Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIVME-9064/32-461 Intelligent I/O Controller

The Abaco Systems / VMIC VMIVME-9064/32-461 is an Intelligent I/O Controller (IIOC) designed for VMEbus architectures. This embedded host IIOC offloads I/O scanning, scaling computations, and engineering unit conversion from the host processor, improving system performance and reducing maintenance overhead. Built on a 68040 family microprocessor, it communicates with external host computers via a memory-mapped interface and Reflective Memory board.

Technical Specifications

• Processor: 68040 family microprocessor


• Memory: 16 MB shared DRAM, 32-bit wide, VMEbus-accessible


• Architecture: VMEbus with memory-mapped host interface


• Host Communication: Memory-mapped control window and interrupt-driven command scheme; host initializes RM allocation page; IIOC accesses control window and buffer space using node number


• Command Processing: Supports command list processing to minimize host interaction during real-time operations


• System Controller Functions: Four-level arbiter, system clock driver, interrupt acknowledge daisy chain driver, system reset driver, VMEbus clear driver


• Firmware Capabilities: I/O scanning, output updating, EU and data-type conversions, fault detection, isolation, and error reporting


• Chassis Support: Up to 15 total chassis (0–14) with maximum 280 I/O boards; up to 12 I/O chassis (1–12) with maximum 228 I/O boards

Key Features

• Real-time I/O scanning and data conversion without host intervention


• Integrated VMEbus system controller functionality


• Scalable multi-chassis architecture supporting up to 280 I/O boards


• Deterministic command list execution for predictable real-time performance


• Full fault detection and error reporting in firmware

Typical Applications Industrial automation, process control, data acquisition systems, and simulation and training environments requiring deterministic I/O handling and reduced host processor load.

Compatibility & Integration Requires Abaco Reflective Memory products (VMIVME-5550, -5565, -5576, or -5588) for host communication. Operates as a co-resident controller on VMEbus backplanes with Motorola MVME143S-2 or MVME162-202 VMEbus single board computers running VMIC IIOC firmware.