condition to be confirmed by physical unit
• Shipping: Emergency dispatch subject to stock confirmation and order cutoff

Important identification note: SM128V is not a GE-manufactured board in the primary documentation. The official iba manual identifies it as the ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o VMEbus interface card, manufactured by iba AG, with specific installation instructions for GE 90/70 racks. The “GE” designation is therefore best treated as an application/system association rather than the OEM manufacturer.

Obsolescence & Supply Chain Deep Dive

A failed SM128V can create a data-acquisition or control-system integration problem even when the host VME controller itself remains operational. The board provides a VMEbus interface between supported automation systems and iba data-acquisition equipment, with one bidirectional fiber link carrying 64 analog and 64 digital signals and a second unidirectional link carrying another 64 analog and 64 digital outputs. The current ibaPDA documentation states that SM128V is no longer manufactured and identifies ibaLink-VME as its substitute for relevant applications.

For a GE 90/70 installation that still depends on the established SM128V interface, obtaining an exact spare can avoid an immediate migration project involving VME addressing, fiber interfaces, PLC configuration, and data-mapping changes. TCO should include engineering labor, outage exposure, reconfiguration, testing, and commissioning rather than only the board purchase price. The official manual also specifies dedicated GE 90/70 settings, including A24 addressing, a starting address of 0xA00000, Big Endian data swapping, and REAL data format.

Compatibility & Replacement Matrix

Field Traps — Watch Out

• GE 90/70 guide-pin issue: The official iba manual states that the GE 90/70 rack does not provide openings for the guide pins. Depending on the board configuration, the guide pins may need to be removed before installation.
• DIP-switch configuration: For GE 90/70, the official manual specifies A24 mode, 0xA00000 starting address, Big Endian byte swapping, and REAL data format. The address and data-format settings must be checked against the existing installation.
• Fiber-channel mapping: Channel 1 is bidirectional while Channel 2 is unidirectional. Reversing or incorrectly assigning optical connections can produce an apparently functional board with incorrect data flow.
• Manufacturer identification: Do not place “GE OEM” on procurement documentation without qualification. The board is an iba AG product used with GE 90/70 and other VME systems.

GE SM128V

Quality Assurance & Testing SOP

Because is a legacy VMEbus interface board, pre-shipment QA should verify both the physical hardware and its communication configuration.

• OEM identification inspection: Verify the ibaLink-SM-128V-i-2o / designation, manufacturer markings, serial number, revision, and order identification where available.
• OEM anti-counterfeit visual inspection: Examine the PCB, VME connector, fiber connectors, labels, DIP switches, components, solder joints, and mounting hardware.
• Physical condition inspection: Check the 6U VME board, front panel, ejector mechanisms, guide pins, fiber connectors, and backplane connector for damage.
• DIP-switch verification: Record all address, mode, endian, and data-format switch positions before testing.
• Power-on self-test (POST): Install the board in a compatible VME test rack and monitor available status indicators during startup.
• VMEbus communication test: Verify that the board responds correctly at the configured VME address.
• Fiber communication test: Test the optical transmit/receive paths using compatible iba equipment and verify stable communication.
• Data-transfer test: Exercise representative analog and digital data channels and confirm correct direction, scaling, and data integrity.
• Timing verification: Where the test environment supports it, verify the expected synchronous data-transfer behavior at the configured rate.
• GE 90/70 configuration test: For a GE 90/70 application, verify the applicable A24 address and data-format configuration against the customer’s existing setup.
• Final acceptance record: Photograph the board, identification label, DIP switches, connectors, and test configuration; record serial number, revision, and measured test results.

The official manual identifies the as a VMEbus interface card supporting industrial automation, measurement, and control applications.

Procurement & Lifecycle FAQ

Is the GE genuinely in stock, and what is the cutoff for emergency shipping?

Physical inventory should be confirmed against the actual board before the PO is released. For emergency requirements, provide the required quantity, destination, and dispatch deadline so the available unit and shipping cutoff can be confirmed.

How do you verify the condition and authenticity of an ?

Verify the physical iba identification, model designation, serial/revision information, PCB condition, VME connector, fiber interfaces, DIP-switch configuration, and communication performance. The quotation should clearly distinguish New Original, New Surplus, and Tested Refurbished condition.

Is actually a GE OEM board?

No. The primary technical documentation identifies iba AG as the manufacturer. is associated with GE systems because the board supports VME-based GE 90/70 applications. This distinction should be reflected accurately in procurement and commercial documentation.

Can ibaLink-VME replace ?

iba’s current documentation identifies ibaLink-VME as the substitute for in relevant ibaPDA applications. However, this should not be treated as a universal drop-in replacement. The VME operating mode, addressing, fiber interface, acquisition configuration, and data mapping must be reviewed before migration.

What warranty and return terms should be included in the purchase order?

Specify the exact designation, manufacturer identification, physical condition, serial number where applicable, warranty duration, DOA criteria, inspection period, return authorization procedure, and communication-test acceptance criteria. For a GE 90/70 application, include the verified DIP-switch and VME-address configuration in the acceptance record.