VMIVME-7750-746 6U VMEbus Single Board Computer, Pentium III Embedded SBC

  • VMIVME-7750-746: Pentium III VME SBC (subject model)
  • VMIVME-7750-540: Lower clock speed Pentium III variant
  • VMIVME-7750-640: Mid-frequency revision with different timing components
  • VMIVME-7750-840: High-speed version of the 7750 family
  • VMIVME-7698: Previous generation VME Pentium SBC
  • VMIVME-7807: Later-generation 6U VME single board computer
  • VMIVME-5565: VME reflective memory fiber interface card for VME racks
  • VMIVME-4150: Analog I/O VME module for signal acquisition

 

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Description

VMIVME-7750-746 6U VMEbus Single Board Computer, Pentium III Embedded SBC

 

Core Product Overview

The VMIVME-7750-746 is a 6U single-slot VMEbus single-board computer originally designed by VMIC (later acquired by GE). It uses Intel Pentium III processor and Intel 815E chipset with a transparent PCI-to-VME bridge, supporting operation either as VME system controller or secondary CPU in multi-processor VME racks. It integrates dual 10/100 Ethernet, VGA graphics, serial, USB and IDE storage interfaces, and runs common real-time operating systems for embedded control. Widely used in legacy turbine control, military, aerospace and high-reliability industrial VME systems. OEM production has long been discontinued; available stock is surplus or professionally refurbished and bench-tested spare parts.

 

Main Technical Specifications

  • Part Number: VMIVME-7750-746
  • Manufacturer: VMIC / GE
  • Form Factor: 6U VMEbus single Eurocard, VME Rev C.1 compliant
  • Processor: Intel Pentium III, 133 MHz FSB
  • Chipset: Intel 815E
  • Memory: Up to 512 MB PC133 SDRAM
  • Graphics: Onboard SVGA with 4 MB display cache, VGA output
  • Network: Dual independent 10/100 Base-T Ethernet ports
  • Onboard Peripherals: 2×RS232 serial, 2×USB, IDE, floppy, PS/2 keyboard/mouse, RTC, front-panel reset
  • VME Interface: PCI-to-VME bridge, A32/D32 master/slave, DMA and interrupt support
  • Supported OS: VxWorks, QNX, LynxOS, Linux, Windows 2000
  • Power: Powered from VME backplane (+5V, ±12V)
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ +70°C standard; extended temperature variants optional
  • Humidity: 5%–95% non-condensing
  • Certifications: CE
  • Status: Obsolete legacy VME SBC; no new OEM production, supplied as surplus or refurbished tested units

 

Same-Series Model Recommendations (8 Models)

  • VMIVME-7750-746000

Professional Quality Control & Testing Standard Operating Procedures

All surplus and refurbished VMIVME-7750-746 boards follow this inspection workflow:

  1. Visual & Connector Inspection: Check PCB, front panel connectors, VME edge fingers, capacitors, solder joints for corrosion, bent pins, burn traces or physical damage; verify part number and revision label.
  2. VME Backplane Power Bench Test: Insert into compatible 6U VME chassis, apply backplane power and confirm stable power rails without immediate fault.
  3. BIOS & Boot Validation: Confirm POST and BIOS boot sequence, read board ID and hardware version, check RTC clock function.
  4. Peripheral Interface Test: Validate dual Ethernet link, RS232 serial communication, USB enumeration, VGA video output and IDE storage detection.
  5. Memory & CPU Burn-in: Run memory test suite and CPU diagnostic software to verify SDRAM integrity and processor stability.
  6. VME Bridge Function Test: Use VMEbus diagnostic tools to test PCI-VME bridging, master/slave transfers, interrupt and DMA operation.
  7. Thermal Soak Test: Operate board at elevated cabinet temperature to expose intermittent cold-solder or component drift faults.
  8. Final Cleaning & Packaging: Clean VME edge contacts, reset BIOS defaults, apply ESD shielding and include printed test certificate.

 

New / Refurbished Board Installation Guidelines

  1. Pre-Installation Safety: Execute lockout-tagout; isolate VME chassis control power to avoid bus faults or unintended equipment operation.
  2. Chassis & Backplane Check: Confirm the VME backplane is 6U compatible, chassis grounding is secure, and fan cooling is functional.
  3. Mechanical Insertion: Align the board with VME card guides, insert smoothly into the backplane without forcing, secure front panel screws gently.
  4. Front Panel I/O Wiring: Terminate Ethernet, serial, VGA, USB and storage cables; segregate low-speed signal wiring from high-power cables to reduce EMI.
  5. System Configuration: Enter BIOS to set boot order, memory parameters and VME bridge modes; load target operating system and board support package (BSP).
  6. Pre-Commissioning Functional Test: Power the VME rack offline; verify POST, network communication, serial I/O and VME bus transfers without live field loads.
  7. System Commissioning: Integrate with other VME I/O modules, test interrupt synchronization and application runtime; archive BIOS and OS configuration.

 

Application Scenarios & Product Features

Typical Application Scenarios

  • Legacy VME-based turbine and power generation control systems
  • Aerospace and defense embedded VME computing platforms
  • Industrial real-time data acquisition and high-speed test systems
  • Retrofit spare replacement for existing VMIC/GE VME racks
  • Offline simulator and diagnostic systems for older turbomachinery controls
  • Rugged embedded control requiring VMEbus multi-card synchronization

Core Product Features

  • 6U single-slot Pentium III embedded SBC for standard VME chassis
  • Transparent PCI-to-VME bridge, capable as VME system controller or secondary CPU
  • Dual independent 10/100 Ethernet for network redundancy and host communication
  • Rich onboard peripherals: VGA, dual RS232, USB, IDE storage and real-time clock
  • Broad real-time OS support including VxWorks, QNX and Linux
  • Passively cooled Eurocard design optimized for industrial embedded racks
  • Full VMEbus master/slave, interrupt and DMA capability for multi-card systems
  • Front-panel reset switch and status indicators for local troubleshooting

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is VMIVME-7750-746 used for? A1: It is a VME single-board computer. It runs embedded operating systems and user control software inside VME chassis, acting as the main CPU or secondary processor for legacy high-reliability systems.

Q2: Can it work in any 6U VME chassis? A2: It fits standard 6U VME slots, but backplane voltage, cooling and VME revision compatibility must be verified. Older passive backplanes may require careful termination.

A3: No, this VMIC/GE VME SBC is obsolete. Available stock consists of surplus or professionally refurbished, fully bench-tested units.

Q4: What are common failure modes of this board? A4: Typical faults include ageing electrolytic capacitors causing boot instability, VME edge finger corrosion, RTC battery depletion, Ethernet PHY ESD damage, and flash/BIOS corruption after uncontrolled power loss.

Q5: Can this board be hot-swapped in a powered VME rack? A5: Standard VME does not define safe hot swap for this SBC family. Removal while powered can crash the VME bus and trigger system faults. Isolate chassis power before replacement.