Acer Extensa 900 Service Manual
Maintenance Manual
Extensa
TM
900 Series
Notebook Computers
9813715-0001
December 1996
Copyright © 1996 Texas Instruments
All Rights Reserved
Extensa
TM
900 Series Notebook Computers
Maintenance Manual
TI Part No. 9813715-0001
Original Issue: December 1996
Changes may be made periodically to the information in this publication. Such
changes will be incorporated in new editions of this manual.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of
Texas Instruments.
The equipment, as well as the programs that TI has created to use with them,
are tools that can help people better manage the information used in their
business; but tools — including TI products — cannot replace sound judgement nor make the manager's business decisions.
Consequently, TI cannot warrant that its products are suitable for any specific
customer application. The manager must rely on judgement of what is best for
his or her business.
Address all correspondence regarding orders to:
Texas Instruments
P.O. Box 6102, M/S 3255
Temple, Texas 76503
Extensa is a trademark of Texas Instruments. The icons in the Windows Notebook and
Startup groups are copyrighted by Texas Instruments.
IBM and PS/2 are registered trademarks, and OS/2 is a trademark of International
Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft, Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation..
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
Cirrus is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation.
IRDA is a trademark of Infra Red Data Association.
Sound Blaster is a trademark of Creative Technology, Ltd.
SimulSCAN is a trademark of Cirrus Logic, Inc.
SCSI is a registered trademark of Security Control Systems, Inc.
Synaptics is a registered trademark of Synaptics, Inc.
Phillips is a tegistered trademark of Phillips screw Company.
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Cyrix is a registered trademark of Dakota Systems, Incorporated.
CHIPS is a registered trademark of Chips Technologies, Inc.
AudioRack is a trademark of ESS Technology, Inc.
Introduction
This manual provides installation, operation and servicing data for the ExtensaTM 900
Series Notebook Computers.
Intended Audience
This manual is primarily intended for use by qualified service technicians but contains
information useful to non-technical users.
Contents
This manual contains six sections and one appendix that are common to all Extensa
900 Series Notebook Computers (differences described as they are covered):
♦ Section 1: General Description - Introduces the main features of the Extensa
900 Series Notebook Computers; identifies all options, provides physical and
electrical specifications.
♦ Section 2: Installation - Describes how to unpack, install options and begin
using the notebook.
Preface
♦ Section 3: Operating Instructions - Describes the notebook computer
operating controls and indicators and basic operating procedures required to
support maintenance operations.
♦ Section 4: Theory of Operation - Provides a block diagram level theory of
operation for the Extensa Series Notebooks.
♦ Section 5: Troubleshooting Procedures - Provides troubleshooting
procedures for the notebook computer series.
♦ Section 6: Field Service - Provides preventive and corrective maintenance
procedures for the notebook computer series including FRU removal/
replacement procedures.
♦ Appendix A: Notebook Schematic Diagrams - Provides schematic diagrams
for the Extensa 900 Series Notebook Computer.
♦ Appendix B: MPB Schematic Diagrams - Provides schematic diagrams for the
Extensa 900 Series Mobile Productivity Base.
Preface ix
Other Manuals About the System
The following documents provide additional information related to the Extensa
Notebook Computer Series:
♦ Extensa Series Notebook Computers Users Guide - Contains user reference
information for the Extensa 900 Series Notebook Computers.
♦ PC-Doctor Help and Technical Reference (online)
Ordering Parts and Supplies
To order a copy of any TI publication or to order option kits, spare parts or supplies for
your system, contact your TI reseller:
Telephone Toll-free: 1-800-TI TEXAS.
x Preface
Contents
Paragraph Page
Preface
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii
Intended Audience- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii
Contents - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - vii
Other Manuals About the System- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -viii
Ordering Parts and Supplies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -viii
Section 1 General Description
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-1
Product Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-1
Video Display Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-3
Internal LCD - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-3
External CRTs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-3
Display Hot Key Sequences - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-3
Keyboard Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-4
Software Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-4
Standard Peripheral Devices - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-5
900 Series Connectivity Features- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-5
Notebook Expansion Capabilities- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-7
Memory Expanson - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-7
PCMCIA Card Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-7
Mobile Productivity Base Option - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-7
Docking and Undocking- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-10
Mobile Productivity Base Ports - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-11
Advanced PCI Card Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-12
Notebook Battery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-12
Standard Test Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-12
Power On Self Test - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-12
PC-Doctor Diagnostics Program- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-13
Extensa 900 Series Specifications - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-14
Regulatory Agency Approvals- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1-17
Section 2 Installation
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-1
Unpacking Instructions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-1
Installing Internal Notebook Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-2
Installing Main Memory Expansion (Optional) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-2
Setting Up the Software - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-3
Installing PCMCIA Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-4
Contents iii
Contents (continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 2 Installation (continued)
Installing External Notebook Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-5
Installing the Mobile Productivity Base (Option) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-5
Docking the Notebook to the MPB - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-5
Cabling to the MPB - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-6
Installing Ext. Keyboard/Mouse/Numeric Keypad - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-8
Installing an External Parallel Printer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-9
Installing an External Serial Port Device - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-10
Installing an External VGA Monitor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-11
Primary Battery Pack Installation- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-13
Installing the AC Power Adapter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-13
Initial Software Load - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2-14
Section 3 Operating Instructions
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-1
Controls/Indicators - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-1
Power On/Off Switch - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-2
Notebook LEDs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-2
LED Icons - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-2
Keyboard Hot Key Sequences - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-3
Windows 95 Special Keys - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-5
DOS Special Keys - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-5
Configuring the Touchpad- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-6
Using a CD-ROM Drive (MPB Option Only - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-6
Inserting a CD (MPB Option Only) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-6
Handling CDs (MPB Option Only - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-6
Built-In Sound System - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-7
Turning Sound On/Off- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-7
Sound Software - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-7
External Sound Equipment- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-8
Using Remote Connections - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-8
Using the Fast Infrared (FIR) Port- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-8
Using Zoomed Video Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-9
MPEG PC Card - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-9
Battery Saving Tips - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-9
Lowering Inactivity Timeouts- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-9
Suspending Operation While Idle - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-10
Responding to a Low Battery Condition- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-10
Replacing the Battery- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-11
Saving to Disk - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3-11
iv Contents
Contents (continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 4 Theory of Operation
Introduction- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-1
Notebook Functional Overview - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-1
System Processor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-3
Memory Subsystem- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-5
Main Memory- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-5
Flash ROM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-6
System Controller Function - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-6
ALI M1521 (Memory, Cache and DRAM Controller)- - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-8
ALI M1523 (PCA-ISA Bridge)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4-9
Video Subsystem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-12
C&T 65550 Features- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-12
Versatile Panel Support - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-13
Low Power Consumption - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-13
Software Compatibility/Flexibility - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-13
Sound Subsystem- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-13
ESS1878 Audio Controller with Interface to Expansion Audio Mixer -4-13
ES1878 Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-14
Keyboard Subsystem- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-14
I/O Subsystem- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-14
NS87338VJG Super I/O Controller - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-14
Hard Disk Drive Subsystem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-17
PCI0643 Features- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-17
Floppy Disk Drive Subsystem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-18
PCI 1130 Features - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-19
PCMCIA Subsystem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-18
Power Subsystem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-20
ALI M6377 Power Management Unit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-22
AC Power Adapter- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-25
Mobile Productivity Base Interface - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -4-25
Section 5 Troubleshooting Procedures
Introduction- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-1
Overview of Fault Isolation Process - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-1
Troubleshooting Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-3
Troubleshooting a Power Supply Problem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-3
Troubleshooting a Display Problem - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-3
Fault Isolation Using Power On Self Test- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-4
POST Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-5
POST Beep Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-8
Run-Time Error Messages - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-9
PCMCIA Modem Problems - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -5-10
Contents v
Contents (continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 6 Troubleshootig Procedures (continued)
General Fault Isolation Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-12
Fault Isolation Using Diagnostics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-13
PC-Doctor (In DOS Mode or DOS Windows) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-13
Supporting Online Documentation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-15
User Interface to PC-Doctor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-15
Quitting PC-Doctor - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5-15
Section 6 Field Service
Introduction - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-1
Preventive Maintenance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-1
Cleaning the Computer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-1
Handling the Computer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-2
Handling the Computer Battery Pack - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-2
Password Caution - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-3
Required Tools and Equipment - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-3
Notebook FRUs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-3
Cover-Display Assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-4
System Base Assembly- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-6
Mobile Productivity Base Assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-9
Notebook FRU Replacement Procedures - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-10
Removing/Replacing the Notebook Battery Pack- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-11
Removing/Replacing PCMCIA Options - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-12
Installing/Removing the Mobile Productivity Base- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-13
Removing/Replacing the Hard Disk Drive Assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-15
Removing/Replacing the Keyboard Assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-16
Heat Sink Assembly Removal/Replacement - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-17
Display Assembly Removal/Replacement - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-18
Removing/Replacing the LED/Microphone Board Assembly - - - - - - - - - - 6-19
Removing/Replacing the CPU Board- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-20
Removing/Replacing the Top Cover - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-21
Removing/Replacing the VGA Video Board - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-23
Removing/Replacing the Power Supply Board - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-24
Removing/Replacing the DC-In Board Assembly- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-25
Removng/Replacing the PC Card Module - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-26
Removing/Replacing the Main Board Assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-27
Removing Touchpad and Speakers- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-28
Removing/Replacing the Display Bezel - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-29
Removing/Replacing the LCD - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-30
Removing/Replacing the Display Inverter Boards - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-31
Removing/Repalcing MPB FRUs- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-32
Removing/Replacing the Media Bay Device - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 6-32
vi Contents
Contents (continued)
Paragraph Page
Section 6 Field Service (continued)
Removing/Replacing the MPB Battery - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -6-33
Removing/Replacing the MPB Housing- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -6-34
Removing/Replacing the Docking Cable - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -6-35
Removing/Replacing the Docking Mechanism - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -6-36
Removing/Replacing the MPB DC-DC Converter - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -6-37
Removing/Replacing the MPB Main Board Assembly - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -6-38
Appendix A Notebook Schematic Diagrams
Introduction- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A-1
Appendix B Notebook Schematic Diagrams
Introduction- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - B-1
Appendix A POST BIOS
Introduction- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - C-1
Contents vii
1.1 Introduction
This manual contains field and factory level servicing information for the Extensa
Series Notebook Computers (Figure 1-1) marketed by Texas Instruments. This section
provides a general overview of the Extensa 900 Series, describes the standard and
optional features, and identifies the major assemblies and subassemblies. This section
also contains detailed functional and environmental specifications for the Extensa 900
Series Notebook Computers.
Figure 1-1 Extensa 900 Series Notebook Computers
1
General Description
TM
900
Basic Extensa 900 Series
Notebook
Extensa 900 Series
with Mobile Productivity Base
1.2 Product Overview
The Extensa 900 Series Notebook Computers are ultra-slim, large screen, highperformance, multimedia notebooks powered by the Intel
Processor Chip (133-MHz). The Extensa 900 can be equipped with an optional Mobile
Productivity Base that allows for quick connect/disconnect to/from the desktop
environment and expanded functionality (modular bay and Advanced PCI card
features).
Other major features of the 900 Series include:
♦ 133 MHz Pentium processor with internal 256 KB cache memory and math
coprocessor
General Description 1-1
®
P54CSLM Pentium
®
♦ Powerful PCI Bus architecture
♦ 16 MB main memory (expandable to 80 MB using 8 MB, 8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB
or 64 MB EDO 64-bit type small outline dual inline memory module (soDIMM)
upgrades)
♦ 256 KB Level-2 cache memory
♦ Built-in 2.5-inch IDE high capacity (1.35 GB or greater) Hard Disk Drive
♦ External Floppy Drive Module (attaches to the Parallel Port)
♦ Advanced video features
- DSTN or TFT internal color display
- Simultaneous display with external CRT
- 2.0 MB video memory
- Fast video graphics accelerator
♦ Built-In 86/87-key keyboard
♦ Internal touchpad pointing device with two Select buttons
♦ Fast Infrared communications
♦ Built-in audio features
- 16-bit stereo audio
- Line In, Line Out and Microphone In stereo jacks
♦ Small, lightweight AC adapter, auto-switching (90 VAC to 264 VAC, 50-60 Hz)
♦ Portable power system with advanced power savings features for extra long
battery life
- Zero-Volt Suspend, 5-Volt Suspend and Standby power saving modes
- Rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack
♦ Powerful expansion capabilities including:
- Flexible set of desktop ports including external CRT (and simultaneous
LCD and external CRT display), 9-pin serial port, parallel port for
external printer/floppy drive, PS/2
®
port for external keyboard or mouse
- PC Card slots for two Type I or II options or one Type III option
- Mobile Productivity Base ready
Figure 1-2 identifies the major external notebook features.
1-2 General Description
LCD
Status
Indicators
FIR
Port
Audio and
Mic Jacks
PC
Card
Slots
Left
Speaker
PS/2
Port
Power
Switch
Touchpad
Left
Battery
Lock
AC Adapter
Connection
Right
Speaker
Serial
Port
Parallel
Port
Right
Battery
Lock
Battery
Pack
VGA
Port
Bottom of Unit
HDD
Access
Cover
Expansion
Memory
Acess
Cover
Figure 1-2 900 Series Notebook External Features
1.2.1 Video Display Features
The Extensa 900 Series Notebooks contain large screen internal LCD displays and can
simultaneously drive the internal LCD and an external CRT (SimulSCAN
all Extensa models, the LCD screen brightness, contrast, video mode of operation, etc.
are adjustable from the keyboard as described in Section 3.
General Description 1-3
TM
mode). On
1.2.1.1 Internal LCD
The Extensa 900 Series Notebooks contain one of the following LCDs (model dependent):
♦ 12.1-inch DSTN display (900CD Only)
♦ 11.3-inch TFT
1.2.1.2 External CRTs
The Extensa 900 Series Notebooks are equipped with a 15-pin SVGA connector that
can drive an external CRT (either alone or simultaneously with the internal LCD).
When the notebook is set to the SimulSCAN mode, a minimum resolution of 800 x 600
x 256 colors is supported. When operating in the External CRT Mode, resolutions up
to 1280 x 1024 x 256 colors are supported.
1.2.1.3 Display Hot Key Sequences
The display mode of operation (LCD only, Simultaneous LCD and external CRT and
external CRT only modes) is keyboard-selectable using the following hot key sequences.
♦ Fn-Up Arrow and Fn-Down Arrow - Control LCD screen brightness (higher
brightness setting uses more battery energy)
♦ Fn-Right Arrow - Lightens the LCD screen contrast
♦ Fn-Left Arrow - Darkens the LCD screen contrast
♦ Fn-F12 - Alternates between display modes (LCD, External CRT or both)
♦ Fn-F11 - Turns off the LCD backlight; pressing any key turns the LCD backlight
on.
Note: In addition to the hot keys that control the notebook display functions,
there are several other hot key functions that control other notebook functions
such as turning the Touchpad on/off, etc. For these sequences, refer to
Section 3.
1-4 General Description
1.2.2 Keyboard Features
The Extensa 900 Series Notebooks contain a built-in 86/87-key keyboard (Figure 1-3)
compatible with the IBM
programmable function keys, an embedded numeric keypad (Figure 1-4) and dedicated
control keys (hot keys).
®
enhanced 101/102-key keyboard. The keyboard contains 12
Figure 1-3 Embedded Numeric Keypad
1.2.3 Software Features
As a standard feature, the Extensa 900 notebooks are factory loaded with dual load
(Windows
notebook’s operating system environment as summarized in Table 1-1.
Operating System Description
Windows 95 Supports both desktop and mobile operation with Plug N Play capabilities and Advanced Power
Windows/DOS 6.22 This environment has some limitations in the Plug N Play area; includes TI utilities and various
®
95 or Windows for Workgroups) software to allow the user to configure the
Table 1-1 User-Selectable Operating System Environments
Management; customized to include TI startup screen, CSL Support information, Internet
browser, multimedia options, and choice of wallpaper to customize different computer resources,
TI utilities such as wBattery, wSetpower, TISetup, variety of device drivers including Cirrus
CL-GD7548, ESS 1888 Sound Device Drivers, WinModem Device Drivers, PC-Card Bus Socket
Services and Card Services Device Drivers, and Windows 95 MPEG-1 Software Audio/Video
Compression Device Drivers.
device drivers including Cirrus CL-GD7548, ESS 1888 Sound Device Drivers, WinModem Device
Drivers, PC-Card Bus Socket Services and Card Services Device Drivers, etc.
®
General Description 1-5
1.2.4 Standard Peripheral Devices
As standard features, the Extensa notebooks include an internal IDE hard drive, an
external 3.5-inch floppy disk drive and built-in touchpad (mouse device).
1.2.5 900 Series Connectivity Features
As standard features, the Extensa 900 Series notebooks includes most standard
desktop ports including a serial port, parallel port, PS/2 port, and external VGA port.
The 900 Series also includes a fast infrared (FIR) port and an expansion bus connector
for attaching to the optional Mobile Productivity Base. The external ports for the 900
Series are shown in Figure 1-4 and described in Table 1-2.
VGA
Port
PS/2
Port
AC Adapter
Connection
Serial
Port
Parallel
Port
FIR
Port
Line
Out
Line
In
Mic
In
1-6 General Description
Figure 1-4 900 Series External Ports
Table 1-2 900 Series External Ports
Port Assignment Description
External VGA Port 15-pin Female connector used to attach an external SVGA monitor to the
notebook.
Serial Port 9-pin Male connector used to attach an RS-232 serial device to the notebook.
Parallel Port 25-pin Female connector used to attach a bidirectional printer or an external
floppy disk drive (requires special cable for use with floppy disk drive).
Port
PS/2
AC Adapter Connector Power in connector used to attach the output of the AC adapter to the
Fast Infrared Port Fast Infrared Port (4 M/b) used for wireless communications between the
Audio In/Out, Mic In Jacks Stereo audio line inputs, stereo line outputs and external microphone input
MPB Bus PCI Bus plus sidebands that support an optional Mobile Productivity Base.
6-pin Circular connectors used to attach external keyboard/mouse devices to
the notebook.
notebook.
notebook and an FIR-equipped device such as keyboard, another notebook,
printer, etc.
1.2.6 Notebook Expansion Capabilities
In addition to the external ports, the Extensa 900 Series Notebooks are designed with
a variety of expansion features that permit substantial functionality and performance
upgrades over the life of the product. The expansion capabilities built into the notebook
are summarized in Table 1-3 and described in greater detail in the following paragraphs.
Table 1-3 Extensa 900 Expansion Features Summary
Expansion Feature Description
External 3.5-inch Diskette Drive Module Provides convenient storage on a removable diskette format
Memory Expansion Features Main memory can be expanded from 16 MB to a maximum of 80 MB using
one soDIMM module (8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, or 64 MB configurations).
Flash ROM (hardware feature) Permits new versions of BIOS to be downloaded into Flash ROM without
physically having to replace the ROMs
PCMCIA Slots Allows installation of any optional PCMCIA device such as speakerphone
modems, Ethernet
Mobile Productivity Base Ready Connectors and latch mechanisms to accept a Mobile Productivity Base
(provides desktop connectivity with quick removal/installation feature required
for combination desktop and portable environments and increased functionality
including media bay and Advanced PCI Card support).
®
cards, and full motion video cards.
General Description 1-7
1.2.7 Memory Expansion
The notebook comes standard with 16 MB of RAM expandable to a maximum of 80 MB
using soDIMM modules (available in 8, 16, 32 or 64 MB sizes). Access to the expansion
socket is accommodated via a removable panel on the bottom of the notebook as shown
in Figure 1-5.
Expansion Memory
Access Cover
Figure 1-5 Memory Expansion Features
1.2.8 PCMCIA Card Options
The Notebook contains an onboard PCMCIA Controller and two 64-pin sockets that can
accept up to two credit-card size (14.5 mm) Type I or Type II PCMCIA option cards or
one Type III card. The PCMCIA Card options install on the left side of the notebook
(Figure 1-6) and are removed using the PC Card Release levers.
1-8 General Description
Figure 1-6 Installing PCMCIA Card Options
1.2.9 Mobile Productivity Base Option
The Mobile Productivity Base (Figure 1-7) provides a port replicator function with
separate External Keyboard and Mouse ports, plus powerful desktop expansion
features including a Modular Bay for CD-ROM or Floppy Disk Drive and provisions for
an Advanced PCI Card option. These features are summarized in Table 1-4.
Table 1-4 Mobile Productivity Base Expansion Features
Expansion Feature Description
Media Bay CD-ROM Drive Reads from Audio CD, Photo CD or CD-ROM
Media Bay 3.5-inch Diskette Drive Module Provides convenient storage on a removable disk format
Advanced PCI Slot Provisions for installing one Advanced PCI Card
Secondary Battery Option Provides for extended portable operation time
General Description 1-9
Notebook
Connector
Secondary Battery
Audio Jacks
Advanced
PCI Option Slot
Media Bay
(Floppy or
CD-ROM Drive)
Two PS/2 Ports
for both External
Keyboard and Mouse
Figure 1-7 Mobile Productivity Base (MPB) Features
1.2.9.1 Docking and Undocking
Docking and undocking of the Mobile Productivity Base is controlled by a latch and
lever on the left side of the base as shown in Figure 1-8. The latch releases the lever;
the lever is extended 90 degrees outward to release the notebook.
Standard
Notebook
Ports
1-10 General Description
Lever Release
Latch
Docking/
Undocking
Lever
Left Side
Right
Side
1.2.9.2 Mobile Productivity Base Ports
General Description 1-11
Figure 1-8 Undocking from the Mobile Productivity Base
The Mobile Productivity Base provides the same ports as available on the Notebook plus
an additional PS/2 port to allow for both external mouse and keyboard. The port
assignments are shown in Figure 1-9.
PS/2
Keyboard
Port
PS/2
Mouse
Port
Parallel
Port
Serial
Port
VGA
Port
Mic
In
Line
In
Line
Out
Advanced
PCI
Figure 1-9 Mobile Productivity Base Ports
1.2.9.3 Advanced PCI Card Options
The Extensa 900 Series Notebooks contain provisions for an advanced PCI Card as
shown in Figure 1-7.
1.3 Notebook Battery
The notebook computer uses a Lithium-Ion battery pack. A second identical battery
can be installed in the optional Mobile Connectivity Base as shown in Figure 1-7.
1.4 Standard Test Features
The Extensa 900 Series Notebook Computers use modular design and built-in test
features to reduce the mean time to repair. A power on self test program automatically
verifies the operational state of the primary circuits and a powerful suite of diagnostic
tests (known as PC-Doctor) are available to further test selected parts of the system.
1.4.1 Power On Self Test
The Extensa line of notebook computers contain a BIOS-resident, Power On Self Test
(POST) that automatically performs a test of memory and all major circuits each time
1-12 General Description
the computer is powered up. In the event of a failure, the computer displays a descriptive
error message and issues a series of coded beeps (in case the display subsystem is not
functioning). If self test completes normally, the computer displays the amount of
memory tested, loads the Operating System and Windows environment.
