MVME-133XTS MOTOROLA

Product Core Brief

Model: MVME133XTS
Brand: Motorola Computer Group
Series: MVME133 VMEbus Single Board Computers
Core Function: 16.67 MHz MC68020 processor module with extended temperature range
Product Type: Double-high VMEbus SBC
Key Specs: 1 MB DRAM | 256 KB ROM | 4 serial ports | A24/D32 VME interface
Condition: ⚠️ Obsolete, limited stock

Product Introduction

MOTOROLA MVME133XTS delivers 16.67 MHz MC68020 processor performance with MC68881 FPU in extended temperature VMEbus format for harsh industrial and military embedded applications. The double-high SBC provides 1 MB shared DRAM, four socketed ROM/EPROM positions, four EIA-232 serial channels, and A24/D32 VME master/slave capability with system controller functions.

The module includes MVME133BUG debug monitor, tick timer, watchdog, battery-backed clock/calendar, and front panel diagnostics for field deployment. Engineers specify the XTS variant when −40 °C to +85 °C operation exceeds standard 0–55 °C MVME133 boundaries while maintaining full VMEbus compatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the MVME133XTS support hot-swapping in a live VME chassis?
A: Honestly, VMEbus lacks hot-swap standards and this board draws 5 A maximum at +5 V under load. Removing a live SBC drops all serial channels and VME arbitration instantly, risking backplane damage. Power down the crate completely, verify all rails discharge safely, confirm no bus grant conflicts from adjacent boards, and reseat with firm pressure before power restoration.

Q: Is the MVME133XTS obsolete, and is there a direct replacement?
A: The entire MVME133 family represents 1980s 68020-era technology with no pin-compatible Motorola successor. Modern migration targets PowerPC or x86 VME SBCs but demands complete RTOS rebuild (VxWorks/OS-9), VME driver rewrite, and peripheral remapping. For field spares, source verified MVME133XTS from trusted channels and cross-check EPROM population against reference boards before last-time-buy.

Q: Will I lose firmware when replacing the MVME133XTS board?
A: All firmware lives in four socketed 28-pin JEDEC positions (two 16-bit banks)—engineers frequently damage these during board swaps. Use professional EPROM programmer to archive all four devices with checksum verification before removal, document exact population (2K×8 through 64K×8 devices), and transfer to identical sockets on replacement hardware. Verify MVME133BUG POST passes before application load.

Q: Are these units factory-new or refurbished?
A: New Surplus delivers factory-unused boards from decommissioned military spares or OEM overproduction, often lacking Motorola packaging but with zero thermal cycles. Refurbished MVME133XTS carries decades-old DRAM risk plus potential quartz crystal degradation; require vendor proof of full 1 MB memory march test, QUART serial loopback on all four channels, VMEbus arbitration cycles, and 1000-hour burn-in at 85 °C edge before acceptance.