AMI Excalibur VLB Pentium AMI Excalibur VLB Manual

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American Megatrends, Inc.

Excalibur VLB Pentium®

ISA Motherboard

User's Guide

MAN-675 5/5/95

5555 Oakbrook Parkway, Building 200,

Norcross, GA 30093

This publication contains proprietary information which is protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language or computer language, or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the prior written consent of the publisher, American Megatrends, Inc.

Limited Warranty

Buyer agrees if this product proves to be defective, that American Megatrends, Inc. is only obligated to replace or refund the purchase price of this product at American Megatrend's discretion according to the terms and conditions on the motherboard warranty card. American Megatrends shall not be liable in tort or contract for any loss or damage, direct, incidental or consequential. Please see the Warranty Registration Card shipped with this product for full warranty details.

Limitations of Liability

In no event shall American Megatrends be held liable for any loss, expenses, or damages of any kind whatsoever, whether direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential, arising from the design or use of this product or the support materials provided with the product.

Trademarks

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation. VESA and VL-Bus are registered trademarks of the Video Electronics Standards Association. MS-DOS, Xenix, and Microsoft are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM, AT, VGA, PS/2, OS/2, and EGA are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. XT and CGA are trade mark s of Int erna tio nal B usine ss Ma chine s Co rpo ratio n. Fujitsu is a registered trademark of Fujitsu America, Inc. Motorola is a registered trademark of Motoro la Corporation. Hitachi is a registered trademark of Hitachi America, Ltd. PNY is a registered trademark of PNY Corporation. Oki is a registered trademark of Oki America, Inc. NEC is a registered trademark of NEC Corporation. Samsung is a registered trademark of Samsung Electronics Corporation. Siemens is a trademark of Siemens Corporation. Mitsubishi is a registered trademark of Mitsubishi Electronics of America. Micron is a registered trademark of Micron Corporation. Unix is a registered trademark of American Telephone and Telegraph Company Bell Laboratories. Weitek is a trademark of Weitek, Inc. Toshiba is a registered trademark of Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba.

Revision History

11/29/93 Initial release.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 System Overview

Chapter 2 Installation

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Chapter 3 AMIBIOS Power-On Self Test

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Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

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Unpacking the Motherboard 11

Step 1 Set Switch and Jumper Options 13

Step 2 Install Memory 19

Step 3 Install the Motherboard 23

Step 4 Connect the Power Supply 24

Step 5 Connect the Keyboard Cable 26

Step 6 Connect the Mouse Cable 27

Step 7 Connect Cables 28

Step 8 Connect Onboard I/O 32

Step 9 Install Floppy Drive 36

Step 10 Install Hard Disk 39

Step 11 Install Adapter Cards 41

Step 12 Test and Configure 45

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AMIBIOS Displayed Error Messages 47

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Section 1 Running AMIBIOS Setup 53

Section 2 STANDARD CMOS SETUP 59

Section 3 ADVANCED CMOS SETUP 63

Section 4 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP 69

Section 5 Peripheral Setup 71

Section 6 AMIBIOS Password Support 75

Section 7 Hard Disk Utility 77

Installation Steps 13

Beep Codes 46

Chapter 5 Flash Programming

Chapter 6 Upgrading Cache Memory

Appendix A Engineering Specifications

Index

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Excalibur VLB Pentium Motherboard User's Guide

Preface

To the OEM

Thank you for purchasing the high performance American Megatrends Series 75 Excalibur VLB Pentium ISA motherboard. This product is a state of the art Pentium-based motherboard that includes the famous AMIBIOS. It is assumed that you have also licensed the rights to use the American Megatrends documentation for the American Megatrends Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard.

This manual was written for the OEM to assist in the proper installation and operation of this motherboard. This manual describes the specifications and features of the Series 75 Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard. It explains how to assemble a system based on this motherboard and how to use the AMIBIOS that is specifically designed for this motherboard.

This manual is not meant to be read by the computer owner who purchases a computer with this motherboard. It is assumed that you, the computer manufacturer, will use this manual as a sourcebook of information, and that parts of this manual will be included in the computer owner's manual.

Technical Support

If an American Megatrends motherboard fails to operate as described or you are in doubt about a configuration option, please call technical support at 770-246-8645.

Acknowledgments

This manual was written by Robert Cheng and Paul Narushoff. The writers gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Vivek Saxena and Uma S. Mondal.

Preface

Chapter 1

System Overview

The American Megatrends Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard is an Intel Pentium®-based ISA motherboard that also has two VESA® (Video Electronics Standards Association) VL-Bus® Local Bus expansion slots.

The VL-Bus Local Bus

The American Megatrends Excalibur VLB Pentium Motherboard conforms to the VESA VL-Bus specifications. The VL-Bus is designed to standardize the hardware interface of peripherals connected to a microprocessor-level local bus. The VL-Bus is designed to be compatible with the Intel Pentium microprocessor local bus. The VL-Bus Specification is a standard set of interface, architecture, timings, electrical, and physical specifications that permits all VL-Bus products to be totally interchangeable.

Excalibur VLB Pentium Motherboard User's Guide

American Megatrends VL-Bus Design

Motherboard VL-Bus Design

The American Megatrends Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has two expansion slots for VL-Bus adapter cards. These slots are standard ISA 16-bit slots with an inline 16-bit MCA expansion socket. The two connectors make up the VL-Bus connector. The following graphic shows the ISA and VL-Bus expansion slots.

Chapter 1 System Overview

Excalibur VLB Motherboard Dimensions

The American Megatrends Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard is approximately 8.5 inches wide by 13 inches long (the standard Baby AT motherboard size with similar mounting hole locations). The following graphic illustrates the dimensions and height restrictions.

Description

Processor Type and Speed

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard uses an Intel Pentium CPU operating at 60 MHz.

Heat Sink

A heat sink with a fan must be used with all Intel Pentium CPUs on all motherboards.

Excalibur VLB Pentium Motherboard User's Guide

Description,

Continued

Processor Speed

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has two clock speeds: high or low. High speed is factory-set to 60 MHz. Low speed is achieved by adding the appropriate number of software delays and approximates the speed of an 8 MHz IBM® AT. Speed selection is through the keyboard: <Ctrl> <Alt> <+> for High speed or <Ctrl> <Alt> <->) for Low speed, or through the turbo switch on the front panel.

Cache Memory

The motherboard supports 256 KB or 512 KB of direct mapped, adaptive, write-back L2 external (secondary) cache memory. The end user can define an area of memory (512 KB to 4 MB) whose contents cannot be read from or written to secondary cache memory in AMIBIOS Setup.

The L2 secondary cache memory uses socketed 15 ns 32 KB x 8 SRAM DIPs for data and 12 ns 8 KB x 8 SOJs SRAM for tag RAM. There is a dirty bit through a 15 ns 64 KB x 1 SOJ SRAM.

There are two banks of write-back cache memory. Each bank must be populated in full. Each bank provides 256 KB of L2 secondary cache memory. Cache memory can be upgraded by the end user. Jumpers J30, J31, J52, J53, and J54 control cache memory configuration. Shadowed ROM areas such as the system BIOS and Video BIOS can be cached and write-protected via ADVANCED CMOS SETUP.

The Intel Pentium has 16 KB of internal cache memory. All system memory can be cached in internal cache memory.

The cache read wait states are 3-2-2-2. Burst mode is supported. Cache memory is enabled and disabled through AMIBIOS Setup ADVANCED CMOS SETUP.

Chapter 1 System Overview

Description,

Continued

Main System Memory

Up to 128 MB of onboard DRAM system memory on the Excalibur VLB motherboard is organized in 64 bits with parity. There are two banks of system memory. Each bank has two SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module) sockets. Bank1 must be fully populated before Bank2 is populated. Bank1 is U16 and U9. Bank 2 is U2 and U1. There are four SIMM sockets. Single-density or double-density x 36 70 ns fast page mode SIMMs are used.

SIMMs must be installed two at a time. Two SIMMs must be installed at a time. System memory configuration does not require any jumper settings.

The DRAM memory uses the following SIMM types:

SIMM Type Number of Sides

256 KB x 36 SIMMs Single-sided

1 MB x 36 SIMMs Single-sided

2 MB x 36 SIMMs Double-sided

4 MB x 36 SIMMs Single-sided

8 MB x 36 SIMMs Double-sided

The SIMMs can be logical single bank, physical single bank, or double-sided.

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard requires Fast Page Mode SIMMs operating at 70 ns (RAS access time). The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard uses a One level Posted write Memory Write Buffer.

Additional Memory

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard supports any amount of additional memory mounted on ISA or VL-Bus adapter cards.

Excalibur VLB Pentium Motherboard User's Guide

Description,

Continued

Shadow RAM

The system BIOS memory area (F0000h – FFFFFh) is always shadowed. Video BIOS is shadowed through AMIBIOS Setup ADVANCED CMOS SETUP. Adaptor ROM BIOS is also shadowed via ADVANCED CMOS SETUP in 16 KB increments.

System BIOS

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has a 128 KB AMIBIOS at address E0000h through FFFFFh with built-in AMIBIOS Setup, hard disk drive diagnostics, and user-definable hard disk drive types. AMIBIOS Setup allows you to bypass error messages for missing video, keyboard, or floppy drives to facilitate the building of file servers. The BIOS is stored in Flash EPROMs and can be reprogrammed via software without removing the ROM.

CMOS RAM

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has 114 bytes of nonvolatile CMOS RAM with rechargeable battery backup. A Ni-Cad battery is mounted on the motherboard. The motherboard also has an external battery connector.

Real Time Clock

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has a real time clock and CMOS RAM with built-in battery backup for ISA BIOS Setup. An external battery connector is also provided.

Chapter 1 System Overview

Description,

Continued

Onboard I/O

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard includes:

• a 40-pin IDE connector for up to two IDE drives, with local bus IDE Mode 2 support,

• a 34-pin connector to a floppy controller that supports up to two 720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, or 2.88 MB floppy drives,

• two ten-pin connectors for serial ports, and

• a 26-pin connector for one parallel port on the motherboard.

• either a keyboard miniDIN plug and PS/2 mouse miniDIN or a Keyboard DIN connector and a 10-pin berg for a PS/2 mouse connector.

Seven DMA Channels

The motherboard has seven DMA channels.

Fifteen Interrupt Levels

The motherboard has 15 hardware interrupt levels. The NMI takes precedence over all hardware interrupts.

Priority Label Typical Interrupt Source

1 IRQ 0 Interval Timer 1, Counter 0 OUT

2 IRQ 1 Keyboard

3-10 IRQ 2 Used internally for IRQ 8 through IRQ 15

3 IRQ 8 Real-Time-Clock

4IRQ 9Bus

5 IRQ 10 Bus

6 IRQ 11 Bus

7 IRQ 12 Onboard PS/2 Mouse or AT bus through a jumper

8 IRQ 13 Coprocessor Error

9 IRQ 14 Bus (Hard disk drive controller)

10 IRQ 15 Bus

11 IRQ 3 Bus (Serial Port 2)

12 IRQ 4 Bus (Serial Port 1)

13 IRQ 5 Bus (Parallel Port 2)

14 IRQ 6 Bus and floppy disk controller

15 IRQ 7 Bus (Parallel Port 1)

Excalibur VLB Pentium Motherboard User's Guide

Description,

Continued

Timer Features

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has three programmable 16-bit counter/timers.

Refresh Generation

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has a refresh generation feature.

I/O Capability

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard accesses 16- or 8-bit I/O devices on the ISA bus. and 32-bit devices on the VL-Bus.

ISA Bus

The ISA bus in the Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has a system clock that is generated by the bus clock (BCLK) and operates at approximately 8.33 MHz.