1.4.2 PC-Doctor Diagnostics Program
The Extensa 900 Series Notebooks are shipped with PC-Doctor for Windows, a powerful
diagnostics tool that can help you scan a system for viruses, determine the hardware
configuration of a local or remote system, benchmark its performance, analyze the
performance of all subsystems, and perform a suite of interactive and non-interactive
tests on attached devices (such as printers, VGA monitors, SCSI
drives). The test results are stored in a log which can be printed out (by pressing F2)
or saved in a disk file (by pressing F3).
Features of the diagnostic program are accessed through a series of pull-down menus
and basic keyboard keys (cursor keys to move highlighted pointer, Enter key to select
a highlighted feature, Esc key to cancel a function and move back one level.
PC-Doctor is typically user-friendly but if you don't understand a feature, contextsensitive help information is available at any time by pressing the F1 function key;
pressing the F1 function key twice accesses the online Technical Reference Manual for
PC-Doctor.
®
devices, CD-ROM
A powerful set of utilities within PC-Doctor (that can be run locally or remotely) simplify
the task of determining system configuration data, allocating and using system memory,
IRQ and DMA use, what device drivers are installed, what COM and LPT ports are
assigned and what ports are available, identifying partitioning data for fixed disk
drive(s), determining the VGA setup information, reading the software interrupts/
interrupt vectors, etc.
Note: Refer to Troubleshooting Procedures (Section 5) for additional information
regarding the Diagnostics Program.
General Description 1-13
1.5 Extensa 900 Series Specifications
General specifications for the Extensa 900 Series Notebooks are provided in Table 1-5.
Table 1-5 Extensa 900 Specifications
Characteristic Model 900 Series Specifications
CPU
Internal Hard Disk Drive
Disk Storage Capacity:
Average access time:
Throughput
DRAM Memory
Size
Maximum Expansion Size
Flash ROM:
FDD
Disk Storage Capacity:
Disk Size
Pentium P54CSLM, 133 MHz; 3.1 Volt,
1.35 GB or greater
12 ms or less
11+ Million I/O's per second
16 MB DRAM, 60-ns, page-interleaved
80 MB
256 KB
External
1.44 MB
3.5-inch disk
Drive Height
Mode
CD-ROM Drive
LCD Display
Software
Internal Keyboard
Key Travel
Built-in Mouse Device
1-14 General Description
12.5 mm
Choice of 720 KB/1.2 MB or 1.44 MB
Available with Mobile Productivity Base option
12.1-inch DSTN, SVGA or 11.3-inch TFT, SVGA
Dual Load
86/87-key, PS/2 and AT-compatible
Embedded Numeric Keypad
3 mm
Touchpad built-in to the base of the keyboard (select buttons on sides
of Touchpad)
Table 1-5 Extensa 900 Specifications
Characteristic Model 900 Series Specifications
Video Subsystem
LCD Aspect Ratio
Emulations:
Video Memory Size
Video Bus:
LCD Resolution:
LCD Characters/Line
LCD Lines/Screen:
LCD Brightness Control:
External CRT Monitor
Interface
Connector Type:
Monitors Supported:
1-1
SVGA
1.5 MB
32-bits
640 x 480 pixels bit-mapped at 256 colors
80
25
Function hot key brightness and contrast control and SimulSCAN
control
15-Pin, female, D-type connector
640 x 480 with 16.7 million colors on CRT
800 x 600 with 65K colors on CRT
1024 x 768 with up to 256 colors on CRT
General Description 1-15
Table 1-5 Extensa 900 Specifications
Characteristic Model 900 Series Specifications
RS-232-D Serial Port:
Method:
Type:
Bits per second:
Parity: Transmit:
Receive:
Line control:
Data word:
16550 UART Support
Selectable Serial Port
(BIOS Setup)
9-Pin, male, sub-D-type connector
EIA RS-232-D
Asynchronous transmission
110, 200, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200
Odd, even, mark, space
Data check: odd, even
READY/BUSY, DC1/DC3
7- or 8-bit
Yes
COM1(IRQ4, 3F8h)
COM2(IRQ3, 2F8h)
COM3(IRQ4, 3E8h)
Parallel Port
Connector Type
Fast I/R Port
