VMEbus Technology
In today’s fast-paced world, computers are constantly evolving and pushing the boundaries of technological advancements. To keep up with the ever-changing landscape, it’s crucial to stay informed and updated. At ESI Technologies, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve, which is why we’re here to introduce you to the remarkable world of VMEbus technology.
What exactly is VMEbus technology, you ask? Well, let us demystify it for you. VMEbus is a computer bus standard that gained immense popularity in the past and continues to play a pivotal role in various industries even today. It serves as a reliable and efficient communication backbone for computer systems, enabling seamless interactions with servers and other cutting-edge technologies.
Now, you might be wondering, which industries harness the incredible potential of VMEbus technology? The answer is simple: a multitude of sectors across the globe rely on this remarkable computer technology.
What is VMEbus?
The minds behind VMEbus at Motorola began developing the technology in the early 1980s, but it was in 1987 that VME became standardized as a computer bus for embedded applications. The IEC standardized it as ANSI/IEEE 1014-1987.
VMEbus stands for Versa Module Europa or Versa Module Eurocard bus. VMEbus was created originally because if you wanted to purchase a computer before the 1980s, you had to shop for several components to get the computer to work and have all the different parts communicate effectively with one another.
When the desktop computer came out in the 1970s, they had small microprocessors that not only cut the price of the computer but the size of it too. Once desktops came out, many companies started trying to use them for industrial control systems.
VMEbus was designed in 1981 and featured microprocessor technology and a Eurocard packaging system, which were great off-the-shelf technologies. This made VMEbus a great technology that was versatile and able to be used in different fields like medical, research, industrial, transport, and defense applications worldwide.
The VMEbus system features three main parts that allow the technology to function properly. The three components of the VME system are the controller, master, and slave.
The VME controller has one main job: to control the bus, hence the name. When the controller receives a signal with a request from the master, it will grant or deny access to the bus. Besides controlling access for requests, it handles all interruptions to the bus.
When the controller receives an interruption on an IRQ line, it will process the interruption and then handle it appropriately. Something important to know about VME technology is that there can only be one controller on the VMEbus.
The VME board works with both the controller and slave component of the VMEbus. The master is the part of the system that communicates directly with the controller with requests. It drives the address and data bus, which helps it perform data transfers to the slave board.
Unlike the controller, there can be more than one master on the VMEbus, but if there are multiple masters, only one can send requests to the controller at one time.
The last component of the VME system is the slave. The slave is responsible for monitoring the address and data of the computer or server it's installed on. It assesses all the reads and writes sent to the system. The slave will decode an address and then take that information and output it onto the data bus for it to read.
Something else that the slave component can do is create interruptions. It will do this for any IRQ lines over seven. When the slave generates interruptions, the controller then takes over. Like the master, there can be several slave boards on any VMEbus system.
What sets VMEbus technology apart from others, at least at the time, is the number of pins on the board. It will come with 96 or 160 pins depending on the specific VMEbus. The number of pins helps increase the speed of the computer or server it's working on. Most boards come with 160 pins nowadays.
VMEbus Standards
VITA is the standards body that owns the VME specification. The design of VMEbus aimed to have specific electrical and mechanical system factors. These specifications help devices with their reliability and unambiguously communicate with all the other VME boards of a computer so the system's architect can optimize performance.
The VMEbus specifications can work as a framework for a computer, so it can use a single or multiprocessor system. There have been several standards for the VMEbus technology over the years that are all set forth by VITA to ensure the technology functions properly.
Motorola developed the technology in 1981, but in 1982 there were several revisions to improve the electrical specifications and redefine the standards. The 1982 revisions brought about the IEC 297 standard, and then later in the year, the French branch of the IEC suggested further modifications for the international standard of VME.
The standard IEC SC47B came about and helped create the blanket standard of VME technology for the international community. By 1993, the standards had yet again been reevaluated by the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Standards Board.
The IEEE went through various drafts of the revisions and landed on the ANSI/IEEE 1014-1987 standards. In 1987, there was a committee under VITA, with direction from the IEEE, to create military standards for the technology. These standards created the DY4 systems, and ANSI/IEEE-1001.2-1992 was officially released for military use in 1992.
In 1992 and the early 1990s brought several standard enhancements to the VMEbus technology. Engineers began implementing high-speed serial and sub-buses so that people could use I/O interconnections. These new standards helped prepare the technology for use on message switch borders, small multiprocessors, and routers.
