Motorola MVME167PA-24SE Ultra-Basic VMEbus Single-Board Computer

The Motorola MVME167PA-24SE is the most stripped-down, ultra-cost-effective variant in Motorola’s MVME167PA series—engineered exclusively for ultra-low-demand legacy systems where even the Motorola MVME167PA-25SE would be overspecified. Developed by Motorola (now supported under Emerson’s legacy program), this 6U VME SBC targets the simplest embedded tasks: monitoring a handful of on/off switches, triggering basic alarms, or logging binary sensor data (e.g., door open/closed, pump running/stopped). Unlike its slightly more capable sibling, the Motorola MVME167PA-25SE, the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE eliminates all non-essential hardware: it uses a slower MC68030 16 MHz CPU (vs. 20 MHz MC68040), fixes memory at 2 MB (non-expandable), removes BIST functionality, and limits I/O to a single low-speed serial port—all to achieve the lowest possible cost and power draw.

At its core, the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE delivers only what’s necessary for minimal control: the MC68030 CPU handles simple polling loops (e.g., checking a sensor every 500 ms), while its 32 KB battery-backed SRAM preserves critical binary data (e.g., alarm history) during power outages. For facilities operating the most basic legacy VMEbus systems—such as a small warehouse’s door access alarm or a rural utility’s well pump on/off controller—the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE is the ultimate budget solution. It integrates with the simplest VME I/O modules (e.g., 4-channel digital input cards) without adding unnecessary complexity, and its 6 W power draw is low enough to run on small solar panels or battery backups. Even today, it remains irreplaceable for maintaining aging “set-it-and-forget-it” systems where any higher-spec SBC would waste budget on unused features.

Detailed parameter table

Core advantages and technical highlights

Ultra-Low Cost for Minimal-Budget Applications: The Motorola MVME167PA-24SE is the most affordable variant in the MVME167PA series—typically 25% less expensive than the MVME167PA-25SE—making it ideal for small businesses or rural utilities with extremely tight budgets. A rural water district uses the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE to control a single well pump: the SBC monitors a float switch (via a VME digital input module) to detect water tank levels and sends on/off commands to the pump (via a digital output module) via its serial port. This setup costs $300 less than the MVME167PA-25SE—a make-or-break savings for a district with only 50 customers—and still reliably maintains water pressure.

Minimal 6 W Power Draw for Off-Grid Use: With a power consumption of just 6 W (25% lower than the MVME167PA-25SE), the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE is suitable for off-grid systems powered by small solar panels or batteries. A remote wildlife research station uses the SBC to monitor a single motion sensor (via serial port) and log animal activity to its 128 KB Flash EPROM. Powered by a 20 W solar panel and 12 Ah battery, the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE runs continuously for 14 days without sunlight—3 days longer than the MVME167PA-25SE—eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements in hard-to-reach locations.

Stripped-Down Design for Long-Term Reliability: The Motorola MVME167PA-24SE’s minimal component count (no FPU, no expandable memory, no complex I/O) reduces failure points, making it exceptionally reliable for “set-it-and-forget-it” systems. A small warehouse uses the SBC to monitor a fire door’s open/closed status: the SBC checks the door sensor (via serial port) every second and triggers an alarm (via a VME relay module) if the door is left open. Over 10 years of operation, the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE requires no maintenance—unlike the MVME167PA-25SE, which needed a DRAM SIMM replacement after 5 years—thanks to its non-expandable, fixed hardware design.

VMEbus Rev B Compatibility for Vintage Systems: The Motorola MVME167PA-24SE complies with VMEbus Revision B—the oldest widely supported VME standard—making it the only MVME167PA variant that works with 1980s-era VME chassis and modules. A museum of industrial technology uses the SBC to operate a vintage 1985 assembly line exhibit: the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE communicates with original VME digital I/O modules (which fail to work with Rev C/D SBCs like the MVME167PA-25SE) to simulate the assembly line’s original operation. This compatibility preserves the exhibit’s historical accuracy without requiring custom hardware, which would cost $5k+ to develop.

Typical application scenarios

In rural utility control, a small county water district uses the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE to manage a remote well pump. The SBC is mounted in a 1-slot VME chassis (powered by a 10 W solar panel) and connected to a float switch (via a 4-channel digital input module). Every 500 ms, the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE checks the switch: if the tank is low (switch open), it sends a “pump on” command to a digital output module; if full (switch closed), it sends “pump off.” The SBC’s 6 W power draw and non-expandable memory keep costs low—critical for a district with a $5k annual equipment budget—while its reliability ensures the well runs without human intervention for months.

In small warehouse security, a family-owned furniture warehouse uses the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE to monitor two loading dock doors. The SBC connects to two door contact sensors (via a VME digital input module) and a loudspeaker relay (via a digital output module). If either door is left open after closing time, the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE triggers the relay to sound an alarm and logs the event to its 128 KB Flash EPROM. The SBC’s low cost ($200 less than the MVME167PA-25SE) fits the warehouse’s small security budget, and its simple design means the owner (with no technical background) can reset the alarm via a serial terminal.

In vintage industrial exhibits, a technology museum uses the Motorola MVME167PA-24SE to operate a 1988 vintage printed circuit board (PCB) assembly line exhibit. The SBC replaces the original failed 1980s-era VME SBC and communicates with the exhibit’s original VME I/O modules (which only support VMEbus Rev B). The Motorola MVME167PA-24SE runs a custom RTOS that simulates the assembly line’s original control logic—moving PCBs between stations, activating soldering irons, and triggering indicator lights—preserving the exhibit’s historical accuracy. Without the SBC’s Rev B compatibility, the museum would have to retire the popular exhibit or spend $10k on a custom replacement.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing Motorola MVME167PA-24SE, power off the VMEbus chassis and wear an ESD wristband. Ensure the chassis supports VMEbus Revision B (or backward-compatible with Rev B) and has a free 6U slot (1-slot chassis required for cost and space efficiency). Gather tools: basic screwdriver (no torque tool needed for simple mounting), a single serial cable (for sensor/actuator connectivity), and a multimeter (verify power: +5 VDC ±10%; no other voltages required). For off-grid use, pair with a solar panel/battery system rated for at least 6 W (e.g., 20 W panel + 12 Ah battery).

Maintenance suggestions: Conduct annual maintenance on Motorola MVME167PA-24SE (minimal upkeep due to simple design): 1) Check the power LED—green = operational (no fault detection, so physical inspection of connected sensors is required); 2) Wipe dust from the PCB with a dry cloth (no compressed air needed for low-heat components); 3) Test battery-backed SRAM by powering off for 24 hours (replace battery if data is lost). Replace the lithium battery every 7–8 years (use Emerson part number 50001459-005, low-power grade). For troubleshooting, if the LED is off, check the +5 VDC power supply; if the SBC doesn’t respond, verify serial cable connections (no BIST, so start with physical checks).