Expansion Slots

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has seven 16-bit expansion slots for ISA adapter cards. Two of these slots can also be used as VL-Bus expansion slots.

Local Bus

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has two VESA bus mastering VL-Bus Local Bus expansion slots. These slots can also be used as standard ISA expansion slots.

Chapter 1 System Overview

Description,

Continued

I/O Address Space

I/O addresses 0100h through 03FFh are available on the ISA bus.

Memory Address on ISA Bus

Up to 16 MB of memory can be addresses on the ISA bus.

Memory Addresses on Local Bus

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard uses 32-bit memory addresses to access 4 gigabytes of memory address space on the local bus expansion slots.

I/O Channel Check

The motherboard supports the use of the I/O channel check to generate NMIs.

Keyboard

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard uses a five-pin circular ISA DIN connector and has a five-pin keyboard lock connector to prevent unauthorized access.

Excalibur VLB Pentium Motherboard User's Guide

Description,

Continued

PS/2 Mouse

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has a 10-pin berg header that can be attached via a standard serial cable to a PS/2-type mouse.

Speaker

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has a standard four-pin speaker connector.

Hardware Reset Switch

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard has a standard two-pin reset connector.

Chapter 1 System Overview

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Chapter 2

Installation

Unpacking the Motherboard

Step Action

1. Inspect the cardboard carton for obvious damage. If damaged, call Technical Support at 770-246-8600. Leave the motherboard in its original packing.

2. Perform all unpacking and installation procedures on a ground connected anti-static mat. The operator should wear an anti-static wristband, grounded at the same point as the anti-static mat. Or use a sheet of conductive aluminum foil grounded through a 1 megohm resistor instead of the anti-static mat. Similarly, a strip of conductive aluminum foil wrapped around the wrist and grounded through a 1 megohm resistor serves the same purpose as the wristband.

3. Inside the carton, the motherboard is packed in an anti-static bag, and sandwiched between sheets of sponge. Remove the sponge and remove the anti-static bag. Place the motherboard on a grounded anti-static surface component side up. Save the original packing material in case of reshipment.

4. Inspect the motherboard for damage. Press down on all ICs mounted in sockets to verify proper seating. Do not apply power to the motherboard if it has been damaged.

5. If the motherboard is undamaged, it is ready to be installed.

Chapter 2 Installation

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Installation Steps

Step Action Turn to

1 Set switch and jumper options Page 28

2 Install memory Page 34

3 Install motherboard Page 38

4 Connect the power supply Page 38

5 Connect the keyboard Page 41

6 Connect the mouse Page 41

7 Connect cables Page 42

8 Connect onboard I/O Page 46

9 Install floppy disk drives Page 50

10 Install hard disk drive Page 50

11 Install adapter cards Page 53

12 Test and configure Page 59

Warning

This motherboard contains sensitive electronic

components which can be easily damaged by static

electricity. Follow the instructions carefully to

ensure correct installation and to avoid static

damage.

Step 1 Set Switch and Jumper Options

Set all user-configurable jumpers and switches and install upgrade processors before installing the motherboard in the

chassis. The jumpers are:

J30, J31, J52, J53, J54 Cache Memory Configuration SW1 Diagnostics and CGA J19 Serial Port 1 IRQ Select J20 Serial Port 2 IRQ Select J18 Parallel Port IRQ Select J28 Mouse IRQ Select J39 POWERGOOD Signal Detect J17 and J25 Extended Parallel Port DMA Select J29 Drain CMOS RAM Power J51 Flash Programming Enable

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 1 Set Switch and Jumper Options,

Continued

J30, J31, J52, J53, J54 Cache Memory Configuration

J30 and J31 are two-pin bergs and J52, J53, and J54 are three-pin bergs that control the L2 secondary cache memory

configuration on the motherboard. See the graphic on page 27 for the jumper locations.

Cache

Memory

Configuration

128 KB OFF OFF Short

256 KB OFF ON Short

512 KB ON ON Short

J30 J31 J52 J53 J54

Pins 2-3

Pins 1-2

Pins 2-3

Short

Pins 2-3

Short

Pins 1-2

Short

Pins 2-3

Short Pins

2-3

Short Pins

1-2

Short Pins

2-3

SW1 Diag and Color

SW1 has two two-position switches.

SW1-1 is the Manufacturing Diagnostics switch. The motherboard is shipped with this switch Off. The switch should

remain Off.

SW1-2 is the COL/MONO switch. SW2-2 sets the type of video display adapter card in the system. This switch is factory-

set to Off, for a monochrome display adapter (MDA). Set On for a color graphics adapter (CGA). This switch has no effect if an EGA or VGA adapter is installed.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 1 Set Switch and Jumper Options,

Continued

J20 Serial Port 2 IRQ Select

J20 is a three-pin single-inline berg. Short pins 2-3 to select IRQ4 for serial port 2. Short pins 1-2 (the default) to select

IRQ3 for serial port 2.

J19 Serial Port 1 IRQ Select

J19 is a three-pin single-inline berg. Short pins 2-3 to select IRQ3 for serial port 1. Short pins 1-2 (the default) to select

IRQ4 for serial port 1.

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 1 Set Switch and Jumper Options,

Continued

J18 Parallel Port IRQ Select

J18 is a three-pin single-inline berg. Short pins 2-3 to select IRQ5 for the parallel port. Short pins 1-2 (the default) to select

IRQ7 for the parallel port.

J17 and J25 Extended Parallel Port DMA Select

J17 and J25 are six-pin single-inline bergs that select the EPP (Enhanced Parallel Port) DMA channels, shown below.

DMA Channel J17 J25

DRQ0 Short Pins 1-2 Short Pins 1-2

DRQ1 Short Pins 3-4 Short Pins 3-4

DRQ3 Short Pins 5-6 Short Pins 5-6.

None (the factory setting) OPEN OPEN

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 1 Set Switch and Jumper Options,

Continued

J28 Onboard Mouse IRQ Select

J28 is a three-pin single-inline berg that selects the mouse IRQ. Short pins 1-2 to select IRQ12 from the onboard mouse.

Short pins 2-3 to select IRQ12 from a bus mouse.

IRQ12 cannot be used by any ISA or VL-Bus adapter card when

the onboard mouse is enabled.

J38 Set CPU Speed

J38 is a six-pin dual-inline berg that sets the Pentium CPU speed. Shorting bridges are installed on Pins 1-2 and 5-6 at the

factory. The J38 jumper setting should not be modified.

J39 POWERGOOD Signal

J39 is a two-pin single-inline berg. Pins 1-2 are shorted only if the power monitor U79 is not mounted. The factory setting

is OPEN (not installed).

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 1 Set Switch and Jumper Options,

Continued

J29 CMOS RAM Drain

J29 is a three-pin single-inline berg. In normal operation, pins 1-2 are shorted. Short pins 2-3 to drain CMOS RAM.

With many motherboards, if you forget the system password, you must remove the battery for at least 20 minutes to erase

the password. J22 provides a quicker method. By shorting J22 pins 1–2, you can quickly drain power from CMOS RAM. Then you must run AMIBIOS Setup to reconfigure.

J51 Flash EPROM Program Enable

J51 is a two-pin berg that specifies if +12V is supplied to the Flash EPROM for reprogramming. Leave J51 OPEN at all

times except when reprogramming the AMIBIOS with a BIOS file supplied by American Megatrends.

Jumper Settings that Must Not Change

J11 A two-pin berg that must always be shorted. J12 A two-pin berg that must always be open. J49 A two-pin berg that must always be open. J50 A two-pin berg that must always be shorted. J13 A two-pin berg that must always be open. J16 A two-pin berg that must always be open.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 2 Install Memory

The main memory subsystem on the motherboard includes four 64-bit memory banks organized with parity. Two DRAM

sockets make up each memory bank. All banks house SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module) DRAM packages. Bank1 must be poulated before Bank2. Bank1 is U16 and U9. Bank2 is U2 and U1. There are no jumper settings for system memory configuration.

You can use 256 KB x 36, 512 KB x 36, 1 MB x 36, 2 MB x 36, 4 MB x 36, or 8 MB x 36 bit SIMMs. The SIMMs can be

single-sided or double-sided. The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard uses fast page mode SIMMs operating at 70 ns RAS access time.

Motherboard Memory Configurations

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard supports the following memory configurations on the motherboard. All possible

valid memory configurations are listed.

Bank 1 SIMM Type Bank 2 SIMM Type Total

U16U9U2U1

256 KB x 36 256 KB x 36 None None 2 MB

1 MB x 36 1 MB x 36 None None 8 MB

2 MB x 36 2 MB x 36 None None 16 MB

4 MB x 36 4 MB x 36 None None 32 MB

8 MB x 36 8 MB x 36 None None 64 MB

256 KB x 36 256 KB x 36 256 KB x 36 256 KB x 36 4 MB

1 MB x 36 1 MB x 36 1 MB x 36 1 MB x 36 16 MB

2 MB x 36 2 MB x 36 2 MB x 36 2 MB x 36 32 MB

4 MB x 36 4 MB x 36 4 MB x 36 4 MB x 36 64 MB

8 MB x 36 8 MB x 36 8 MB x 36 8 MB x 36 128 MB

256 KB x 36 256 KB x 36 1 MB x 36 1 MB x 36 10 MB

1 MB x 36 1 MB x 36 4 MB x 36 4 MB x 36 40 MB

256 KB x 36 256 KB x 36 4 MB x 36 4 MB x 36 34 MB

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 2 Install Memory,

Continued

Selecting SIMMs

The table on the following page has SIMM part numbers. If using SIMMs other than these, be sure they meet the following

specifications:

Parameter Specification

Page Mode FAST

Refresh CAS before RAS

CAC

RAC

CPA

20 ns

≤

80 ns

≤

45 ns

≤

70 ns

45 ns

≤

SIMM Part Numbers

Memory Type Manufacturer Part Number

256 KB x 36 Micron® MT9D25636M-7

Mitsubishi® MH26636BJ-7

Motorola® MCM36256S-70

Oki® MSC2320A-70YS9

PNY® P36256-70

Samsung® KMM536256B-7

1 MB x 36 Micron MT12D136M-7

Mitsubishi MH1M36ADJ-7

PNY P361000-70

Motorola MCM36100AS-70

Oki MSC2355-70YS12

Samsung KMM5361000AV-7

4 MB x 36 Micron MT12D436M-7

Mitsubishi MH4M36SAJ-7

Motorola MCM36400S-70

PNY P364000-70

Samsung KMM5364100-7

8 MB x 36 Motorola MCM36800S-70

PNY P368000-707

Samsung KMM5368100-7

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 2 Install Memory,

Continued

Installing SIMMs

The SIMM sockets can be filled with either 256 KB x 36, 1 MB x 36, or 4 MB x 36 SIMMs. Use only one type of SIMM

to fill each bank.

Place the motherboard on an anti-static mat. With the component side of the SIMM facing you, firmly push the card into

the socket at a 45 degree angle, then push it up to a vertical position. When properly inserted, the SIMM clicks into place as the latching pins engage. See the following figure.

The 1 MB x 36 SIMMs look like this:

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 2 Install Memory,

Continued

Reporting Memory

The system memory configuration is reported by AMIBIOS as it boots and again when the AMIBIOS System

Configuration Screen is displayed just before DOS is booted.

If the system has 8 MB of system memory, the memory reported by AMIBIOS is 128 KB less than the total amount of

memory installed in the system because some of the memory between 640K and 1024K is used to shadow the video and system BIOS.

