Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIVME-5576-000 Fiber-Optic Reflective Memory with Interrupts

The Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIVME-5576-000 is a VMEbus-compatible fiber-optic reflective memory card enabling deterministic, real-time data sharing across distributed systems. Supporting up to 256 nodes over a daisy-chain ring topology, this single-slot 6U card delivers transparent data transfer without host processor overhead - ideal for aerospace, industrial control, and scientific applications demanding low-latency synchronization.

Technical Specifications

• Maximum nodes: 256 independent systems


• Maximum inter-node distance: 2,000 m (6,560 ft)


• Data transfer rate: 6.2 Mbyte/s (standard); 3.2 Mbyte/s (redundant)


• Network topology: Daisy chain ring


• Fiber-optic media: 62.5 μm multimode core; 1,300 nm transmitter wavelength; 170 Mbaud serial rate


• Error detection and redundant transmission supported


• Software-transparent operation; zero I/O overhead On-Board Memory


• Configurable capacity: 256 Kbyte, 512 Kbyte, or 1 Mbyte SDRAM/SRAM


• Local SRAM provides fast read access; writes buffered in SDRAM then broadcast VMEbus Interface


• Form factor: 6U single-slot card (160 mm height)


• Compliance: ANSI/IEEE STD 1014-1987, IEC 821/297


• Address modes: A24/A32; data modes: D32/D16/D08 (even-only)


• DMA-capable bus master/slave operation


• User-definable interrupt levels and vectors; any node generates interrupts on any/all remote nodes with data delivery ordering Data Buffering


• Transmit and receive FIFOs optimize CPU and bus performance during peak-rate operation Node Identification


• Jumper-selectable unique ID per node (0–255 range) Environmental & Physical


• Operating temperature: 0 to +55 °C


• Storage temperature: −40 to +85 °C


• Weight: 0.5–0.7 kg


• Connectors: Front-panel multimode fiber-optic ports (SC/LC variants); ST-compatible Power


• Supply: +5 VDC from VME backplane


• Consumption: <15 W typical; 5.0 A maximum at +5 VDC

Key Features

• Fiber-optic immunity to electromagnetic noise and RFI


• Transparent, low-latency data synchronization across extended distances


• Configurable redundant transmission for error suppression


• FIFO buffering eliminates CPU bottlenecks during burst transfers

Typical Applications

• Real-time aerospace telemetry and control systems


• Industrial distributed control networks


• Scientific data acquisition and correlation


• Multi-node systems requiring deterministic timing

Compatibility & Integration Fully VMEbus-compliant with standard 6U form factor. Integrates into existing VME backplanes without modifications. Multimode SC/LC fiber connectors support field-standard ST cable assemblies.