Emerson / Motorola / Force Computers PowerCore-6604E VME Module

The PowerCore-6604E is a single-slot VMEbus CPU module built on PowerPC architecture for demanding real-time control, data acquisition, and communication tasks in industrial and embedded systems. This 6U VME64x-compatible module delivers flexible processing power through selectable PowerPC 603e or 604e processors, field-upgradeable memory, and dual PMC expansion slots for I/O modularity. It addresses telecommunications, industrial control, and command & control (C3I) applications with multi-OS support and comprehensive I/O interfaces.

Technical Specifications

Processor Options: PowerPC 603e (120 MHz, 16 KB L1 cache) or PowerPC 604e (up to 200 MHz, 32 KB L1 cache)

Performance (SPEC95): 603e: 3.0 SPECint95 / 2.2 SPECfp95; 604e: 7.4 SPECint95 / 5.8 SPECfp95

L2 Cache: Optional onboard cache

Memory: Onboard DRAM with field-upgradeable modules; 8 KB x 8 NVRAM; time-of-day clock with battery backup

Expansion: Two PMC slots (IEEE P1386.1 compatible)

Timers: Four 32-bit timers; one watchdog timer

Form Factor: Single-slot 6U VMEbus, 160 mm depth, P1/P2 connectors (VME64x compatible)

Key Features

Dual PowerPC processor options optimize cost and performance trade-offs

Two PMC slots enable graphics, storage, and specialized I/O without redesign

Field-upgradeable memory architecture supports system scaling

Battery-backed time-of-day clock maintains timing across power cycles

Supports VME64 extensions for higher-throughput backplane operation

Typical Applications

Real-time control systems and embedded data acquisition

Telecommunications infrastructure and equipment

Industrial automation and process monitoring

Military and aerospace command & control systems

Compatibility & Integration

Operating Systems: CHORUS/Classix, LynxOS, OSE Delta, pSOSystem, VRTX/OS, VxWorks/Tornado

Interfaces: Ethernet, serial (async and sync/async variants), parallel, floppy, keyboard, mouse

Standards: VMEbus, VME64, PMC (PCI Mezzanine Card)