Description
- Motorola MVME2700 | Legacy VME PowerPC Module
Unboxing & Physical Snapshot
- Brand & Model: Motorola MVME2700
- Product Family: Motorola MVME2700 Series VME Single Board Computer.
- Product Type: 6U VMEbus PowerPC-based single-board computer designed for embedded industrial computing, telecom, defense, and legacy automation platforms.
- Processor Architecture: PowerPC 750 microprocessor.
- Processor Options: Available configurations include 233 MHz, 266 MHz, and 366 MHz PowerPC 750 processors depending on installed variant.
- Approximate Physical Dimensions:
- Standard 6U VME board format: approximately 233 × 160 × 20 mm.
- Estimated Shipping Weight: Approximately 1.0–1.5 kg (2.2–3.3 lb) including ESD protection and transport packaging.
- Mounting Style: 6U VME chassis installation using P1/P2 backplane connectors.
- Board Construction:
- Multi-layer industrial PCB
- Aluminum front panel
- VME backplane connectors
- Processor heatsink assembly
- Memory mezzanine interface
- Processor Hardware:
- PowerPC 750 CPU
- 32 KB L1 cache
- 1 MB L2 backside cache
- Memory Configuration:
- ECC DRAM supported through RAM mezzanine modules
- Flash-based boot firmware storage
- Communication Interfaces:
- Ethernet or AUI interface
- SCSI interface
- Serial communication ports
- Parallel interface
- Expansion Capability:
- PMC mezzanine support
- PCI expansion capability through supported modules
- Cooling Hardware:
- Processor heatsink
- Forced-air rack cooling requirement
- What’s in the Box:
- Motorola MVME2700 CPU board
- Anti-static ESD shielding bag
- Protective foam packaging
- Documentation when supplied
Product Introduction
The Motorola MVME2700 mounts into a 6U VME chassis as the primary computing module within an embedded control architecture. The PowerPC 750 processor, VMEbus interface, ECC DRAM support, SCSI storage capability, and communication interfaces allow this board to remain in service within long-life systems where software qualification and hardware replacement records must be maintained. (This approach is common in industrial installations with extended equipment lifecycles.)
Treat the module as a controlled electronic spare. Inspect the VME connector blades, processor heatsink, memory mezzanine connection points, and battery-backed components before installation. Check the storage conditions. Legacy VME failures are frequently caused by oxidation, aging batteries, or handling damage rather than normal CPU operation.
Core Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Motorola |
| Model Series | MVME2700 |
| Product Type | VMEbus Single Board Computer |
| Form Factor | 6U VME |
| Processor | PowerPC 750 |
| CPU Frequency | 233 / 266 / 366 MHz options |
| L1 Cache | 32 KB |
| L2 Cache | 1 MB backside cache |
| Memory Type | ECC DRAM mezzanine memory |
| Boot Memory | Flash ROM |
| VME Interface | VMEbus system controller |
| VME Addressing | A16/A24/A32 |
| Data Transfer | D8/D16/D32/D64 block transfer support |
| DMA Support | Local memory and VMEbus DMA transfers |
| Ethernet | Ethernet or AUI interface |
| Storage Interface | SCSI bus |
| Serial Interfaces | Synchronous and asynchronous serial ports |
| Parallel Port | Supported |
| Expansion | PMC/PCI mezzanine support |
| Real-Time Clock | Battery-backed RTC |
| Power Input | VME +5 VDC and auxiliary rails |
| Cooling Method | Forced-air cooling |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +55°C |

Motorola MVME2700
Global Compliance & Industry Certifications
Expected regulatory considerations for the Motorola include:
- CE Mark — applicable when installed inside a compliant VME chassis meeting EMC and safety requirements.
- UL/cUL Recognition — generally evaluated at the complete equipment level because the board is intended for rack integration.
- RoHS Compliance — depends on manufacturing date and board revision.
- FCC EMC Considerations — applicable when installed with proper shielding, grounding, and enclosure design.
- ATEX/IECEx — the board itself is not automatically approved for hazardous-area use. A complete certified enclosure and system evaluation are required.
- Marine approvals (DNV GL, ABS, or LR) — applicable only when integrated into a certified marine control system.
For plant audits, retain the board serial number, hardware revision, and system-level certification records together. The compliance status of the installed rack matters more than the standalone PCB.
Verify specific lot certifications with OEM.
Long-Term Storage & Asset Preservation Guide
- Keep the inside its original anti-static (ESD) shielding bag during warehouse storage. The PowerPC processor, memory modules, and connector contacts require protection from static exposure.
- Maintain storage humidity below 60% RH. Moisture can degrade connector plating and contribute to intermittent VME backplane connections.
- Inspect the battery-backed RTC area before deployment. Replace aging lithium cells when required to prevent leakage damage near PCB traces.
- Store the board flat with mechanical support beneath the PCB. Do not place heavy items on the front panel or connector edge.
- Record firmware version, memory configuration, serial number, and inspection date in the asset tracking system.

Motorola MVME2700
Physical Installation Prerequisites
- Install the only in a compatible 6U VME chassis.
- Confirm VME slot assignment and backplane wiring before applying power.
- Inspect P1/P2 connectors for contamination, oxidation, or bent contacts.
- Verify cabinet protective earth grounding before operation.
- Maintain forced airflow across the board assembly. Motorola specifies operation with forced cooling through the complete VME assembly, typically using chassis airflow capable of supporting the installed module configuration.
- Leave at least 50 mm clearance above and below the rack assembly where cabinet airflow depends on open convection paths.
- Confirm cooling fan operation before continuous operation.
- Use ESD protection during insertion and removal.
- Verify PPCBug firmware compatibility and application software requirements before commissioning.
Buyer’s FAQ (Logistics & Compliance Focus)
Q: What HS Tariff Code is commonly used for the Motorola ?
A: VME single-board computers are commonly reviewed under HS classifications associated with electronic computing assemblies, often within 8471 categories. Final classification depends on the importing country, declared function, and customs interpretation.
Q: Why should the Country of Origin (COO) be documented for this VME board?
A: COO information supports customs clearance, supplier qualification, warranty tracking, and regulated spare inventory records. Keep the product label, serial number, and commercial paperwork together.
Q: Is shipping insurance recommended for the ?
A: Yes. This module contains processor electronics, memory assemblies, Flash devices, and precision VME connectors. Shock, humidity, or ESD exposure during transport may not be visible until system testing.
Q: Does the ship with the latest firmware pre-loaded?
A: The board includes factory boot firmware support through Flash ROM, but the final software environment depends on the installed application. Verify PPCBug revision, operating system image, and customer-specific configuration before replacement.



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