If the system has 16 MB of memory or more, the memory displayed by AMIBIOS on the System Configuration Screen is

384 KB less than the total memory installed, because all of the memory between 640K and 1024K is used by AMIBIOS for shadowing and EMS.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 3 Install the Motherboard

The mounting hole pattern on the Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard is the same as the mounting hole pattern on a Baby

AT motherboard. Standoffs and mounting screws are not supplied with the motherboard. The following table describes the installation.

Step Action

1 Place the chassis for the motherboard on an anti-static mat. Connect the

chassis to ground to avoid static damage during installation. Connect an alligator clip with a wire lead to any unpainted part of the chassis. Ground the other end of the lead at the same point as the mat and the wristband.

2 Rotate the chassis so that the front is to the right, and the rear is to the left.

The side facing you is where the motherboard is mounted. The power supply is mounted at the far end of the chassis.

3 Push four nylon standoffs from the solder side of the motherboard in the

holes provided for them. The standoffs lock in place. Find the slots provided for the standoffs on the chassis. Hold the motherboard, component-side up, with the edge with the standoffs toward you and the edge with the power supply connector away from you. The edge connectors for the adapter cards should be to the left.

4 Carefully slide the motherboard into the chassis. Make certain that the

standoffs fit the slots provided for them. If the standoffs are properly locked, the motherboard should not slide. It should also rest level with the chassis. The far edge should fit the slots in the plastic clips.

5 Place the two mounting screws in the holes provided for them and tighten

them. If necessary, shift the motherboard slightly to align the mounting holes on the motherboard with the holes on the chassis. Refer to the graphic on page 27.

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 4 Connect the Power Supply

The power supply should match the physical configuration of the chassis. Make sure that the power switch is Off before

assembly.

Before attaching all components, make sure that the proper voltage has been selected. Power supplies often can run on a

wide range of voltages and must be set (usually via a switch) to the proper range. Use at least a 230 watt power supply, which should have built-in filters to suppress radiated emissions.

Connect to PS1 and PS2

Attach the power supply cables to PS1 and PS2 on the motherboard. Se the drawing on page 27 for the location. AT-

compatible power supplies have two 6-pin connectors. The 6-pin connector with 3 red wires and 2 black wires is connected to PS2 and the remaining 6-pin connector is connected to PS1, as shown below.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 4 Connect the Power Supply,

Power Supply Connectors are Keye d

The power connectors are keyed. The connector keys must be cut to fit some power supplies, as shown below.

PS1 Pinout

Pin Description

1 Power Good (Orange wire)

2 VCC (Red wire)

3 +12 Volts (Yellow wire)

4 -12 Volts (Blue wire)

5 Ground (Black wire)

6 Ground (Black wire)

Continued

PS2 Pinout

Chapter 2 Installation

Pin Description

1 Ground (Black wire)

2 Ground (Black wire)

3 -5 Volts (White wire)

4 VCC (Red wire)

5 VCC (Red wire)

6 VCC (Red wire)

Step 5 Connect the Keyboard Cable

The keyboard connector is a 5-pin DIN socket labeled KEYBD and J3 on the motherboard. Attach a standard AT-compatible keyboard cable. A 5-pin DIN to 6-pin mini DIN converter is needed to connect a PS/2-type keyboard.

Pin Assignments

1 Keyboard clock

2 Keyboard data

3Not used

4 Ground

5VCC

Step 6 Connect the Mouse Cable

The mouse connector (J1) is a ten-pin dual-inline berg. Attach a standard serial cable from the mouse connector to a standard DB9 serial port connector mounted externally on the chassis for the mouse. The pinout follows. Because Pin 10 is unused, it should be cut.

Pin Assignment Pin Assignm ent

1 Mouse Clock 2 N/C

3N/C 4N/C

5N/C 6VCC

7N/C 8Mouse Data

9 GND 10 N/C

The Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard can be special ordered in a configuration that includes two miniDIN connectors to permit a PS/2-type keyboard and mouse to be directly attached to the motherboard. Call American Megatrends Hardware Sales at 404-246-8600 for additional information.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 7 Connect Cables

When connecting chassis connectors to the motherboard, make sure to connect the correct connector end. Most connector wires are color-coded. Match the color of the wires leaving the switch or LED to the same pin on the connector end.

There may be more than one connector with the same color-coded wires. If so, follow the wire to the switch or LED.

Pin 1 of all connectors is labeled on the motherboard to identify the pin orientation when plugging in cables. See the following graphic.

The following cables should be connected to the motherboard:

∙ Reset Switch cable to J43, ∙ Speaker cable to J34, ∙ Keyboard Lock cable to J40, ∙ Turbo LED cable to J42, ∙ Turbo Switch cable to J45, ∙ External battery connector to J5 (optional), and ∙ IDE LED Activity Indicator LED cable to J41.

Locating pin 1

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 7 Connect Cables,

Continued

J43 Reset Switch Connector

J43 is a two-pin single-inline berg that is attached via a cable to an externally-mounted reset switch. When the reset switch is pressed, the system performs a hard reset. Pin 1 is ground and Pin 2 is Hard Reset.

J34 Speaker Connector

J34 is a four-pin single-inline berg that is attached via a cable to the system speaker. AMIBIOS signals hardware problems through the speaker.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Pin Description

1 Speaker data

2N/C

3 Ground

4VCC

Step 7 Connect Cables,

Continued

J40 Keyboard Lock Connector

J40 is a five-pin single-inline berg that is attached via a cable to the keyboard lock connector. The keyboard lock allows the user to lock the keyboard, protecting the system from unauthorized use.

Pin Description

1Vcc

2N/C

3 Ground

4 Keyboard lock (KBDINH)

5 Ground

J42 Turbo LED

J42 is a two-pin berg that is attached via a cable to the externally-mounted bipolar Turbo LED. The LED lights when the motherboard is running at high speed.

Chapter 2 Installation

J41 IDE Activity Indicator LED

J41 is a two-pin berg that is attached via a cable to the externally-mounted IDE Activity LED. This LED lights when the IDE drive is running.

J5 External Battery Connector

The motherboard has a built-in rechargeable battery on the motherboard and does not need an external battery, but an external battery can be used. Connect the external battery to J5 via a four-wire cable. If you attach an external battery to J5, the built-in battery on the motherboard is automatically electrically isolated. J5 is a four-pin berg that connects to a 6-volt external battery. The positive (+) terminal, indicated by a red wire, connects to J5 Pin 1. The J5 pinout and connector are shown below.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Pin Description

1 6 Volt DC (Battery In)

2N/C

3 Ground

4 Ground

Step 7 Connect Cables,

J45 Turbo Switch Connector

J45 is a two-pin single-inline berg that is attached via a cable to the externally-mounted bipolar Turbo switch on the chassis. The turbo switch allows the user to change the motherboard clock speed between high and low speeds.

Step 8 Connect Onboard I/O

Continued

Onboard Adapters

The Excalibur VLB motherboard has two serial ports (J8 and J9) and a parallel port (J6) onboard. It also has an IDE (J7) and a floppy controller (J10). The serial and parallel port connectors are described below. The IDE connector is described on page 54. The floppy connector is described on page 50.

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 8 Connect Onboard I/O,

Continued

J8 Serial Port 1 (COM1)

J9 Serial Port 2 (COM2)

and

J8 and J9 are 10-pin dual-inline bergs that connect via 10-pin double-row ribbons to male 9-pin D-sub connectors fastened to the chassis to provide an AT-compatible serial port interface. The serial port pinout is shown below. Be sure to properly connect the cables to the berg connectors. Pin 1 of each of the bergs is labeled "1". The wire leading to pin 1 on the cable usually has a colored stripe.

Pin Use Pin Use

1 Carrier Detect 6 Data Set Ready

2 Receive Data 7 Request to Send

3 Transmit Data 8 Clear to Send

4 Data Terminal Ready 9 Ring Indicator

5GND 10Key

Attaching the Serial Port Cables

Two serial port cables are supplied with the Excalibur VLB motherboard to attach the serial port connectors (J8 and J9) to the external serial port DB25 or DB9 connectors on the chassis. Install the cables as shown below.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 8 Connect Onboard I/O,

Continued

Attaching the Parallel Port Cable

A parallel port cable is supplied with the motherboard to connect the parallel port connector (J6) to the external parallel port connector, as shown below.

The portion of the motherboard where the parallel port connector is located is shown below.

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 8 Connect Onboard I/O,

Continued

J6 Parallel Port

J6 is a 26-pin dual-inline berg. Use a 26-pin double-row ribbon cable to connect J6 and a female 25-pin Dsub connector on the chassis. The J6 pinout is:

Pin Use Pin Use

1 -STROBE 14 -AUTOFEED

2 PD0 15 -ERROR

3PD1 16-INIT

4PD2 17-SLCTIN

5PD3 18GND

6PD4 19GND

7PD5 20GND

8PD6 21GND

9PD7 22GND

10 -ACK 23 GND

11 BUSY 24 GND

12 PE 25 GND

13 SLCT 26 N/C

Cutting Pins

Pins must be cut on the two serial sockets and the parallel connectors as shown below. Cut pin 10 on both serial connectors and pin 26 on the parallel port connector.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 9 Install Floppy Drive

J10 Floppy Disk Drive Connector

J10 is a 34-pin dual-inline berg. Connect the cable from the floppy drive to J10. The onboard floppy controller cannot be used if a hard disk adapter card with floppy controller is installed. The following graphic depicts a floppy cable and the J10 34-pin floppy connector.

The following shows where J10 is located on the motherboard.

The motherboard supports 3½" and 5¼" floppy disk drive in low density (360 KB or 720 KB) and high density (1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, or 2.88 MB). Up to two floppy disk drives can be connected.

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 9 Install Floppy Drive,

Continued

The connecting cable that attaches to the floppy connector (J10) is a 34-pin ribbon connector with two 34pin edge connectors for attaching the floppy disk drives. There should be a small twist in the cable between the floppy connectors, and the last (end) connector should be connected to the floppy drive that will be drive A. See the illustration below.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 9 Install Floppy Drive,

J10 Floppy Connector Pinout

Pin Use Pin Use

1GND2RPM/LC

3GND4 N/C

5GND6DRATE0

7 GND 8 -INDEX

9 GND 10 -MOTOR0

11 GND 12 -FDSEL1

13 GND 14 -FDSEL0

15 GND 16 -MOTOR1

17 GND 18 DIR

19 GND 20 -STEP

21 GND 22 -WDATA

23 GND 24 -WGATE

25 GND 26 -TRK0

27 GND 28 -WRPROT

29 GND 30 -RDATA

31 GND 32 HDSEL

33 GND 34 DSKCHNG

Continued

Twist in Floppy Cable

Floppy B to A Floppy B to A Floppy B to A Floppy B to A

10 to 16 12 to 14 14 to 12 16 to 10

11 to 15 13 to 13 15 to 11

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 10 Install Hard Disk

Attach IDE Cable to J7

J7 is the IDE hard disk drive connector. Attach the 40-wire IDE ribbon cable to J7 as shown below.

The following graphic shows where J7 is located on the motherboard.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 10 Install Hard Disk,

Continued

J7 IDE Hard Disk Connector

J7 is a 40-pin dual-inline berg that connects a hard disk drive that has an Integrated Drive Electronics Interface to the onboard IDE Controller.

