Description
IBM 6181682 37-Pin MFM Edge Floppy Drive Controller Card 8-Bit ISA - 5160 XT PC
The IBM 6181682 is an 8-bit ISA floppy drive controller card designed for the IBM 5160 XT PC and compatible systems. It uses the MFM (Modified Frequency Modulation) encoding scheme and connects to floppy drives via a 37-pin D-sub edge connector mounted on the card's bracket. The PCB is marked 6181682 with assembly number 5231264000, identifying it as an original IBM-manufactured controller.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: IBM
- Part Number: 6181682
- Assembly Number: 5231264000
- Bus Interface: 8-bit ISA (single-row gold-finger edge connector)
- Drive Interface: MFM (Modified Frequency Modulation) edge connector
- Bracket Connector: 37-pin D-sub female connector
- Form Factor: Full-length ISA expansion card
- Compatible System: IBM 5160 PC XT and compatible 8-bit ISA machines
- Key ICs on PCB: Semimac 74S153N (U24), 74L244P (U22), SN74CCQ8452-equivalent logic (U25), additional standard TTL logic ICs throughout
- PCB Condition: Clean, no cracked traces, no bent or missing ICs
- Included: Card only (no cables)
Applications
The IBM 5160 PC XT, introduced in 1983, was IBM's first true expansion on the original 5150 PC platform — it added a hard drive bay and a larger power supply, but retained the 8-bit ISA expansion bus architecture. Floppy drive controller cards like this one were the standard way to connect 5.25-inch MFM floppy drives in the XT, since the 5160's motherboard did not include an onboard floppy controller. MFM encoding was the predominant storage encoding scheme of the early-to-mid 1980s, used on both floppy and hard drives before RLL and later IDE/ESDI took over. Today, these cards are sought by vintage computing enthusiasts restoring IBM 5160 XT systems, as well as collectors maintaining early-1980s IBM PC-compatible hardware. The 37-pin D-sub bracket connector is specific to the XT-era IBM floppy controller pinout, distinguishing it from later AT-era 34-pin ribbon cable controllers.
This IBM 6181682 MFM Floppy Drive Controller Card has been inspected and is in good condition. It was pulled from a working environment where it was in active use. The PCB is clean with no cracked traces, damaged ICs, or bent pins visible; the 37-pin D-sub bracket connector shows normal service wear consistent with removal and reinstallation. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
IBM |
Model: |
6181682 |
MPN: |
6181682 |
Secondary Model: |
5231264000 |
Type: |
MFM Floppy Drive Controller Card |
SKU: |
40897 |
Bus Type: |
8-Bit ISA |
Interface: |
MFM (Modified Frequency Modulation) |
Connector Type: |
37-Pin D-Sub Edge Connector |
Form Factor: |
Full-Length ISA Card |
Compatible With: |
IBM 5160 XT PC |
Compatible With 2: |
IBM PC/XT and compatible 8-bit ISA systems |
Drive Interface: |
MFM Edge Connector (37-pin D-sub bracket) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Seller Notes: |
Card only; pulled from a working IBM 5160 XT environment |
Condition Notes: |
This IBM 6181682 MFM Floppy Drive Controller Card is in good condition, pulled from a working IBM 5160 XT environment where it was in active use. PCB is clean; 37-pin D-sub connector shows normal wear. Please contact us with any questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |