Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIVME-5504M RS-485 VMEbus Repeater Link Master Board

The VMIVME-5504M is an RS-485 VMEbus Repeater Link Master Board that extends VMEbus communication across distributed chassis architectures over distances up to 1,000 feet (305 meters). Operating as the master element in a repeater link system, it connects up to 16 slave-only VMEbus chassis while maintaining software transparency - no special drivers required. The board supports 8-, 16-, and 32-bit VMEbus data transfers with 16-bit addressing, making it ideal for applications requiring geographically separated I/O control.

Technical Specifications

• Model: VMIVME-5504M


• Manufacturer: Abaco Systems / VMIC


• Form Factor: Double Eurocard with DIN-type I/O connectors


• Communication Protocol: RS-485 differential serial


• VMEbus Data Transfers: 8-bit, 16-bit, 32-bit


• VMEbus Addressing: 16-bit


• Maximum Extension Distance: 1,000 feet (305 meters)


• Slave Chassis Support: Up to 16 per master board


• Common-Mode Noise Rejection: ±7 V


• VMEbus Cycle Delay (10-ft cables): Read 340 ns; Write 380 ns


• Power (Master): +5 VDC @ 2.0 A max; ±12 VDC @ 50 mA max


• Power (Slave): +5 VDC @ 2.1 A max


• MTBF: 243,100 hours (MIL-HDBK-217F)


• Operating Temperature: 0 to 65 °C


• Storage Temperature: -40 to 85 °C


• Operating Altitude: Up to 3,000 m

Key Features

• Differential line drivers and receivers ensure signal integrity in electrically noisy industrial environments


• Software-transparent operation eliminates custom driver requirements


• Automatic slave chassis reset upon master power loss or link cable disconnection


• Power-on reset provided by slave board during slave chassis startup


• Single pair cable assembly with cable taps simplifies interconnection

Typical Applications

• Multi-chassis VMEbus systems requiring extended I/O control


• Distributed industrial test and measurement architectures


• Remote data acquisition systems spanning facility distances

Compatibility & Integration Operates exclusively with VMIVME-5504 Slave boards. Compatible with standard VMEbus systems supporting the specified data transfer widths and addressing scheme.