Description
Key Technical Specifications
- Product Model: VME172PA-652SE
- Manufacturer: GE Fanuc (Motorola Embedded)
- Processor: MC68060 @ 64 MHz
- Memory: 16MB SDRAM (Configurable)
- Storage: 2MB Flash, 128KB SRAM (Battery Backed)
- Bus Interface: VME64 (A16/A24/A32)
- I/O Expansion: 2 IP (IndustryPack) Slots
- NVRAM: 8KB with Real-Time Clock
- Operating Temp: 0°C to +70°C (Convection)
- Form Factor: 6U VME
Product Introduction
You’re staring at a rack full of legacy VME64 hardware, and the main controller just threw a fatal bus error. The GE VME172PA-652SE is the exact 6U SBC you need to get that backplane talking again. It’s a Motorola MVME172PA series board, rebranded under GE Fanuc, running a 64MHz MC68060 processor. This isn’t some generic replacement; it’s the specific high-performance variant with 16MB of SDRAM and dual IndustryPack slots for custom I/O.
Why does this specific suffix matter? The “-652SE” denotes the memory configuration and flash size. Swap in a “-602” and your application won’t even load because it’s looking for 16MB and finds 8. This board bridges the gap between old 68k code and VME64 bandwidth. Honestly, finding these in working condition is getting harder every quarter. If you have a critical VME64 system running 68060 code, this is your lifeline.
Troubleshooting Quick Reference
- System Hangs at Boot: 60% chance it’s a dead NVRAM battery. Check the RTC voltage. If <2.5V, replace the battery and reload config.
- VME Bus Timeout: 70% chance of backplane pin damage. Inspect the P1/P2 connectors for bent pins. Reseat firmly.
- Memory Errors in POST: Bad SDRAM or seating issue. Reseat the module. If it persists, the SDRAM chips might have failed (common in 20+ year old boards).
- IP Slot Not Detected: Check IP module seating and termination. Verify the VME172PA-652SE DIP switches match your IP module addressing.
- No Video/Console: Verify serial port configuration. The console might be on a different port or baud rate than your terminal expects.
GE VME172PA-652SE
Application Scenarios & Pain Points
- Legacy VME64 Control Systems: Power plants and steel mills running 20-year-old VME64 racks. Pain point: OEM support is gone, and finding a matching 64MHz/16MB config is a needle in a haystack.
- IndustrialPack Expansion: Systems using custom IP modules for analog I/O or serial comms. Pain point: The IP slot on the VME172PA-652SE is the only way to keep those custom cards alive without a full system rewrite.
- 68060 Code Migration: Projects stuck on MC68060 assembly/C. Pain point: Porting to PowerPC or x86 costs $100k+. Keeping the VME172PA-652SE running costs a fraction of that.
