VMEbus technology
Multi-master bus system for industrial controls in 19" form factor
Proven bus system with a long history
The term VMEbus refers to a multi-master bus system for industrial controls in 19" racks. The portfolio of esd includes many standard components, but also customer specific developments. These include VME boards such as the VME-CPU/T10 with reliable PowerPC architecture and the VME-DIO32 as an easy-to-use IO board. Mezzanine cards have been developed to extend the VMEbus via carriers. Particularly worth mentioning are the XMC-CPU/Zulu with FPGA-SoC or the PMC-CAN/402 as a high-performance CAN interface. With these components and developments according to customer requirements, existing VMEbus systems can be extended in many ways and thus kept at the "state of the art".
Fields of application of the VMEbus
The VMEbus is primarily used in applications with increased safety and reliability requirements, such as the Transrapid, the ISS or the European navigation system Galileo. It can also be seen in systems in the maritime environment, in medical technology and in military applications. A strong driver for the VMEbus as a reliable and long-term system is the European Organization for Nuclear Research, better known as CERN. It continues to rely on VMEbus-based systems to control its facilities.
VMEbus at esd still with a future
The VMEbus is a proven technology that can still be found in many plants. Due to the long lifetime of these systems, many components, either for new systems or as spare parts, are difficult to procure. esd faces this problem with many years of expertise and develops suitable and compatible replacement components. While other manufacturers discontinue their VME products, esd has launched new future-proof CPU and IO boards. One requirement was that the new boards should also be compatible with the discontinued products of other market competitors. This allows many systems developed over a long period of time to continue to be operated in the future.
Customized developments
We develop and manufacture VMEbus boards according to customer specifications for individual applications. Our customers benefit from our many years of experience with VMEbus systems. For discontinued boards, also from other manufacturers, we offer replicas so that systems designed for the long term can continue to be operated reliably.
Customized systems and adapters
We would be happy to put together a VME system according to your requirements. Suitable adapters for the reliable connection of process I/Os and interfaces complete our portfolio.

esd electronics is a member of the VMEbus International Trading Association VITA™.