The IDE interface can be disabled via the Enable IDE Controller option in ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP (see page 70). Disable the onboard IDE interface to use an ISA ESDI, RLL, MFM, or SCSI hard disk drive controller. The J7 pinout is:

Pin Use Pin Use

1-RESET 2GND

3 DATA7 4 DATA8

5 DATA6 6 DATA9

7 DATA5 8 DATA10

9 DATA4 10 DATA11

11 DATA3 12 DATA12

13 DATA2 14 DATA13

15 DATA1 16 DATA14

17 DATA0 18 DATA15

19 GND 20 KEY (N/C)

21 N/C 22 GND

23 -IOW 24 GND

25 -IOR 26 GND

27 IDERDY 28 ALE

29 N/C 30 GND

31 INT14 32 -IOCS16

33 HA1 34 N/C

35 HA0 36 HA2

37 -CS0 38 -CS1

39 -IDEACT 40 GND

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 11 Install Adapter Cards

The Excalibur VLB motherboard provides full compatibility with all IBM XT and AT-compatible adapter cards. It has seven ISA (AT-compatible) expansion slots. The slots are numbered from SLOT1 through SLOT8. The first two slots also accept VL-Bus adapter cards. A summary of the slots follows.

Slot Description

1 – 2 VL-Bus master slots. These slots accept any ISA adapter

3 – 7 Standard ISA expansion slots. Accepts both 8-bit and

VL-Bus Adapter Cards

Most of the VL-Bus adapter card connectors are AT-compatible, but VL-Bus connectors also have an additional set of connectors. The second set of connectors is a 64-pin MCA®-type connector inline with the standard ISA connectors. The following graphic shows the VL-Bus slots.

card as well as 32-bit VL-Bus adapter cards.

16-bit XT- and AT-compatible adapter cards.

The following graphic illustrates a typical VL-Bus Adapter Card edge connector.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 11 Install Adapter Cards,

8-Bit ISA Slot Pinout

Pin Use Pin Use

A1 IOCHCK- B1 GND

A2 SD07 B2 RSTDRV

A3 SD06 B3 +5

A4 SD05 B4 IRQ9

A5 SD04 B5 -5

A6 SD03 B6 DREQ2

A7 SD02 B7 -12

A8 SD01 B8 OWS-

A9 SD00 B9 +12

A10 IOCHRDY B10 GND

A11 AEN B11 SMEMW-

A12 SA19 B12 SMEMR-

A13 SA18 B13 IOW-

A14 SA17 B14 IOR-

A15 SA16 B15 DACK3-

A16 SA15 B16 DREQ3

A17 SA14 B17 DACK1-

A18 SA13 B18 DREQ1

A19 SA12 B19 RESH-

A20 SA11 B20 SYSCLK

A21 SA10 B21 IRQ7

A22 SA09 B22 IRQ6

A23 SA08 B23 IRQ5

A24 SA07 B24 IRQ4

A25 SA06 B25 IRQ3

A26 SA05 B26 DACK2-

A27 SA04 B27 T/C

A28 SA03 B28 BALE

A29 SA02 B29 +5

A30 SA01 B30 OSC

A31 SA00 B31 GND

Continued

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 11 Install Adapter Cards,

Continued

16-Bit ISA Extension Pinout

The following 16-bit pins are an extension of the 8-bit board layout and are used in conjunction with the 8bit board standard pins.

Pin Use Pin Use

C1 SBHE- D1 MEMCS16-

C2 LA23 D2 IOCS16-

C3 LA22 D3 IRQ10

C4 LA21 D4 IRQ11

C5 LA20 D5 IRQ12

C6 LA19 D6 IRQ15

C7 LA18 D7 IRQ14

C8 LA17 D8 DACK0-

C9 MEMR- D9 DREQ0

C10 MEMW- D10 DACK5-

C11 SD08 D11 DREQ5

C12 SD09 D12 DACK6-

C13 SD10 D13 DREQ6

C14 SD11 D14 DACK7-

C15 SD12 D15 DREQ7

C16 SD13 D16 +5

C17 SD14 D17 MASTER-

C18 SD15 D18 GND

VL-Bus Pinout

The first two expansion slots are for VL-Bus adapter cards. VL-Bus slots include a 64-pin connector inline with the standard ISA connector. Side A is the component side. Side B is the solder side.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Step 11 Install Adapter Cards,

Pin Use Pin Use

A1 DAT01 B 1 DAT 00 A2 DAT03 B 2 DAT 02 A3 GND B3 DAT04 A4 DAT05 B 4 DAT 06 A5 DAT07 B 5 DAT 08 A6 DAT09 B6 GND A7 DAT11 B 7 DAT 10 A8 DAT13 B 8 DAT 12 A9 DAT15 B 9 VCC A10 GND B10 DAT14 A11 DAT 17 B11 DAT1 6 A12 VCC B12 DAT18 A13 DAT 19 B13 DAT2 0 A14 DAT 21 B14 GND A15 DAT 23 B15 DAT2 2 A16 DAT 25 B16 DAT2 4 A17 GND B17 DAT26 A18 DAT 27 B18 DAT2 8 A19 DAT 29 B19 DAT3 0 A20 DAT 31 B20 VCC A21 ADR30 B21 ADR31 A22 ADR28 B22 GND A23 ADR26 B23 ADR29 A24 GND B24 ADR27 A25 ADR24 B25 ADR25 A26 ADR22 B26 ADR23 A27 VCC B27 ADR21 A28 ADR20 B28 ADR19 A29 ADR18 B29 GND A30 ADR16 B30 ADR17 A31 ADR14 B31 ADR15 A32 ADR 12 B32 VC C A33 ADR10 B33 ADR13 A34 ADR08 B34 ADR11 A35 GND B35 ADR09 A36 ADR06 B36 ADR07 A37 ADR04 B37 ADR05 A38 N/C B38 GND A39 BE0 # B39 ADR03 A40 VCC B 40 ADR02 A41 BE1# B41 N/C A42 BE2 # B42 RESET # A43 GND B43 D/C# A44 BE3# B44 M/IO# A45 ADS # B45 W/R# A46 KEY B46 KEY A47 KEY B47 KEY A48 LR DY# B48 RDYRT N# A49 LDEV<># B49 GND A50 LREEQ<># B50 IRQ9 A51 GND B51 BRDY# A52 LGNT<># B52 BLAST# A53 VCC B 53 ID0 A54 ID2 B54 ID1 A55 ID3 B55 GND A56 ID4 B56 LCLK A57 LKEN# B57 VCC A58 LEADS# B58 LBS16#

Continued

Chapter 2 Installation

Step 12 Test and Configure

Review the following points before powering up:

_ make sure that all adapter cards are seated properly, _ make sure all connectors are properly installed, _ if the upgrade processor is used, make sure it is seated properly, _ make sure there are no screws or other foreign material on the motherboard, _ plug the system into a surge-protected power strip, and _ make sure blank back panels are installed on the back of the chassis to minimize RF emissions.

Start the Test

Plug everything in and turn on the switch. If there are any signs of a problem, turn off the unit immediately. Reinstall the connectors. Call Technical Support if there are problems.

BIOS Errors

If the system operates normally, a display should appear on the monitor. The BIOS Power On Self Test (POST) should execute.

If POST does not run successfully, it will beep or display error messages. Beeps indicate a serious problem with the system configuration or hardware. The Beep Code (see page 46) indicates the problem. Make sure the affected part is properly seated and connected. An error message is displayed if the error is less serious. Recheck the system configuration or the connections.

Configure the System

Run AMIBIOS Setup. You must enter the requested information and save the configuration data in CMOS RAM. The system will then reset, run POST, and boot the operating system. See page 59 for information on configuring the system via STANDARD CMOS SETUP.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Chapter 3

AMIBIOS Power On Self Test

AMIBIOS provides all IBM-standard POST routines as well as enhanced AMIBIOS POST routines and CPU internal diagnostics. AMIBIOS POST codes can be accessed via the Manufacturing Test Port (I/O Port 80h). AMIBIOS POST checkpoint codes are described in the

Technical Reference.

POST Phases

When the system is powered on, the AMIBIOS executes POST, which has two phases:

ISA and EISA Hi-Flex AMIBIOS

• System Test and Initialization

• System Configuration Verificatio n

installed).

AMIBIOS Error Reporting

The AMIBIOS performs diagnostic when the system is powered up. Error s are reported in one of two ways:

(test and initialize motherboards for normal operations), and

(compare defined configuration with the hardware actually

If... Then...

the error occurs before the display device is initialized,

the error occurs after the display device is initialized,

a series of beeps sound. Beep codes indicate that a fatal error has occurred. The AMIBIOS Beep Codes are described on the next page.

the error message is displayed. Displayed error messages are explained below. A prompt to press <F1> can also appear.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Beep Codes

Errors may occur during POST (Power On Self Test), performed every time the system is powered on. Fatal errors are communicated through a series of audible beeps. All errors except Beep Code 8 are fatal.

Beeps Error message Description

1 Refresh Failure Bad memory refresh circuitry.

2 Parity Error Parity error in the first 64 KB of memory.

3 Base 64 KB Memory

Failure

4 Timer Not Operational Memory failure in the first 64 KB or Timer 1

5 Processor error The CPU (Central Processing Unit) on the

6 8042 - Gate A20 Failure AMIBIOS cannot switch to protected mode.

7 Processor Exception

Interrupt Error

8Display Memory

Read/Write Error

9 ROM Checksum Error The ROM checksum value does not match

10 CMOS Shutdown

Memory failure in first 64 KB.

on the motherboard is not functioning.

motherboard has generated an error.

The CPU on the motherboard generated an exception interrupt.

The system video adapter is either missing or its memory is faulty.

the value encoded in AMIBIOS.

The shutdown register for CMOS RAM failed.

What to Do If the Computer Beeps

If the system

beeps...

1, 2, or 3 times... reseat the memory. If the system still beeps, replace memory.

6 times... Try a different keyboard or replace the keyboard fuse, if the keyboard

has one.

8 times... there is a memory error on the video adapter. Replace the video adapter,

or the RAM on the video adapter.

9 times... the BIOS ROM chip is bad. The system needs a new BIOS. The ROM

can be reprogrammed with AMIFlash.

11 times... reseat the cache memory on the motherboard. If it still beeps, replace the

cache memory.

4, 5, 7, or 10 times... the motherboard must be replaced.

then...

Chapter 3 AMIBIOS POST

AMIBIOS Displayed Error Messages

If POST initializes the system video monitor, errors can be displayed on the screen. These errors usually allow the system to continue. They are listed on Page 47. Error message are displayed as follows:

ERROR Message Line 1 ERROR Message Line 2 Press <F1> to RESUME

Press <F1> to continue the boot process. The system does not halt if

Wait for <F1> If Any Error

in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP is

Disabled.

Error Message

8042 Gate-A20 Error

Address Line Short!

C: Drive Error No response from drive C:. Run the Hard

C: Drive Failure

Cache Memory Bad, Do Not Enable Cache!

CH-2 Timer Error

CMOS Battery State Low

CMOS Checksum Failure

CMOS System Options Not Set

CMOS Display Type Mismatch

CMOS Memory Size Mismatch

CMOS Time & Date Not Set

D: Drive Error No response from drive D:. Run the Hard

D: drive failure

Diskette Boot Failure

Gate A20 on the keyboard controller (8042) is not working. Replace the

8042. Error in the address decoding circuitry

on the motherboard.

Disk Utility. Check the C: hard disk type in STANDARD CMOS SETUP.

No response from drive C:. It may be necessary to replace the hard disk.

Cache memory on the motherboard is defective.

An error occurred with timer #2.

CMOS RAM is powered by a battery. The battery power is low. Replace the battery.

After CMOS RAM values are saved, a checksum value is generated for error checking. This message appears if the previous value is different from the current value. Run AMIBIOS Setup.

The values stored in CMOS RAM are either corrupt or nonexistent. Run AMIBIOS Setup.

The video type in CMOS RAM does not match the type detected by AMIBIOS. Run AMIBIOS Setup.

