SBS 85853637-001 VME Card Modules

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

SBS Technologies VME Card Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The SBS Technologies (formerly Bit 3 Computer) VMEbus card series represents one of the most widely deployed embedded computing and I/O module platforms in global heavy industry. SBS VME cards are installed across chemical processing plants, nuclear power facilities, oil refineries, and continuous-process manufacturing environments where long-lifecycle hardware stability is a non-negotiable operational requirement. The VMEbus (IEEE 1014) backplane architecture underpins these modules, providing deterministic real-time data transfer at up to 40 MB/s across a 32-bit or 64-bit address/data bus. SBS Technologies was acquired by GE Fanuc Automation (later GE Intelligent Platforms, now Emerson) in 2006, making long-term spare parts sourcing a critical concern for installed-base operators.

The Evolution of VME Card Architecture

The VMEbus standard was ratified in 1981 as a collaboration between Motorola, Signetics, Mostek, and Thomson. SBS Technologies entered the VME market in the early 1990s with a focus on PCI-to-VME bridge cards and single-board computers (SBCs). The architectural evolution of the SBS VME line spans four distinct generations:

Generation 1 (1991–1997): 32-bit VME, A24/A32 address space, D16/D32 data width. Primary use in SCADA front-end processors and DCS I/O concentrators. Representative SKUs include the Model 403 and Model 617 PCI-VME bridges.

Generation 2 (1997–2002): Introduction of 2eVME (two-edge VME) and 64-bit data transfers. SBS expanded into single-board computers with PowerPC and Intel x86 processors. Compatibility with VxWorks, LynxOS, and Windows NT real-time operating systems was standardized in this period.

Generation 3 (2002–2006): Integration of GigE, USB 2.0, and Serial RapidIO on VME carrier boards. The 85853637-001 VME Card belongs to this generation, designed for high-density I/O aggregation in process control backplanes. This era also saw the introduction of VITA 41 (VXS) hybrid backplane compatibility.

Post-Acquisition (2006–present): Following the GE Fanuc acquisition, new firmware releases ceased for most SBS VME SKUs by 2012. The installed base remains active in brownfield facilities. Replacement with COTS VPX (VITA 65) or CompactPCI Serial modules requires full backplane redesign, making like-for-like spare parts the preferred maintenance strategy for most operators.

SBS VME Card Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent verified, commonly sourced models within the SBS Technologies VMEbus product family. Each entry includes a concise functional descriptor for procurement and engineering reference.

85853637-001: VME I/O carrier card, high-density backplane interface module
617-1: PCI-to-VME bridge, single-slot, 132 MB/s peak transfer rate
617-2: PCI-to-VME bridge, dual-slot, extended address mapping support
403-1: ISA-to-VME bridge card, legacy DCS front-end interface
946: VME single-board computer, PowerPC 7410, 400 MHz, VxWorks compatible
947: VME SBC, Intel Pentium M, 1 GHz, dual GigE, CompactFlash boot
948: VME SBC, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.16 GHz, XMC expansion site
618-1: cPCI-to-VME bridge, 3U, 64-bit VME master/slave
618-2: cPCI-to-VME bridge, 6U, extended DMA engine, scatter-gather support
741: VME-to-PCI transparent bridge, A32/D32, BLT/MBLT capable
742: VME-to-PCI bridge with on-board FIFO, interrupt routing logic
864: VME digital I/O module, 64-channel TTL, optically isolated
865: VME analog input module, 16-channel, 16-bit ADC, ±10V range
866: VME analog output module, 8-channel, 14-bit DAC, 4–20 mA
921: VME serial communications module, 4-port RS-232/422/485
922: VME ARINC 429 interface, 4 Rx / 2 Tx channels, avionics/process hybrid
923: VME MIL-STD-1553B dual-redundant bus controller card
SBS-VXS-1: VITA 41 VXS switch card, VME64x backplane compatible

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete VME Card Parts

SBS Technologies VME modules entered end-of-life status progressively between 2008 and 2014 following the GE Fanuc integration. Official factory support, firmware updates, and new-build availability from the OEM supply chain are no longer available for the majority of SKUs in this series, including the 85853637-001.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of SBS VME spare parts sourced through authorized secondary market channels, decommissioned system buybacks, and verified distributor networks. Our lifecycle extension support for the SBS VME series includes:

- New-surplus stock: Unused modules in original OEM packaging, stored in climate-controlled ESD-safe facilities.
- Refurbished units: Fully tested, reconditioned modules with documented repair history and 12-month operational warranty.
- Exchange program: Core-exchange service for failed units, reducing lead time for critical plant maintenance windows.
- Long-term supply agreements: Reserved inventory contracts for operators managing multi-year maintenance schedules on SBS VME-based DCS platforms.

For operators planning system migrations, DriveKNMS also provides cross-reference analysis to identify compatible modern alternatives where direct substitution is feasible without full backplane redesign.

Quality Control for the VME Card Range

SBS VMEbus modules present specific test challenges due to their backplane-dependent signal integrity requirements and proprietary bus arbitration logic. DriveKNMS applies the following test protocol to all SBS VME units prior to shipment:

- Backplane continuity test: All P1/P2 connector pins verified against OEM pinout specifications using automated bed-of-nails fixtures.
- Bus arbitration validation: Module inserted into a live VME64x test chassis; bus request (BR), bus grant (BG), and bus busy (BBSY) signal timing verified against IEEE 1014-1987 tolerances.
- DMA transfer integrity: Block transfer (BLT) and multiplexed block transfer (MBLT) cycles executed at rated bandwidth; data integrity verified via CRC comparison.
- Thermal stress screening: 4-hour burn-in at 55°C operating temperature to screen latent component failures.
- Firmware version verification: EPROM/Flash firmware revision logged and matched to OEM revision history documentation.
- Visual and mechanical inspection: PCB, connector, and faceplate inspected for corrosion, pin damage, and mechanical deformation per IPC-A-610 Class 2 criteria.

All test results are documented and shipped with each unit as a quality record.

For procurement inquiries, cross-reference requests, or long-term supply agreements for SBS VME Card modules including 85853637-001: