With more than four decades under its belt, VME is still in use across a range of industries and applications. While some companies have sunset entire VME-based product lines, we’ve continued to see the need to sustain and refresh systems using the architecture. Interestingly, new board designs are available from multiple sources to support those that rely on VME.
Each year, there are several companies with existing VME systems that need to migrate to a new board or implement a different I/O solution, due to product obsolescence or to incorporate improved functionality. Understanding the nuances of system upgrades and then knowing how to modify customized solutions to fill very specific needs is an intricate process.
Whereas some may think locating a particular VME board or component is like finding a needle in a haystack, Elma has focused on building out a network of partners that can offer relevant COTS products for these critical system enhancements…not only ones that support VME-based systems, but that provide enhanced board designs as well.
Bridging the Technology Gap
First and foremost, maintaining existing systems that don’t necessarily require a significant upgrade in functionality is a critical piece of the VME landscape. There are a huge number of installed and operating VME systems that still need support, tech refreshes and spare parts, not only in military applications, but also in semiconductor processing as well as other market segments.
Companies with installed VME systems need cost-effective alternatives versus having to scrap an existing system just to implement a newer architecture that may be more than what a current application truly needs in both cost and functionality.
Use Case: VME For Semiconductor Manufacturing
Many semiconductor manufacturing facilities still utilize VME-based systems to manufacture wafers and ensure precision, quality production. (Figure 1) One recent technology refresh required identifying a special purpose processor board to manage the system’s multi-axis motion control, as the original manufacturer no longer offered a board with the needed functionality.
Through its established ecosystem, Elma was able to both source a plug-in replacement, which was a derivative of the original, from within its partner network and subsequently integrate the replacement board into the customer’s existing legacy system, saving the company from an extensive architecture redesign.
New Designs Brought to Market
Recently, there has been an upsurge in new board designs across the industry, with a focus on building out needed functionality as well as enabling legacy systems access to some of the newer capabilities of more modern embedded computing. In fact, Elma alone offers 100+ VME-based products and solutions , from backplanes and processor boards to Ethernet switches and storage modules!
Examples of Elma partners who provide VME solutions include:
• Interface Concept
• AcQ International
• Concurrent Technologies
• Abaco
Additional Legacy VME Considerations
Backwards compatibility is critical as newer technologies are brought into an existing environment. Interoperability is still key, as this minimizes downtime and avoids full system requalification, while protecting decades of hardware, software and development investment.
Regardless of whether a new board design is required or if an existing board can be retrofit, there needs to be alignment between the hardware and the software. This can be a significant challenge and sometimes requires the user to move up to a newer version of the operating system they are using to support newer ICs on the replacement boards.
Future Outlook for VME
Even though end-of-life for MVME boards is finally on the books at Penguin (formerly Motorola > SMART Modular Technologies), there are still a number of available technologies, including new ARM-based SBCs, and solutions to keep VME systems up and running for years to come. Those using VME systems can have the confidence to continue to invest in the necessary upgrades and manage costs and implementation timelines that meet the needs of current VME-based systems.
Looking to update or refresh your VME system? Drop us a note to talk about a cost-effective upgrade path that protects your VME investment.