The amount of memory on the motherboard is different than the amount in CMOS RAM. Run AMIBIOS Setup.

Run the STANDARD CMOS SETUP to set the date and time in CMOS RAM.

Disk Utility. Check the D: hard disk type in STANDARD CMOS SETUP.

No response from drive D:. It may be necessary to replace the hard disk.

The boot diskette in floppy drive A: cannot be used to boot the system. Use

Explanation

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

AMIBIOS Displayed Error Messages,

Continued

Error Message

another boot diskette and follow the screen instructions.

Display Switch Not Proper

DMA Error Error in the DMA controller on the

DMA #1 Error Error in the first DMA channel on the

DMA #2 Error Error in the second DMA channel on the

FDD Controller Failure

HDD Controller Failure

INTR #1 Error Interrupt channel #1 has failed POST. INTR #2 Error Interrupt channel #2 has failed POST. Invalid Boot

Diskette

Keyboard Is Locked...Unlock It

Keyboard Error Timing problem with the keyboard. Make

KB/Interface Error

No ROM BASIC Cannot find a proper bootable sector on

Off Board Parity Error

Some systems require video switch on the motherboard be set to either color or monochrome. Turn the system off, set the switch properly, then power on.

motherboard.

motherboard. AMIBIOS cannot communicate with the

floppy disk drive controller. Check all appropriate connections after the system is powered down.

AMIBIOS cannot communicate with the hard disk drive controller. Check all appropriate connections after the system is powered down.

AMIBIOS can read the diskette in floppy drive A:, but it cannot boot the system with it. Use another boot diskette and follow the screen instructions.

The keyboard lock on the system is engaged. The system must be unlocked to continue the boot process.

sure a keyboard controller AMIBIOS is installed. Set the STANDARD CMOS SETUP to skip the keyboard POST routines.

Error in the keyboard connector on the motherboard.

either diskette drive A: or hard disk drive C:. Use a bootable disk.

Parity error in offboard memory. The format is:

OFF BOARD PARITY ERROR ADDR (HEX) = (XXXX)

Explanation

Keyboard

Not Installed

option in

is the hex address where the error occurred. Run

XXXX

AMIDiag to find and correct memory problems.

Onboard Parity Error Parity error in motherboard memory. The format is:

Parity Error ???? Parity error in system memory at an unknown address.

Chapter 3 AMIBIOS POST

Onboard PARITY ERROR ADDR (HEX) = (XXXX)

is the hex address where the error occurred. Run

XXXX

AMIDiag to find and correct memory problems.

Run AMIDiag to find and correct memory problems.

NMI Messages

ISA NMI Message Explanation

Memory Parity Error at

xxxxx

I/O Card Parity Error at

xxxxx

Memory failed. If the memory location can be determined, it is displayed as

Parity Error ????

. If not, the message is

xxxxx

An adapter card failed. If the address can be determined, it is displayed as

Parity Error ????

. If not, the message is

xxxxx

DMA Bus Time-out A device other than the CPU has driven the bus signal for

more than 7.8 microseconds.

BIOS Configuration Summary Screen

The AMIBIOS displays the following screen when the POST routines are successfully completed.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• Main Processor : Pentium • Base Memory Size : 640 KB •

• Numeric Coprocessor : Present • Ext. Memory Size : 16000 KB •

• Floppy Drive A: : 1.2 MB ½ • Hard Disk C: Type : Type 47 •

• Floppy Drive B: : 1.44 MB ¼ • Hard Disk D: Type : Type 47 •

• Display Type : VGA/PGA/EGA • Serial Port(s) : 3F8, 3E8 •

• AMIBIOS Date : 11/11/92 • Parallel Port(s) : 378 •

512 KB Cache Memory 60 MHz CPU Clock

Memory

I/O Card

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

POST Memory Test

Normally, the only visible POST routine is the memory test. The screen that appears when the system is powered on is shown below.

XXXXX

KB OK

BIOS Release 750080893

Press <DEL> if you want to run SETUP

XX-XXXX-XXXXXX-XXXXXXXX-XXXXXX-XXXX-X

A BIOS Identification string appears in the left bottom corner of the screen, below the copyright message. Press <Ins> during system boot to display two additional BIOS Identification strings. The BIOS Identification String are described in the

ISA and EISA Hi-Flex AMIBIOS Technical Reference

When a problem occurs, freeze the screen by powering on the system and holding a key down, which causes a

Keyboard Error

message. Copy the BIOS Identification Strings and report this information to American

Megatrends Technical Support. Press <F1> to continue.

Enable the

Wait for <F1> If any Error

option in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP before using this method to

freeze the screen.

The following message is displayed after POST is completed:

Hit <DEL> if you want to run SETUP

Press the <Del> key to run AMIBIOS Setup.

Chapter 3 AMIBIOS POST

Chapter 4

AMIBIOS Setup

AMIBIOS Features

The AMIBIOS has several features that can be accessed at any time.

Keyboard Speed Switching

The end use can increase processor speeds at any time by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><+>. Processor speed can be decreased by pressing <Ctrl><Alt><->. Of course, the OEM can modify these keystroke combinations via AMIBCP. The above values are merely the default settings.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

AMIBIOS Setup

AMIBIOS Setup has four parts:

∙ STANDARD CMOS SETUP, ∙ ADVANCED CMOS SETUP, ∙ ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP, and ∙ PERIPHERAL MANAGEMENT SETUP.

STANDARD CMOS SETUP

STANDARD CMOS SETUP permits you to configure and set system components such as floppy drives, hard disk drives, time and date, monitor type, and keyboard. STANDARD CMOS SETUP is described on pages 59 through 62.

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP allows you to configure more advanced parts of memory configuration, peripheral support, and password support. ADVANCED CMOS SETUP is discussed on pages 63 through

68.

ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP

ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP configures features that are more technical and affect the system configuration. These options are described on pages 69 through 70.

PERIPHERAL MANAGEMENT SETUP

PERIPHERAL MANAGEMENT SETUP configures the onboard serial ports, parallel port, floppy, and local bus IDE.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Section 1

Running AMIBIOS Setup

The system parameters (such as amount of memory, disk drives, video displays, and numeric coprocessors) is stored in CMOS RAM. When the computer is turned off, a back-up battery provides power to CMOS RAM, which retains the system parameters. Every time the system is powered-on, it is configured with these values, unless CMOS RAM has been corrupted.

The system configuration parameters are set via AMIBIOS Setup. AMIBIOS Setup resides in the ROM BIOS (Read Only Memory Basic Input/Output System) and is available each time the computer is turned on.

Default System Parameters

If CMOS RAM is bad, the system is configured with the default values stored in ROM. These values are the BIOS Setup default values.

Starting AMIBIO S Setup

As POST executes, the following appears:

Hit <DEL> if you want to run SETUP

Press <Del> to run AMIBIOS Setup.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

AMIBIOS Setup Key Use

Keystroke Action

<Esc> Returns to previous screen.

, and

→, ←, ↑

<PgUp> and <PgDn>;

<F10> Saves all changes made to Setup and continues the boot

↓

<F1> Displays Help.

<F2> Change background colors.

<F3> Change foreground colors.

<F5> Restores the values resident when the current Setup

<F6> Loads all features in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP,

Move the cursor from one option to the next.

Modify the default value of the options for the highlighted parameter. If there are fewer than 10 options, <Ctrl> <PgUp> and <Ctrl> <PgDn> operate like <PgUp> and <PgDn>.

<Ctrl> can also be used to increment a setting.

session began. These values are taken from CMOS RAM if CMOS RAM was uncorrupted at the start of the session. Otherwise, AMIBIOS Setup default values are used.

ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP, and PERIPHERAL MANAGEMENT SETUP with the BIOS Setup defaults.

process.

Note:

The default value for <F5>, <F6>, and <F7> is always N. To execute these options, change the N to Y and press <Enter>.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

AMIBIOS Setup Main Menu

The AMIBIOS Setup Main Menu is shown below.

The options on the Main Menu are explained on the following pages:

Main Menu Option Described on

STANDARD CMOS SETUP page 59

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP page 63

ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP page 69

PERIPHERAL MANAGEMENT SETUP page 56

AUTO CONFIGURATION WITH BIOS

DEFAULTS

CHANGE PASSWORD page 75

AUTO DETECT HARD DISK page 57

HARD DISK UTILITY page 77

WRITE TO CMOS AND EXIT page 58

DO NOT WRITE TO CMOS AND EXIT page 58

page 56

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

BIOS Default Values

AMIBIOS has default settings for all options. In STANDARD CMOS SETUP, default values are only loaded if CMOS RAM is corrupt. All STANDARD CMOS SETUP default settings are disabled (floppy, hard disk, monitor, keyboard). In all other types of AMIBIOS Setup, BIOS Setup defaults are provided for most options.

Loading the BIOS Setup Defaults

You can load the BIOS Setup defaults for the AMIBIOS Setup screen currently being displayed by pressing <F6>. The BIOS Setup default value are best-case values that should optimize system performance. If CMOS RAM is corrupted, the BIOS defaults are loaded automatically.

Auto Configuration With BIOS Defaults

Auto Configuration With BIOS Defaults uses the default system settings for all AMIBIOS Setup options. The BIOS defaults are best-case settings that optimize system performance. If CMOS RAM is corrupted, the BIOS default settings are automatically loaded. Highlight this option, type Y, and press <Enter> to use BIOS defaults. The following appears:

Default values loaded. Press any key to continue.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

AUTO DETECT HARD DISK

When enabled, this option displays the parameters for non-standard hard disk drives, such as RLL, ESDI, IDE, or SCSI drives. You can accept or reject the parameters. If accepted, these parameters are displayed in STANDARD CMOS SETUP as follows:

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Write to CMOS and Exit

The specified configurations settings are stored in CMOS RAM when this option is selected. A CMOS RAM checksum is calculated and written to CMOS RAM and control is passed to the system BIOS.

Write to CMOS and Exit (Y/N) ? N

appears. Press N and <Enter> to return to the Main Menu. Press Y to save the system parameters and continue the boot process. AMIBIOS either reboots the system (if any new settings change the memory map) or continues to boot.

Do Not Write to CMOS RAM and Exit

This option passes control to the BIOS without writing any changes to CMOS RAM. Press N and <Enter> to return to the Main Menu. Press Y and <Enter> to continue the boot process without saving any system parameters.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Section 2

STANDARD CMOS SETUP

STANDARD CMOS SETUP is the first option on the Main Menu. Press <Enter> at the highlighted selection to display this option. The following screen appears.

STANDARD CMOS SETUP Options

Date And Day Configuration

Ranges for each value are shown in the lower left corner of the STANDARD CMOS SETUP Screen. Move the cursor to the Date field with ↑ and ↓ and set the Date and Day by pressing <PgUp> and <PgDn> to change the values.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

STANDARD CMOS SETUP Options,

Continued

Time Configuration

This option uses a 24 hour clock. For PM numbers, add 12 to the hour. Enter 4:30 P.M. as 16:30:00. Move the cursor to the Time field via ↑ and ↓ and set the time by pressing <PgUp> and <PgDn>.

Hard Disk Drive Type C: and D:

Move the cursor to these fields via ↑ and ↓ and select the hard disk drive type by pressing <PgUp> and <PgDn>.

Not Installed

is used for diskless workstations and SCSI hard disks.

