Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Model | VMIVME-7750-734001 (350-027750-734001 K) |
| Manufacturer | GE Intelligent Platforms |
| Form Factor | 6U VMEbus, single board computer |
| CPU | PowerPC 750, 350 MHz |
| Memory | 128 MB SDRAM soldered; 32 MB onboard flash |
| VMEbus Interface | VME64, A16/A24/A32 addressing, master/slave |
| Network Ports | Dual 10/100 Mbps Ethernet |
| Serial Ports | 2 × RS232 |
| Expansion | PMC site for mezzanine card |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +55 °C, forced air cabinet cooling |
| Power Draw | +5 V, +3.3 V from VME backplane; typical 18 W |
| Real-Time Clock | Battery-backed RTC with user nonvolatile storage |
| Supported OS | VxWorks, Linux, QNX |
Product Introduction
The VMIVME-7750 is a 6U VMEbus single board computer built for embedded real-time control systems. It executes application software and handles VMEbus data transfers with other VME I/O boards in industrial racks.
The onboard PMC slot adds flexibility for custom I/O or communication interfaces. Dual Ethernet ports support network redundancy, and the soldered memory reduces vibration-related memory connection failures common in machine or rugged cabinet installations.
Installation & Configuration Guide
Preparation (10 min)
- Power down the target VME rack slot. Verify VME backplane +5V and +3.3V rail stability.
- Gather ESD wrist strap, VME chassis extraction handles, and boot/OS image files.
- Inspect board front panel, VME edge connector, and PMC slot for bent pins or component damage.
Removal (5–10 min)
- Loosen the front panel thumb screws. Pull the board outward using extraction levers.
- Disconnect front panel Ethernet and serial cables.
- Place removed board immediately into anti-static packaging.
Installation (10 min)
- Attach ESD strap to grounded cabinet frame.
- Align board with VME card guides, push fully into backplane until front panel seats flush.
- Tighten thumb screws. Reconnect Ethernet and serial cables.
Power-On & Test (10 min)
- Restore rack power. Observe power and heartbeat LEDs.
- Connect serial console terminal at 9600 baud, 8-N-1. Confirm boot firmware output.
- Load target OS image; verify VMEbus master access and Ethernet link operation.
Troubleshooting Quick Reference
| Symptom | Likely Root | Recommended Check |
|---|---|---|
| No heartbeat LED after power up | Backplane power missing or shorted component | Measure VME backplane rails; re-seat board |
| Serial console shows no boot messages | Wrong baud rate, loose serial cable or failed RTC battery | Confirm terminal settings; replace coin cell battery |
| VMEbus access fails to other cards | VME arbitration or address space misconfiguration | Check VME address map in firmware; verify backplane termination |
| One Ethernet port fails link | Damaged magnetics or incorrect cable type | Swap cable; test with known-good Ethernet cable |
| System crashes under continuous VME traffic | Overheating or insufficient airflow | Verify cabinet fan operation; check component thermal buildup |
Dimensions, Mounting & Wiring Notes
- H×W×D: 233.35 mm × 20 mm × 160 mm (6U VME standard)
- Mounting: 6U horizontal VME rack slot, card guides, front panel thumb screw retention
- Terminal notes: Front panel RJ45 Ethernet and DB9 serial connectors. Use shielded Ethernet cables for noisy industrial environments. Maintain minimum 20 mm clearance above the board for airflow. Replace the RTC coin cell every 5 years to prevent configuration loss.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use this SBC without a PMC mezzanine card? A: Yes. The PMC slot is optional. The board boots and operates normally with no PMC module installed.
- Q: What operating systems are supported for VMIVME-7750? A: VxWorks, Linux, and QNX. Confirm OS BSP version matches your specific hardware revision.
- Q: I am replacing a VMIVME-7750. Can I reuse my existing boot image? A: Usually yes. Validate the BSP supports the -734001 variant. Run a serial console boot test after swap.
- Q: Does this board support VME64 transfers? A: Yes, it implements VME64 protocol for 64-bit data transfers when paired with compatible VME64 backplane and slave boards.
- Q: What is the function of the heartbeat LED? A: The heartbeat LED pulses once the boot firmware starts executing. A steady off state means the board has not begun boot.
- Q: Can I hot swap this board in a live VME rack? A: No. VMEbus does not support hot swap for this SBC model. Power down the rack slot before insertion or removal.
- Q: I see random memory read errors under vibration. What should I check? A: This variant uses soldered SDRAM, so loose memory modules are not possible. Inspect the VME edge connector for wear and backplane contact integrity.
