The GE VMIVME-7807RC is a high-performance, single-slot VMEbus single-board computer (SBC) designed for demanding industrial, aerospace, and defense applications. This embedded CPU board leverages the power of the Intel Pentium M processor to provide a robust computing platform capable of handling complex real-time processing tasks. Its ruggedized design ensures reliability in harsh environments, making it a cornerstone for legacy VME system upgrades and high-availability control architectures.

 

Product Parameters and Datasheet

General Specifications

• Model Number: VMIVME-7807RC
• Full Part Number: VME-7807RC-412000-350 (93007807-412000G)
• Processor: Intel Pentium M (typically clocked at 1.1 GHz to 1.8 GHz depending on specific sub-version)
• Architecture: VME64 (VMEbus Specification Rev. C.1)
• Manufacturer: GE Fanuc / Abaco Systems
• Country of Origin: USA

Physical and Environmental Characteristics

• Dimensions: 6U VMEbus Standard (Single Slot)
• Weight: 0.72 kg (1.59 lbs)
• Memory: Up to 2GB DDR SDRAM (ECC support)
• Flash Storage: Onboard CompactFlash socket and dedicated BIOS Flash
• I/O Ports: Dual Gigabit Ethernet, Dual Serial (RS-232), Dual USB 2.0, and VGA Output
• Operating Temperature: 0 to +55 degrees Celsius (Standard air-cooled)

Application Fields

The VMIVME-7807RC is engineered for high-reliability embedded computing:

• Aerospace and Defense: Flight simulation, radar signal processing, and mission control systems.
• Industrial Automation: Central processing unit for large-scale PLC and DCS architectures.
• Transportation: Signaling and control for high-speed rail and maritime navigation systems.
• Energy Sector: Data acquisition and monitoring in power generation and grid distribution.

 

Product Instructions

For successful deployment and maintenance of the VMIVME-7807RC, please observe the following:

• Module Insertion: Ensure the VME chassis is powered off before insertion. Use the ejector handles to seat the board firmly into the P1 and P2 backplane connectors.
• BIOS Configuration: Access the BIOS setup via the serial console or a connected VGA monitor to configure boot priority (e.g., booting from CompactFlash vs. Network).
• Thermal Management: Given the Pentium M’s performance, ensure that the VME rack provides adequate airflow (minimum 300 LFM recommended) to prevent thermal throttling.
• Firmware Updates: Always backup existing CMOS settings before attempting to flash the BIOS or PLD firmware to ensure system recovery paths.

 

Common Questions and Answers (Q&A)

Q: Does the VMIVME-7807RC support Windows or Linux? A: Yes, it is fully compatible with Windows XP/7 Embedded, Linux, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) like VxWorks and QNX, thanks to its standard x86 architecture.

Q: What does the “G” suffix in the part number 93007807-412000G signify? A: The “G” typically indicates RoHS compliance (lead-free), adhering to modern environmental standards for electronic equipment.

Q: Can I expand the memory on this board? A: Memory is generally factory-installed as DDR SDRAM. Expanding memory in the field is not recommended as it may require specific timing configurations in the BIOS.

 

Related Industry News

The VMEbus market is currently experiencing a “long-tail” lifecycle trend. While newer architectures like VPX have emerged, the VMIVME-7807RC remains in high demand as a “drop-in” replacement for aging VME systems that cannot undergo a complete redesign due to certification costs. Recent industry reports indicate that GE and Abaco Systems continue to support these boards for critical infrastructure sectors, emphasizing cybersecurity hardening at the BIOS level. This allows plant managers to modernize their processing power while keeping their existing physical VME backplane infrastructure intact, significantly reducing downtime and upgrade costs.

 

Recommended Similar Models

1. GE VMIVME-7750 – An earlier Pentium III based VME CPU board, often the predecessor to the 7807RC.
2. GE VMIVME-7805 – A similar 6U SBC with slightly different I/O and processor speed ratings.
3. Abaco VME-7810 – The next-generation successor featuring Core 2 Duo technology for higher throughput.
4. GE VMIVME-5565 – A Reflective Memory node board often used in clusters alongside the 7807RC.
5. GE VMIVME-7697 – A dual-slot VME CPU solution for applications requiring specialized legacy I/O support.