Type 47 is used for IDE drives and can be used for both hard disks C: and D:. If you select Type 47, you must enter the hard disk drive parameters (described on page 62). The hard drive manufacturer should provide all necessary parameters. The parameters for type 47 under Hard Disk C: and Hard Disk D: can be different, which effectively allows two different user-definable hard disk types.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

STANDARD CMOS SETUP Options,

Hard Disk Drive Types

Continued

Type Cylinders Heads Write

1 306 4 128 305 17 10 MB

2 615 4 300 615 17 20 MB

3 615 6 300 615 17 31 MB

4 940 8 512 940 17 62 MB

5 940 6 512 940 17 47 MB

6 615 4 65535 615 17 20 MB

7 462 8 256 511 17 31 MB

8 733 5 65535 733 17 30 MB

9 900 15 65535 901 17 112 MB

10 820 3 65535 820 17 20 MB

11 855 5 65535 855 17 35 MB

12 855 7 65535 855 17 50 MB

13 306 8 128 319 17 20 MB

14 733 7 65535 733 17 43 MB

16 612 4 0 663 17 20 MB

17 977 5 300 977 17 41 MB

18 977 7 65535 977 17 57 MB

19 1024 7 512 1023 17 60 MB

20 733 5 300 732 17 30 MB

21 733 7 300 732 17 43 MB

22 733 5 300 733 17 30 MB

23 306 4 0 336 17 10 MB

24 925 7 0 925 17 54 MB

25 925 9 65535 925 17 69 MB

26 754 7 754 754 17 44 MB

27 754 11 65535 754 17 69 MB

28 699 7 256 699 17 41 MB

29 823 10 65535 823 17 68 MB

30 918 7 918 918 17 53 MB

31 1024 11 65535 1024 17 94 MB

32 1024 15 65535 1024 17 128 MB

33 1024 5 1024 1024 17 43 MB

34 612 2 128 612 17 10 MB

35 1024 9 65535 1024 17 77 MB

36 1024 8 512 1024 17 68 MB

37 615 8 128 615 17 41 MB

38 987 3 987 987 17 25 MB

39 987 7 987 987 17 57 MB

40 820 6 820 820 17 41 MB

41 977 5 977 977 17 41 MB

42 981 5 981 981 17 41 MB

43 830 7 512 830 17 48 MB

44 830 10 65535 830 17 69 MB

45 917 15 65535 918 17 114 MB

46 1224 15 65535 1223 17 152 MB

47 USER-DEFINED HARD DRIVE - Enter user-supplied parameters.

Precompensation

Landing

Zone

Sectors Capacity

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

STANDARD CMOS SETUP Options,

Hard Disk Drive Parameters

Parameter Description

Type The number for a drive with certain identification parameters.

Cylinders The number of cylinders in the disk drive.

Heads The number of heads .

Write

Precompensation

Landing Zone This number is the cylinder location where the heads will normally park

Sectors The number of sectors per track. MFM drives have 17 sectors per track.

Capacity The formatted capacity of the drive based on the Number of heads x the

Floppy Drive A: and B:

The size of a sector gets progressively smaller as the track diameter diminishes. Yet each sector must still hold 512 bytes. Write precompensation circuitry on the hard disk compensates for the physical difference in sector size by boosting the write current for sectors on inner tracks. This parameter is the track number where write precompensation begins.

when the system is shut down.

RLL drives have 26 sectors per track. ESDI drives have 34 sectors per track. SCSI and IDE drive may have even more sectors per track.

Number of cylinders x the Number of sectors per track x 512 bytes per sector.

Continued

Use ↑ and ↓ and select the floppy type via <PgUp> and <PgDn>. The settings are

5¼", 720 KB 3½", 1.44 MB 3½", 2.88 MB 3½",

Not Installed

360 KB 5¼", 1.2 MB

Monitor

Move the cursor to this field via ↑ and ↓ and select the monitor type via <PgUp> and <PgDn>. The settings are

Monochrome, Color 40x25, Color 80x25, VGA/PGA/EGA,

Not Installed. Not Installed

is used for

network file servers.

Keyboard

Move the cursor to this field via ↑ and ↓ and select the monitor type via <PgUp> and <PgDn>. The settings are

Installed

Not Installed

(used for network file servers).

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Section 3

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP is shown below. Use the ↑ and ↓ keys to scroll through the options.

• AMIBIOS SETUP PROGRAM - ADVANCED CMOS SETUP •

• Typematic Rate Programming : Disabled• Adaptor ROM Shadow D400,16K : Disabled•

• Typematic Rate Delay (msec): 500 • Adaptor ROM Shadow D800,16K : Disabled•

• Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec) : 30 • Adaptor ROM Shadow DC00,16K : Disabled•

• Mouse Support Option : Enabled • Adaptor ROM Shadow E000,64K : Disabled•

• Above 1 MB Memory Test : Enabled • BootSector Virus Protection : Disabled•

• Memory Parity Error Check : Enabled • •

• System Boot Up Num Lock : On • •

• Floppy Drive Seek At Boot : Disabled• •

• System Boot Up Sequence : C:,A: • •

• System Boot Up CPU Speed : High • •

• Cache Memory : Both • •

• Password Checking Option : Setup • •

• Video ROM Shadow C000,16K: Enabled • •

• Video ROM Shadow C400,16K: Enabled • •

• Adaptor ROM Shadow C800,16K: Disabled• •

• Adaptor ROM Shadow CC00,16K: Disabled• •

• Adaptor ROM Shadow D000,16K: Disabled• •

•••••••••••••ESC:Exit

•••••••••••••F5:Old Values F6:BIOS Setup Defaults F7:Power-On Defaults ••••••••

Help Screens

:Sel (Ctrl)Pu/Pd:Modify F1:Help F2/F3:Color ••••••••

↑→↓←

All AMIBIOS Setup options have help screens accessed by pressing <F1> when the option is highlighted.

Warning Message

A warning message is displayed when ADVANCED CMOS SETUP is selected. Press any key to continue.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options

Typema tic Ra te Progr amming Typematic Rate Delay Typematic Rate

Typematic Rate Programming enables or disables the following two options. Typematic Rate Delay

500, 750, or 1,000 milliseconds)

and Typematic Rate

(6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 20, 24, or 30

characters per

(250,

second) control the speed at which a keystroke is repeated.

When a key is pressed and held down, the associated character is displayed. After a delay specified by the Typematic Rate Delay, the character repeats at the Typematic Rate. The default settings are:

Option BIOS Setup

Typematic Rate Programming

Typematic Rate Delay

Typematic Rate

default

Disabled

500

Mouse Support Option

When this option is enabled, AMIBIOS supports a PS/2-type mouse. The settings are The BIOS Setup default is

Disabled.

The mouse is enabled through jumper J12. If Pins 1-2 are shorted,

Enabled

Disabled.

IRQ12 is connected to the mouse. If Pins 2-3 of J12 are shorted (the default setting), IRQ12 is connected to the AT Bus.

Above 1 MB Memory Test

This option, when enabled, executes POST memory routines on the system DRAM memory above 1 MB (if present on the system). If disabled, AMIBIOS only checks the first 1 MB of RAM. The BIOS Setup default is

Enabled.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options,

Memory Parity Error Check

Continued

This option enables parity error checking of system RAM. The settings are is checked) or is

Enabled.

Disabled

(parity is checked only on the first 1 MB of system RAM). The BIOS Setup default

Enabled

(all system RAM parity

System Boot Up Num Lock

When the setting for this option is you can use the arrow keys on both the numeric keypad and the keyboard. The settings are On or BIOS Setup default is

On.

this option turns off

On,

Num Lock

when the system is powered on so

The

Off.

Floppy Drive Seek At Boot

When this option is enabled, AMIBIOS performs a seek operation on the floppy drive before booting the system. The settings are

Enabled

Disabled.

The BIOS Setup default is

Disabled.

System Boot Up Sequence

This option sets the sequence of drives (either floppy drive A: or hard disk drive C:) that AMIBIOS attempts to boot from after AMIBIOS POST completes. The settings are default is

C:,A:.

C:,A:

The BIOS Setup

A:,C:.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options,

Continued

Cache Memory

This option enables internal and secondary cache memory.

Setting Description

Internal

Both

Disabled

Only the cache memory on the Pentium

Both secondary L2 (external) cache

memory and the internal cache memory

on the Pentium processor are enabled.

Neither the Pentium internal cache

memory nor secondary cache memory is

processor is enabled.

enabled.

The BIOS Setup default is

Both.

Password Checking Option

This option enables the password check option every time the system boots or the end user runs AMIBIOS Setup. If

is chosen, a user password prompt appears every time the system is turned on. If

Always

Setup

is chosen, the password prompt appears if AMIBIOS Setup is run. See page 75 for instructions on changing a password.

Video ROM Shadow C000,16K Video ROM Shadow C400,16K

These options control the shadowing of the contents of shadowed Video ROM. ROM shadow is a technique in which BIOS code is copied from slower ROM to faster RAM. The BIOS is then executed from the RAM. This option permits the memory segment at C0000h – C7FFFh to be shadowed from ROM to RAM for quicker execution. The settings are

Enabled

Disabled.

The BIOS Setup defaults are

Enabled.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options,

Continued

Adaptor ROM Shadow C800,16K Adaptor ROM Shadow CC00,16K Adaptor ROM Shadow D000,16K Adaptor ROM Shadow D400,16K Adaptor ROM Shadow D800,16K Adaptor ROM Shadow DC00,16K Adaptor ROM Shadow E000,64K

These options control the shadowing of the contents of adaptor ROM beginning at the specified addresses. ROM shadow is a technique in which BIOS code is copied from slower ROM to faster RAM. The BIOS is then executed from the corresponding DRAM.

This option permits the memory segment that begins at the address specified in the option title to be shadowed from ROM to RAM for quicker execution.

The settings are

Enabled

Disabled.

The BIOS Setup default is

Do not enable shadowing of the E000h ROM segment.

option to

Disabled.

The E000h segment is used by the Flash EPROM. Shadowing of this option may cause

unpredictable system behavior.

Disabled.

Always set the

Adaptor ROM Shadow E000,64K

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options,

Continued

Boot Sector Virus Protection

When enabled, the BIOS issues a warning when any program (or virus) issues a Disk Format command or attempts to write to the boot sector of the hard disk drive. The settings are

Enabled

Disabled.

If enabled, the following is displayed if any program attempts to write to the boot sector. You may have to type N several times to prevent the boot sector write.

Possible VIRUS: Continue (Y/N)? _

Boot Sector Write!!!

The following is displayed if any program attempts to format any cylinder, head, or sector of any hard disk drive via the BIOS INT 13 Hard Disk Drive Service:

Format!!!

The BIOS Setup default is

Possible VIRUS: Continue (Y/N)? _

Disabled.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Section 4

ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP

The ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP screen is shown below. Use the →, ←, ↑, and ↓ keys to scroll through the options.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• AMIBIOS SETUP PROGRAM - ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP •

• DRAM Region B Control Mode : Disabled• •

• DRAM Region B Size : 512 KB • •

• DRAM Region B Base Address : 0 KB • •

• Video BIOS Area Cacheable : Enabled • •

• System BIOS Area Cacheable : Disabled• •

• • •

••••••••••ESC:Exit

••••••••••F5:Old Values F6:BIOS Setup Defaults F7:Power-On Defaults •••••••••

ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options

DRAM Region B Control Mode

:Sel (Ctrl)Pu/Pd:Modify F1:Help F2:Color •••••••••

↑→↓←

This option defines how system memory Region B is used. Region B must be located above 1 MB. The settings are

Disabled

(system memory is treated as one contiguous area),

WR-Thru

(the contents of Region B can be read from or written to secondary cache memory, but only via a write-through caching algorithm), or

Hole

B Base Address

reserved on the VL-bus local bus and ISA bus for adapter cards. If

(make Region B a hole in memory).

Hole

Do not select Wr-Thru.

