DEC EtherWORKS LC DE100 User Manual

FCC ID: AO9-DE100
FCC NOTICE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is

subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.

Any changes or modifications made to this equipment may void the user’s authority
to operate this equipment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

– Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which

the receiver is connected
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help
The use of unshielded Ethernet cable on ThickWire ports with this equipment is

prohibited due to non-compliance with FCC regulations for a Class B computing
device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules.

BENUTZERHINWEIS: Das DEC EtherWORKS LC-Modul in Verbindung mit IBM
Personalcomputersystemem entsprechen den Funkentstöranforderungen der DBP­Verfugung 523/69 und VDE0871 Grenzwertklasse B.

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.1.

DECEtherWORKS
EthernetController

Owner’sManual

Order Number: EK-DE100-OM. D01

LC

Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts

First Edition, 1990, Fourth Edition 1992

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital
Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in
this document.

© Digital Equipment Corporation 1990, 1992.
All Rights Reserved.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: DEC, EtherWORKS,

the DIGITAL logo, ThinWire, and VAX DOCUMENT.
IBM and Personal Computer AT are registered trademarks of International Business

Machines, Inc.

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.1.

Contents

Preface ....................................... vii

1 Installing the

1.1 Introduction ........................... 1–1

1.2 Preparing Your Computer . . . ............. 1–2

1.3 Selecting the Network Interface ............ 1–4

1.4 Installing the LC Board .................. 1–6

1.5 Running the Power Up Self-Test ........... 1–10

1.6 Connecting to a Network ................. 1–10

1.6.1 Connecting to ThinWire Ethernet . . ..... 1–11

1.6.2 Connecting to ThickWire Ethernet . . ..... 1–12

1.7 Installing the Software .................. 1–12

2 Configuring the

2.1 Introduction ........................... 2–1

2.2 Default Settings . . . ..................... 2–1

2.3 Sellecting Settings . ..................... 2–4

2.4 Memory Addressing Range and Size Selection

(SW1 - SW4)........................... 2–4

2.5 I/O Address Selection (SW5) . ............. 2–7

2.6 Remote Boot Selection (SW6) . ............. 2–8

2.7 Remote Boot Period Selection (SW7) . . . ..... 2–9

2.8 IRQ Selection (SW8 - SW12) . ............. 2–10

LC

Board

LC

Board

iii

3 Problem Solving

3.1 Fault Isolation by Symptom . . ............. 3–1

3.2 LED Activity .......................... 3–5

3.3 Recovering From Self-Test Errors .......... 3–6

A General Information

A.1 Introduction ........................... A–1

A.2 Physical Description..................... A–1

A.2.1 Functional Components . . ............. A–1

A.2.2 LED.............................. A–2

A.2.3 Environmental Requirements .......... A–2

A.3 System Specifications .................... A–2

B Installing an Option ROM

B.1 Introduction ........................... B–1

B.2 ROM Installation Procedure . ............. B–1

Figures

1 DEC EtherWORKS LC Product Kit

(Digital PN DE100-AA) . . ............. ix

1–1 Removing the System Unit Cover . . ..... 1–3

1–2 Selecting the Network Interface . . . ..... 1–5

1–3 Removing the Slot Cover . ............. 1–7

1–4 Installing the DEC EtherWORKS LC

Board ............................. 1–8

1–5 Replacing the Screws and Cover . . . ..... 1–9

1–6 Connecting to a ThinWire Network . ..... 1–11

1–7 Connecting to a ThickWire Network ..... 1–12

2–1 LC Board Switch Pack . . ............. 2–3

2–2 Memory Range C8000 to CFFFF for 32

KB............................... 2–6

2–3 Switch Selecting 200 - 20F I/O Memory . . . 2–7

iv

2–4 Switch Enabling Remote Boot .......... 2–8

2–5 Switch Selecting 150 Seconds for Remote

Boot . ............................. 2–9

2–6 Switch Selecting IRQ3 . . . ............. 2–11

B–1 DEC EtherWORKS LC ROM

Installation . . . ..................... B–2

Tables

1–1 Setting the Shunt Connector ........... 1–4

2–1 Switch Pack Default Settings ........... 2–2

2–2 Switch Settings and Memory Address

Ranges ........................... 2–5

2–3 Interrupt Request Line Switches . . . ..... 2–10

3–1 Fault Isolation by Symptom ............ 3–1

3–2 LED Activity . . ..................... 3–5

3–3 Self-Test Error Codes ................. 3–6

A–1 System Specifications ................. A–2

v

Preface

The DEC EtherWORKS LC Ethernet Controller is a personal
computer bus adapter that enables you to integrate various IBM
/PC/XT/AT or compatible personal computers into a network using
either ThickWire or ThinWire Ethernet cables.