VMEbus Uses
This technology has an abundance of uses and applications. For the most part, the technology is tailored to specific applications within different fields, which is one of the many reasons it's a popular and widely used computer bus.
Most people are surprised to see how many different fields utilize VME technology. It's not just for engineering and computer fields. Here are some of the most popular VMEbus uses:
Aerospace: Avionics, in-flight videos, fly-by control systems, spacecraft control, missile countdowns, and more. When it comes to industries where precision, reliability, and security are paramount, VMEbus technology shines. Aerospace and defense organizations leverage its robust capabilities to ensure smooth operation of mission-critical systems, such as avionics, radar, and communication equipment.
General Business: Copy machines, printers, network routers, and servers
High Energy Physics: Particle detectors and accelerators
Industrial Controls: In the realm of industrial automation, VMEbus technology has become a cornerstone. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with a vast array of sensors, controllers, and machinery empowers manufacturing processes, enabling enhanced efficiency, real-time monitoring, and precise control. From automotive assembly lines to complex robotics, VMEbus forms the backbone of industrial automation, driving productivity to new heights.
Medical: MRI and CAT scan imaging and acoustical systems. The medical and scientific fields demand high-speed data acquisition, reliable instrumentation, and real-time analysis. VMEbus technology steps up to the challenge, offering the necessary bandwidth and flexibility to support advanced imaging systems, sophisticated laboratory equipment, and intricate research applications.
Military: Ground radar, flight radar, communications, battlefield command control systems, avionics, etc.
Simulation: Earthquakes, airplane flights, military simulations, and metal fatigue
Telecom: The telecommunication industry relies on rapid data transfer, faultless networking, and unparalleled scalability. VMEbus technology rises to the occasion, providing the ideal solution for telecommunication infrastructure. It facilitates seamless communication between diverse network elements, ensuring swift transmission of voice, video, and data. From cellular networks to fiber optic systems, VMEbus enables uninterrupted connectivity in the digital age.
Transportation: Light-rail systems, railway controls, and intelligent highway systems
Benefits of VMEbus
So, what makes using VMEbus so beneficial? There are several reasons why many choose to use this technology for their computer systems.
A VME board typically comes equipped to test and operate under harsh environmental factors. These include operating under difficult factors like shocks, vibrations, and higher temperatures. Using VMEbus is a low-risk solution when you want to upgrade your system without getting new architecture.
Another significant benefit of VMEbus is that it tends to be a very cost-effective solution for I/O systems that don't require throughput transfer.
Compared to other computer systems, VME technology has more beneficial components. The main benefits of using VMEbus technology include higher data transfer rates, better multiprocessor support, and a larger slot capacity. Faster data transfers are critical for many of the industries that utilize the technology.
Conclusion
The VMEbus technology created by Motorola might be over 40 years old, but this brilliant technology set the standard for several computer systems around the world. With being able to be used in various industries like military, medical, telecommunications, and more, this superior technology is a top choice.
While some industries have since departed from using VMEbus technology, it's still getting plenty of use in the military sector and others. VMEbus has excellent capabilities like high-end data transfer and can serve the technological needs our world has.
If you are searching for VMEbus technology, we have a range of different semiconductors and VME boards here at ESI Technologies. Browse our selection or contact us to see how we can help.
FAQs
There's much to learn about VMEbus technology because it has several uses and a rich history. Here's what other curious people are asking about the technology.
What is VMEbus used for?
Motorola developed VMEbus for use in machine vision systems, automatic robots, and instrument controllers. It's used across several industries like telecommunications, aerospace, transit, and more.
Is VME still used?
Specific industrial applications are still using VME. Typically, those who rely on multiprocessors for their applications are still using VMEbus. While many telecommunications and other industries have upgraded to different technology, many military sectors still depend heavily on VMEbus technology.
What is a VME backplane?
A VME backplane is scalable, and the features address widths such as A01-A15, A01-A31, A01-A23, or A01-A40. The data widths on the VME backplane are either D00-D23, D00-D07, D00-D31, D00-D15, or D00-D63.
What is the VME system?
The VMEbus system is a three-part system. It features the controller, master, and slave. Each portion has its own job, which helps communications flow through the system. There can only be one controller in the system, but there can be several master and slave boards.