The BIOS Setup default is

defines a hole in DRAM system memory. The hole starting address is specified in the

option. The size of the hole is specified in the

DRAM Region B Size

is specifed, make sure that the

Hole

Disabled.

DRAM Region

option. The hole is

operating system recognizes the hole and can still access DRAM beyond the hole.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options,

Continued

DRAM Region B Size

This option sets the memory Region B size. This option cannot be used to set the size of a non-cacheable area of memory. The settings are

512K, 1M, 2M,

The BIOS Setup default is

4M.

512KB.

DRAM Region B Base Address

This option defines the beginning of system memory Region B. This option cannot be used to set the starting address of a non-cacheable area of memory. The base address must be a multiple of the

Region B Size

option is set to

option setting and must not be less than 1 MB if the

The BIOS Setup default is

Hole.

0 KB.

DRAM Region B Control Mode

DRAM

Video BIOS Area Cacheable

If this option is enabled, the contents of the video BIOS shadow RAM area can be read from or written to secondary cache memory, which will improve video performance. This option can be enabled only when Video ROM Shadow C000,16K and Video ROM Shadow C400,16K are set to CMOS SETUP. The settings are

Enabled

Disabled.

The BIOS Setup default is

Enabled

in ADVANCED

Enabled.

System BIOS Area Cacheable

If this option is enabled, the contents of the system BIOS shadow RAM area can be read from or written to secondary cache memory, which improves performance. The settings are Setup default is

Disabled.

Enabled

Disabled.

The BIOS

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Section 5

Peripheral Setup

The Peripheral Setup screen is shown below. Press the →, ←, ↑, and ↓ keys to scroll through the options.

• AMIBIOS SETUP PROGRAM - PERIPHERAL MANAGEMENT SETUP •

• On-Board Floppy Drive : Enabled • •

• First Serial Port Address : 3F8h • •

• First Serial Port FIFO : Disabled• •

• Second Serial Port Address : 2F8h • •

• Second Serial Port FIFO : Disabled• •

• Parallel Port Address : 378h • •

• On-Board IDE Drive : Enabled • •

• IDE Block Mode Transfer : Disabled• •

• IDE Drive 0 Mode : Mode 0 • •

• IDE Drive 1 Mode : Mode 0 • •

• IDE Readahead : Disabled• •

• • •

••••••••••ESC:Exit

••••••••••F5:Old Values F6:BIOS Setup Defaults F7:Power-On Defaults •••••••••

Peripheral Setup Options

On-Board Floppy Drive

:Sel (Ctrl)Pu/Pd:Modify F1:Help F2:Color •••••••••

↑→↓←

This option enables the use of the floppy drive controller on the motherboard. The settings are

Disabled.

The BIOS Setup default is

Enabled.

First Serial Port Address

This option sets the base I/O port address of serial port 1 on the motherboard. The settings are

3F8h,

The BIOS Setup default is

3E8h.

First Serial Port FIFO

This option enables the FIFO buffer for the first serial port. The settings are default is

Disabled.

Enabled

Disabled.

Enabled

Disabled,

The

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Peripheral Setup Options,

Second Serial Port Address

Continued

This option sets the base I/O port address of serial port 2 on the motherboard. The settings are

2F8h,

The BIOS Setup default is

2E8h.

2F8h.

Second Serial Port FIFO

This option enables the FIFO buffer for the second serial port. The settings are BIOS Setup default is

Disabled.

Enabled

Disabled.

Parallel Port Address

This option enables the parallel port on the motherboard. The settings are Setup default is

378h.

Disabled, 378,

278.

On-Board IDE Drive

This option enables the use of the IDE controller on the motherboard. The settings are The BIOS Setup default is

Enabled.

Enabled

IDE Block Mode Tra nsfer

This option enables multiple sector reads and writes for IDE drives. The settings are The BIOS Setup default is

Disabled.

Enabled

IDE Drive 0 Mode

Disabled,

The BIOS

Disabled.

The

This option sets the IDE mode for the first IDE drive in the computer (IDE Drive 0). The settings are

0, Mode 1,

Mode 2.

The BIOS Setup default is

Mode 0.

Make sure that the IDE drive attached to the

computer supports all IDE modes. If you are not certain which IDE modes the drive supports, set to

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Mode

Peripheral Setup Options,

Continued

IDE Drive 1 Mode

This option sets the IDE mode for the second IDE drive in the computer (IDE Drive 1). The settings are

Mode 0, Mode 1,

Mode 2.

The BIOS Setup default is

Mode 0.

Make sure that the IDE drive attached to

the computer supports all IDE modes. If you are not certain which IDE modes the drive supports, set to

Mode 0.

IDE Readahead

When this option is set to reads. The settings are

Enabled

Enabled,

the readahead buffer on the IDE drive is enabled, permitting faster

Disabled.

The BIOS Setup default setting is

installed in the computer must have a readahead capability.

Disabled.

The IDE drive

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Section 6

AMIBIOS Password Support

AMIBIOS Setup has an optional password feature. The system can be configured so that all users must enter a password every time the system boots or when Setup is executed.

Setting a Password

The password check option is enabled in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP (see page

66) by choosing either the system is powered on) or when AMIBIOS Setup is run). The password is stored in CMOS RAM.

The system asks for a password.

Enter a 1 – 6 character password. The password does not appear on the screen when typed. Make sure you write it down. If you forget it, you must drain CMOS RAM and reconfigure the system.

If You Do Not Want to Use a Password

Always

(the password prompt appears every time

(the password prompt appears only

Setup

Just press <Enter> when the password prompt appears.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Changing a Password

Select the

Change Password

option from the Setup Main Menu.

Enter the password and press <Enter>. The screen does not display the characters entered. After the new password is entered, retype the new password as prompted and press <Enter>.

If the password confirmation is incorrect, an error message appears. If the new password is entered without error, press <Esc> to return to the Main Setup menu. The password is stored in CMOS RAM after Setup completes. The next time the system boots, you are prompted for the password if the password function is present and is enabled.

Password Options Control Prompt

When and if the prompt appears depends on the Password Option settings in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP. If

Always

prompt appears when the system is powered on. If

was set in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP, the

Setup

was set, the

prompt appears when Setup is executed.

Remember the Password

Keep a record of the new password when the password is changed.

If you forget the password, remove the computer cover, and replace the Real Time Clock/CMOS RAM chip. The reconfigure the system.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Section 7

Hard Disk Utility

AMIBIOS includes three hard disk utilities:

Utility P urpose Turn to

Hard Disk Format Performs a low level format of the hard

drive(s). Read the system or hard disk drive documentation to find out if the hard disk has been preformatted.

Auto Interleave Determines the optimum interleave

factor and then performs a low level format of the hard disk drive.

Media Analysis Analyzes each hard disk drive track to

determine whether it is usable. The track is labeled bad if unusable.

Page 79

Page 81

Page 55

The hard disk utility error messages are described on page 83.

These routines work on drives that use the MFM, RLL, ARLL, or ESDI data recording techniques.

They do not work on IDE or SCSI Disk Drives.

Warning

AMIBIOS Hard Disk Utilities destroy all hard disk data. Back up the data on the hard disk before running this utility.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

When to Use AMIBIOS Hard Disk Utilities

When Conditions Run...

Installing a new hard disk.

Installing a used hard disk drive.

When Hard Disk Diagnostics is selected, select an option from the screen and press <Enter>.

The hard disk drive manufacturer provided a list of bad tracks, the system documentation includes the optimum interleave factor, and the drive is preformatted .

You do not have a list of bad tracks.

You do not know the optimum interleave factor.

The drive is not formatted. Hard Disk Format

N/A All Hard Disk Utilities

None

Media Analysis

Auto Interleave

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Hard Disk Format Utility

Warning

The Hard Disk Format utility destroys all hard

disk data. Back up the data on the hard disk before

running this utility.

This routine does not work on IDE or SCSI drives. Use Hard Disk Format to integrate a new hard disk to the system, or to reformat a used hard disk which has developed bad tracks as a result of aging or poor handling. Select Media Analysis to find bad tracks. The following screen appears when Hard Disk Format is selected.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Hard Disk Format Utility,

Answer the questions on the screen. The first two questions are already completed if only one hard disk drive was selected in Standard CMOS Setup and the cursor is on from CMOS RAM. The interleave factor can be selected manually or determined by the Auto Interleave routine.

The hard disk drive manufacturer usually provides a list of bad tracks. Enter these tracks. They are then labeled as bad to prevent data from being stored on them. The following screen is displayed after entering in Mark Bad Tracks, pressing <Enter>, and selecting add, delete, revise, or clear from the Bad Track Edit Menu.

Continued

Interleave

. The Disk Drive Type is read

Type Y and press <Enter>. A warning screen appears. Press any key to continue.

Warning

Data on the hard drive will be irrevocably lost.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Auto Interleave Utility

Warning

The Auto Interleave utility destroys hard disk

data. Back up the data on the hard disk before

running this utility.

The Auto Interleave utility calculates the optimum interleave factor through trial and error by measuring the transfer rate for four different interleave values. To determine the best interleave factor, the system formats a portion of the hard disk for each transfer rate calculated. The cylinders, heads and sectors formatted for each value is displayed in the activity box. It does not work on IDE or SCSI drives.

Select Auto Interleave on the main Hard Disk Utility Screen and press <Enter>.

The cursor is on

<Enter>. After selecting options from the Bad Tracks Edit Menu, press <Esc>. Type Y and press <Enter> to proceed with the Auto Interleave process. A warning screen appears. Press <Enter> to return to the main Hard Disk Utility screen. To proceed, type Y and press <Enter>.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Mark Bad Tracks.

The default is N. To mark additional bad tracks, type Y and press

Media Analysis Utility

The Media Analysis utility performs a series of tests to locate bad or damaged tracks on the hard disk as a result of aging or poor handling. This utility locates all bad tracks and lists them in the Bad Track List Box. Since this test writes to all cylinders and heads on the hard disk to verify any bad tracks, the test requires several minutes to complete. For best results, run this test in its entirety. Media Analysis does not work on IDE or SCSI drives.

Select

Media Analysis

appears.

The cursor is on

screen appears. Type Y and press <Enter> to perform the hard disk drive analysis.

from the main Hard Disk Utility menu and press <Enter>.the following screen

Proceed.

The warning screen appears. Press <Enter> to stop. The main Hard Disk Utility

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Hard Disk Utility Error Messages

Initialization Errors

Message Explanation

No Hard Disk Installed

FATAL ERROR Bad Hard Disk

Hard Disk Controller Failure

C: (D:) Hard Disk Failure

There is no hard disk drive in the system but Hard Disk Utility was selected.

No response from the hard disk, or the hard disk is not repairable. Check all cabl e and power connections to the hard dis k.

Error response from the res et command sent t o the hard disk controller. The c ontroller may not be seated properly in the BUS slot.

The hard disk drive (C: or D:) is not responding to commands. Chec k power and cable connections to the hard disk.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Hard Disk Utility Error Messages,

Operation Errors

Message Explanation

Address Mark Not Found

Attachment Failed to Respond

Bad ECC on Disk Read

Bad Sector Flag Detected

Controller Has Failed A diagnostic command was issued to the controller failed.

Drive Not Ready An operation on the hard disk drive has timed out. The

Drive Parameter Activity Failed

ECC Corrected Data Error

Requested Sector Not Found

Reset Failed The reset command did not properly reset the hard disk.

Seek Operation Failed A seek command failed. A seek operation is the act of

Undefined Error Command Aborted

Write Fault on Selected Drive

Continued

The address mark (initial address) on the hard disk could not be found.

No response has been received from the hard disk drive.

