GE VMIVME-4116 8-Channel 16-Bit VMEbus DAC Board

Product Description

The GE VMIVME-4116 is a high-precision 8-channel 16-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) board designed for VMEbus-based industrial, aerospace, and defense systems, delivering reliable analog output for real-time control, data acquisition, and test & measurement applications. As part of GE’s VMIC Megamodule series, it features 8 independent DAC channels with 16-bit resolution, ±10 V bipolar output range, and a settling time of ≤10 µs to within ½ LSB, ensuring accurate and fast signal conversion for critical systems. Equipped with double-buffered data latches, flexible update modes, and built-in loopback diagnostics, this board offers seamless integration into VMEbus architectures while providing robust monitoring capabilities via front-panel LED indicators (Power/Ready, Fault). Its industrial-grade design supports extended temperature operation (-40°C to +70°C), making it ideal for harsh environments where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.

Key Functions

The primary function of the GE VMIVME-4116 is to convert digital control signals into high-resolution analog outputs for driving actuators, valves, and other analog devices in embedded and industrial systems. Each of the 8 independent 16-bit DAC channels delivers ±10 V bipolar output with ~305 µV/LSB voltage resolution, supporting offset binary and two’s complement coding for compatibility with diverse system architectures. Double-buffered data latches enable asynchronous updates, allowing the board to maintain stable outputs while new data is loaded, critical for real-time control applications. The Control and Status Register (CSR) facilitates software configuration of update modes (simultaneous, sequential, or individual channel updates) and on-demand diagnostics via loopback testing, ensuring signal integrity and system reliability. Front-panel LEDs provide instant status feedback (Power/Ready, Fault), while VMEbus short I/O access enables low-latency communication with host processors. The board also supports byte or word data formatting (D00–D15) and independent analog signal lines for bus noise immunity, enhancing performance in electrically noisy environments.

Application Scenarios

The GE VMIVME-4116 DAC board is widely deployed in industrial automation, aerospace, defense, and test & measurement systems requiring precise analog signal generation. In industrial automation, it controls process valves, servo motors, and variable frequency drives (VFDs) in oil refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing lines, providing stable analog outputs for closed-loop control systems. For aerospace and defense applications, it is integrated into flight simulators, radar systems, and missile guidance control modules, operating reliably in extreme temperatures (-40°C to +70°C) and high-vibration environments. In test & measurement, it serves as a signal source for automated test equipment (ATE), generating calibrated analog signals to validate sensors, transducers, and electronic components. The board also powers scientific research equipment (laboratory automation, material testing systems) and medical devices (patient monitoring, therapeutic signal generation) where precision and repeatability are critical. Additionally, it is used in transportation systems (railway signaling, maritime navigation) and energy sector applications (power grid monitoring, renewable energy control systems) where ruggedness and real-time performance are essential.

Technical Specifications