Transfer Data Rate
Mobile Productivity
Base Ready
COM4(IRQ4, 2E8h)
Disable
EPP/ECP Bidirectional
25-Pin, DB-25 Connector
Yes
4 Mb/s
Yes
1-16 General Description
1.6 Regulatory Agency Approvals
All Extensa 900 Series products meet the following regulatory agency standards:
♦ Underwriter’s Lab (UL) Standard 1950 (safety)
♦ Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard 950 or CUL (safety)
♦ FCC CFR 47, Part 15, Subpart B, FCC Level B (Emissions)
♦ Canadian Department of Communications (DOC) ICES, Class B (Emissions)
♦ VDE- EN60950 (Safety)
♦ EN 50082-1 (Immunity: ESD, RFI, EFT, and Surge)
♦ EN 50081-1 (Emissions: RFI, EMI, Harmonics, and Flicker)
♦ Approval Marks: UL, CUL, VDE, FCC, and CE
General Description 1-17
2.1 Introduction
This section contains unpacking and preparation for use instructions for the Extensa
900 Series Notebook Computers. This includes:
♦ Removing the computer and all manuals, options and accessories from the
shipping container(s)
♦ Installing Internal Notebook Options
♦ Installing External Notebook Options
♦ Installing Battery Packs
♦ Installing Desktop Devices
♦ Installing the AC Adapter
♦ Checking Out the System
2
Installation
♦ Installing the System Software
♦ Making Backups of System Software
♦ Loading Application Software
2.2 Unpacking Instructions
Unpack the computer using the following instructions:
1. Carefully cut the tape that seals the top flap of the shipping carton.
2. Remove the computer and the accessories carton from the main shipping
carton.
3. Remove all protective coverings from the computer.
4. Open the accessory box; remove the contents.
Note: Save the two shipping containers and packaging for later reuse.
Installation 2-1
2.3 Installing Internal Notebook Options
If you have no internal options to install at this time, skip to Paragraph 2.4. Otherwise,
continue with Paragraph 2.3.1.
2.3.1 Installing Main Memory Expansion (Optional)
Main memory on the 900 Series Notebooks can be expanded using an EDO Small
Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (EDO soDIMM). These modules are available in
8 MB, 16 MB, 32 MB, and 64 MB sizes and install in the expansion memory slot on
the System Board accessed through the Memory Expansion Door on the bottom of the
notebook. The installation process consists of the following steps:
Caution: The EDO soDIMM module option contains components that are
sensitive to static electricity. When handling the module and the internal
parts of the computer, protect against static electricity by using wrist or
ankle grounding straps and grounded working mats. When moving or
storing items, use the anti-static bags supplied with the items.
1. Ensure that the notebook is powered off and the AC adapter disconnected
from the AC outlet. Also, ensure that all batteries are out of the unit.
2. Disconnect any peripheral device interface cables from the external interface
connectors and remove any installed PCMCIA options.
3. Turn the notebook over and locate the Expansion Memory Access Cover on
the bottom of the notebook.
4. Remove the screw holding the Expansion Memory Access Cover and remove
the cover.
5. Remove the EDO soDIMM module from its shipping container.
6. Refer to Figure 2-1. To install an soDIMM module, first align the connector
edge of the memory module with the key in the connector. Insert the edge of
the memory module board into the connector using a rocking motion to fully
insert the module. Push downward on each side of the memory module until
it snaps in place.
7. Reinstall the Expansion Memory Access Cover using the screw removed in
Step 4.
8. Replace the batteries and AC adapter.
9. Power up the notebook. If all of the installed memory is not recognized, try
reseating the soDIMM module and rebooting.
2-2 Installation
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