When the hard disk drive utility writes to the disk, it also calculates an ECC (Error Correction Code) value for the data being written. This ECC value is written to the drive and then read back. The value read back is different from the one calculated.

An operation was performed on a sector that has been flagged as bad.

hard disk drive utility has waited beyond a preset specified time limit.

A reset command was sent to the controller followed by drive parameters. Using these parameters, the controller did not get a response from the hard disk. Make sure the drive type is correct.

The ECC value (explained above) read from the disk is not the same value which was written to the disk. The data is not correct. An attempt was made to correct the data, but the ECC value is not corrected.

The requested sector could not be found.

finding a particular sector on the hard disk.

An unidentifiable error condition occurred.

A write fault occurred during the write operation on the hard disk drive.

Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup

Chapter 5

Flash Programming

The American Megatrends Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard uses Flash EPROM to store the system BIOS. The advantage of using a Flash EPROM is that the EPROM chip does not have to be replaced to update the BIOS. The end user can actually reprogram the BIOS, using a ROM file supplied by American Megatrends.

There are two methods for programming the Flash EPROM:

• programming from system boot, or

• running the AMIFlash utility.

Programming from System Boot

First you must place a two-pin shorting bridge on both pins of J51. Then using the floppy disk with the new BIOS file, press and hold down the <Home> key to reprogram the motherboard Flash EPROM-based AMIBIOS before DOS boots.

has completed.

Using AMIFlash

Remember to remove the shorting bridge from J51 after Flash programming

AMIFlash is a DOS utility that is executed from the DOS command line. You can reprogram the motherboard Flash EPROM-based AMIBIOS from the DOS command prompt using AMIFlash.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Reprogramming from System Boot

When you reprogram from system boot, the American Megatrends Flash utility:

1. reads S75P.ROM from the root directory of the floppy disk in drive A:,

2. erases the Flash EPROM,

3. programs the Flash EPROM with the data read from the floppy disk in drive A:, and

4. generates a CPU reset, rebooting the system.

The AMIFlash portion of Flash EPROM is not programmed.

S75P.ROM

S75P.ROM resides on a floppy disk and contains the updated main BIOS code. American Megatrends will provide this file when the AMIBIOS for the Excalibur VLB Pentium motherboard must be updated.

S75P.ROM must be present in the root directory of the floppy disk before the onboard Flash EPROM can be reprogrammed. The file that has the main BIOS code must be named S75P.ROM.

Programming the Flash EPROM

Step Action

1 Turn system power off.

2 Place the floppy disk that has the latest S75P.ROM BIOS file in floppy

drive A:.

3 Make sure that the system has a speaker that is connected.

4 Turn system power on while pressing and holding down the <Home> key.

Appendix A AMIFlash Utility

Reprogramming from System Boot,

Continued

Sequence of Operation

The following table lists the sequence of operation and the expected behavior of the AMIFlash Code.

Step Expected behavior

1 Look for floppy disk. The system beeps one time before the BIOS attempts to

2 Look for S75P.ROM on the floppy disk.

3 Read the floppy disk. The floppy disk is read. There is no beep if this step is

4 Check for BIOS file size.

5 Check for Flash EPROM.

6 Erase the Flash EPROM.

7 Program the Flash EPROM.

8 Continue programming the Flash EPROM.

9 AMIFlash does a reset. A CPU reset is generated (the system reboots).

10 Reboot Reboot the system.

read from floppy drive A:.

S75P.ROM must be in the root directory of the floppy disk in drive A:. There is no beep if successful.

successful.

The BIOS file size is checked. There is no beep if this step is successful.

The BIOS looks for an Intel i28F001BX-T Flash EPROM. It does not beep if this step is successful.

Two beeps sound when the BIOS begins erasing the Flash EPROM.

Three beeps sound when the AMIFlash Code begins reprogramming the Flash EPROM.

Four beeps sound when reprogramming has been successfully completed.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Reprogramming from System Boot,

Beep Codes

During normal operation, the Flash utility produces a series of beeps to:

• signify completion of a step (as shown on the previous page), or to

• signal an error.

Error beeps are arranged in a coded sequence and have different meanings depending on when they occur. The following list describes the error beep codes and when they can occur.

Step Beeps Description

— None Successful completion.

1 Continuous Single

Beep

2 Five Beeps S75P.ROM is not present in the root directory of

3 Seven Beeps Floppy Read Error.

4 Six Beeps BIOS File Size Error.

5 Eight Beeps An Intel i28F001BX-T Flash EPROM is not

6 Continuous Two

Beeps

7 Continuous Three

Beeps

9 Continuous Four

Beeps

Continued

There is no floppy disk in Drive A:.

the floppy disk in the A: drive.

present.

There is a problem in erasing the Flash EPROM.

There is a problem in programming the Flash EPROM.

The BIOS is not able to reset the CPU or J2 is still shorted.

AMIFlash Checkpoint Codes

Code Description

02h Verify the AMIFlash BIOS checksum and disable internal cache memory.

0Eh Make the CMOS RAM checksum bad and initialize the CMOS RAM

10h Disable DMA Controllers 1 and 2. Disable Interrupt Controllers 1 and 2.

13h Initialize the chipset registers.

18h If the main BIOS is good, transfer control to the main BIOS.

1Bh Initialize the system timer.

1Dh Begin the refresh test.

20h Begin the 16 KB base memory test.

23h Initialize the interrupt vectors.

28h Determine the CPU clock frequency.

30h Program the system speed-dependent parameters according to the CPU

40h Begin the memory test.

50h The memory test has completed.

Appendix A AMIFlash Utility

status registers.

clock frequency.

AMIFlash Checkpoint Codes,

Code Description

65h Initialize the DMA controller.

67h Initialize the interrupt controller.

80h Initialize the I/O chipset, if any.

85h Enable the appropriate IRQs.

86h Enable the internal cache memory.

88h Initialize the floppy drives.

90h Indicate an error. The BIOS stops here if there is an error.

A0h Reading the floppy disk in drive A: to program the Flash EPROM.

E0h Configure the proper stack.

E3h Display a message to ask the user to insert the AMIFlash Floppy Disk in

drive A:.

E4h Floppy read error.

E5h Begin the search for the S75P.ROM file in the floppy disk root directory.

E6h The S75P.ROM file not present in the floppy disk root directory.

E7h Begin reading the File Allocation Table.

E8h Begin reading S75P.ROM, sector by sector.

E9h S75P.ROM is not the proper size.

EFh Disable internal cache memory.

F0h Enable and reset flash memory.

F1h Detect the flash type if present.

F2h Flash memory not detected.

F3h Begin erasing flash blocks.

F4h Begin programming flash blocks.

FFh Flash programming successful and the system reboots, if possible.

Continued

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

AMIFlash

Starting AMIFlash

Type

and press <Enter> at the DOS prompt. AMIFlash will prompt for the filename. Type

and press <Enter>. Pressing <Esc> exits AMIFlash any time before Flash EPROM reprogramming begins.

General Operation

If Flash EPROM is present, AMIFlash asks if you want to save the existing BIOS file. If you choose to save the BIOS, enter the filename where the existing BIOS will be saved.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• AMIFLASH Version 3.00 - Flash EPROM Programming Utility •

• •

•••••••••••••••••••••• Help/Error Message ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• •

• Save Existing BIOS? •

• •

AMIFlash

S75P.ROM

Appendix A AMIFlash Utility

AMIFlash,

Continued

Enter the filename with which Flash EPROM will be reprogrammed (S75P.ROM). AMIFlash reads the file and displays a startup message. A Press any key to continue. After Flash programming starts, programming activity is indicated by a rotating / character. AMIFlash informs you when Flash programming is successful (as shown below). Press any key to reboot the system.

• AMIFLASH Version 3.00 - Flash EPROM Programming Utility •

• •

•••••••••••••••••••••• Help/Error Message ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

• •

• Flash EPROM Programming Successful •

• •

Errors During Flash Programming

If an error occurs during programming, an error messages is displayed and the system halts. Turn power off and replace the Flash EPROM with a new programmed Flash EPROM to make the system usable.

AMIFlash Messages

Message Explanation

Save Existing BIOS ? Press Y to save the existing BIOS.

Enter Filename: Enter the filename in which the existing BIOS will be

Enter BIOS Filename: Enter the filename with which the Flash EPROM will be

Programming Flash EPROM

Saving BIOS File in Disk

Reading BIOS File from Disk

Press <ESC> to Exit When this message is displayed, you can exit AMIFlash

Press Any Key to Exit Usually displayed below another message when a fatal

Press Any Key to Reboot

Want to Continue (Y/N)?

Want to Exit (Y/N)? Displayed when you press <Esc>.

Please Wait.. Displayed when Flash programming is occurring.

Put Off System Power Error during Flash programming. Replace the Flash

saved in the following format:

Drive:\Pathname\Filename.Ext

and press <Enter>.

programmed in the following format:

Drive:\Pathname\Filename.Ext

and press <Enter>.

The Flash EPROM is being programmed.

The existing BIOS is being saved to disk.

The file with which Flash EPROM will be programmed is being read from the disk.

by pressing <Esc>.

error occurs, for example, no Flash EPROM present in system or the hardware is not accessible.

Successful Flash EPROM programming.

Displayed after an error message.

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

AMIFlash Messages,

No Flash EPROM present

Memory Allocation Error

File Creation Error Displayed when the specified BIOS save file could not be

File Does Not Exist The Flash EPROM program file could not be found.

File I/O Error Read or write error.

Disk Full The existing BIOS save disk has no space.

Flash EPROM Programming Error.

Flash EPROM Programming Successful

BIOS File Not Of Proper Size

Flash EPROM Programming is going to start

Continued

Message Explanation

EPROM with a new programmed Flash EPROM.

No Flash EPROM is installed in the system.

Scratch memory is not available.

created.

An error occurred during Flash programming. The system is not usable unless the existing Flash EPROM is replaced with the new Programmed Flash EPROM.

Flash programming is successful.

The file size of the new program does not match the Flash EPROM size.

The computer cannot be used until Flash programming completes successfully. The existing Flash EPROM must be replaced by a new programmed Flash EPROM if an error occurs. The computer must not be turned off during programming. The computer reboots if programming is completed successfully.

Appendix A AMIFlash Utility

Chapter 6

Upgrading Cache Memory

Cache memory American Megatrends Excalibur VLB ISA motherboard can be upgraded from 256 KB to 512 KB. Eight additional 32 KB x 8 15 ns SRAMs are required for 512 KB of cache memory.

Recommended Parts

Manufacturers of the 32 KB x 8 15 ns SRAMs are:

Manufacturer

Paradigm PDM41256SA15P

Samsung KM68257BP-15

Motorola MCM6206CP15

How to Upgrade Cache Memory

Step Action

1 Turn the system off. If the motherboard is already installed in a computer

case, remove the cover and expose the motherboard. An illustration of the motherboard appears on the following page.

2 Make sure you are properly grounded to prevent electrostatic discharge.

3 Install the new 32 KB x 8 SRAM in sockets U8, U15, U18, U20, U30,

U38, U40, and U45. Make sure that Pin 1 of the socket matches Pin 1 of the SRAM.

5 Place shorting bridges on Pins 2-3 of J52, J53, and J54. Place a shorting

bridge on J31. Place a shorting bridge on J30.

6 Turn system power on. The system should report 512 KB of cache

memory. If it does not, repeat the cache memory installation procedure.

Part Number

Excalibur Pentium VLB Motherboard User's Guide

Chapter 6 Upgrading Cache Memory

AMI Excalibur VLB Pentium AMI Excalibur VLB Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

American Megatrends, Inc.

Excalibur VLB Pentium®

ISA Motherboard

User's Guide