Xycom XVME Modules: XVME-500

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Xycom XVME Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Xycom XVME series represents one of the most widely deployed VMEbus-based industrial computing platforms in global heavy industry. Installed across petrochemical refineries, nuclear power stations, offshore platforms, and continuous-process chemical plants, the XVME architecture established a benchmark for ruggedized, rack-mount industrial computing from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s. Xycom's VMEbus product line was engineered to IEEE 1014 (VMEbus) standards, offering deterministic real-time performance, high electromagnetic immunity, and modular expandability suited to safety-critical environments. Following Xycom's acquisition by Radisys Corporation, the XVME series entered a managed end-of-life phase; however, installed base volumes remain substantial, sustaining a global aftermarket for spare parts, repair, and lifecycle extension services.

The Evolution of XVME Architecture

The XVME series was introduced by Xycom in the mid-1980s as a response to the industrial sector's demand for open-architecture, bus-based computing that could replace proprietary DCS backplanes. Early models such as the XVME-200 and XVME-240 established the series' I/O expansion philosophy, using the VMEbus backplane to allow heterogeneous module mixing within a single chassis. The CPU tier evolved from Motorola 68000-family processors (XVME-530, XVME-540) to higher-throughput 68040-based designs (XVME-655, XVME-670), enabling the platform to serve as a real-time controller in SCADA and DCS integration roles.

Communication architecture expanded progressively: early serial and parallel I/O modules gave way to fieldbus-capable adapters supporting PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, and Ethernet. Power supply modules, including the XVME-500, were designed for high-availability operation with wide input voltage tolerance and thermal management suited to enclosed industrial cabinets. By the late 1990s, the XVME series faced competitive pressure from PC/104 and CompactPCI platforms, leading Xycom to consolidate its catalog. The series is now classified as mature/end-of-life; no new production runs are scheduled, making aftermarket sourcing the primary supply channel for maintenance operations.

XVME Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent the core XVME series catalog, classified by functional category. All models conform to VMEbus (IEEE 1014) mechanical and electrical standards.

Power Supply Modules

• XVME-500: VMEbus power supply module, wide-range AC input, designed for 6U VME chassis power distribution.
• XVME-501: Redundant power supply variant for XVME-500 chassis, hot-swap capable in supported enclosures.

CPU / Single-Board Computer Modules

• XVME-530: Motorola 68020-based SBC, 16 MHz, onboard DRAM, VMEbus master/slave, real-time OS compatible.
• XVME-540: Motorola 68030 SBC, enhanced MMU, 25 MHz, supports VxWorks and OS-9 real-time operating systems.
• XVME-560: 68040-based CPU module, 33 MHz, integrated FPU, extended memory addressing for complex control tasks.
• XVME-655: High-performance 68040 SBC with onboard SCSI and Ethernet, targeted at data-intensive DCS node applications.
• XVME-670: 68060-based SBC, highest CPU tier in the XVME series, used in real-time supervisory control roles.
• XVME-674: Embedded Pentium-class processor module, bridging VMEbus to x86 architecture for legacy system upgrades.

Digital I/O Modules

• XVME-200: 48-channel TTL-compatible digital I/O, optically isolated inputs, used in discrete sensor interfacing.
• XVME-240: 32-channel isolated digital input module, 24 VDC field voltage, DIN rail wiring compatible.
• XVME-566: High-density digital I/O, 64 channels, configurable input/output ratio, suited to relay and valve control.

Analog I/O Modules

• XVME-600: 16-channel analog input, 12-bit ADC, ±10 V and 4–20 mA selectable, for process variable acquisition.
• XVME-620: 8-channel analog output, 12-bit DAC, 4–20 mA current loop output for actuator and valve positioner control.

Communication & Network Modules

• XVME-680: Dual-port serial communication module, RS-232/RS-422/RS-485 selectable, for SCADA host interfacing.
• XVME-690: Ethernet communication adapter, 10BASE-T, VMEbus slave interface, for network-connected DCS nodes.
• XVME-975: PROFIBUS DP master/slave module, supports up to 125 field devices per segment.
• XVME-984: Multi-protocol fieldbus interface, supports DeviceNet and CANopen, used in hybrid automation architectures.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete XVME Parts

With the XVME series fully discontinued, OEM replacement stock is no longer available through standard distribution channels. DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of tested XVME modules sourced from decommissioned plant equipment, controlled factory overstock, and verified third-party suppliers. Our procurement team actively tracks global surplus markets to maintain availability of high-demand models including the XVME-500, XVME-530, XVME-655, and XVME-600. For facilities operating extended maintenance contracts on XVME-based systems, DriveKNMS offers lifecycle extension support including module exchange programs, repair-and-return services, and long-term consignment stocking agreements. Customers are advised to submit full BOM lists to enable cross-referencing against current inventory and to identify compatible substitute modules where direct replacements are unavailable.

Quality Control for the XVME Range

All XVME modules processed by DriveKNMS undergo a structured inspection and functional test protocol specific to VMEbus architecture. Incoming units are visually inspected for PCB damage, capacitor degradation, and connector wear. Power supply modules (XVME-500 series) are bench-tested under load across the full specified input voltage range, with output ripple and regulation measured against original Xycom datasheet tolerances. CPU modules are booted under controlled conditions with known-good memory and I/O configurations to verify bus arbitration, interrupt handling, and memory addressing integrity. I/O modules are tested using dedicated VMEbus test fixtures that simulate field wiring conditions, verifying channel-by-channel accuracy for analog modules and isolation integrity for digital modules. Communication modules are validated for protocol compliance using protocol analyzers. All units are issued a test report and assigned a condition grade prior to shipment.