This manual describes how to install and configure the LC board.
Using the manual, you should be able to prepare an IBM/PC/XT/AT or
compatible personal computer and an LC board for use on an Ethernet
network.

You do not need to know a lot about computers to install the LC board.
You need to understand the basic concepts and uses of Ethernet
networks, and be familiar with personal computers. For more
information on compatibility of the LC board with your computer,
see your system administrator.

This manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1 contains installation instructions.

• Chapter 2 explains board configuration.

• Chapter 3 contains problem solving information.

• Appendix A describes the hardware and software features.

• Appendix B provides a ROM installation procedure.

vii

The conventions used in this manual are described in the next table.

Convention Meaning

CAUTION Provides information to prevent damage to

NOTE Provides general information.
PN Part number.

!

equipment.

A number in a circle in text refers to the
corresponding number in an accompanying
illustration.

Product Kit Contents

Before you install an LC board, be sure you have the following
components, shown in Figure 1.

• The DEC EtherWORKS LC Board!, packaged in an anti-static
bag

"

• Owner’s manual

• T-Connector

• Installation diskette (5¼ inch)

• Installation micro-diskette (3½ inch)

If your LC board does not have a ROM as shown in
Figure 1, refer to Appendix B.

#

$

%

&

Note

'

viii

Figure 1 DEC EtherWORKSLCProduct Kit (Digital PN DE100-AA)

4

2

5

3

1

7

7

6

LJ-02539-TI0

CAUTION

Static electricity can damage printed circuit boards and chips.
A grounded wrist strap and grounded work-surface-to-earth
ground should be used when handling these components.

ix

1

Installing the

1.1 Introduction

This chapter describes how to install an LC board into an
IBM/PC/XT/AT or compatible personal computer. The only tool you
need is a flat-head screwdriver.

After you install the board, you need to use the installation diskette
to access information about the software. The diskette size (5¼ or 3½)
you use depends on your computer.

LC

Board

1–1

1.2 Preparing Your Computer

Before you install the LC board, you need to prepare your computer
as described in the next procedure. The illustrations show an IBM PC
personal computer, however, you can use the same procedure for other
PCs with only minor modifications.

1. Remove any diskette from the diskette drive.

2. Set all power switches to O (off).

3. Unplug the power cord from the wall outlet.

4. Disconnect all cables from the rear of the system unit.

5. Remove the screws from the rear of the system unit (Figure 1–1).

6. Slide the cover toward the front of the system unit until the cover
is free.

Note

The LC board has a switch pack that lets you determine
how the board operates. This switch pack is already set to
correspond to the needs of most customers (default settings).
If the settings do not meet your requirements, you need to
change them on the board (see Chapter 2).

Note

If the board is set to use an interrupt request line, base
memory address, or I/O address that another option board
uses, your computer or other boards may not operate correctly
when you boot the system. To test the board with the default
settings, you may need to remove all other option boards from
the computer.

1–2

Figure 1–1 Removing the System Unit Cover

LJ-00583-TI0

1–3

1.3 Selecting the Network Interface

The LC board has a shunt connector (!Figure 1–2) that lets
you determine how the board interfaces with the network—either
ThinWire or ThickWire Ethernet networks. The board is shipped with
the setting preselected for the ThinWire Ethernet network.

You may need to change the shunt connector setting before you install
the board in your computer.

Table 1–1 summarizes the settings and Figure 1–2 shows the
settings.

Table 1–1 Setting the Shunt Connector

If You Want To ... Then ...

Connect to a ThinWire Ethernet
network

Connect to a ThickWire Ethernet
network

"

#

Leave the shunt connector in the position
connecting pin rows 2 and 3 (default
setting).

Move the shunt connector to connect pin
rows 1 and 2.

CAUTION

Static electricity can damage printed circuit boards and chips.
A grounded wrist strap and grounded work-surface-to-earth
ground should be used when handling these components.

1–4

Figure 1–2 Selecting the Network Interface

THINWIRE

THICKWIRE

3

2

2

1

3

3

2

1

1

LJ-00584-TI0

1–5

1.4 Installing the

Install the LC board using the next procedure.

1. Remove the option slot cover from the slot you plan to use.
Remove the screw from an available option slot on the rear panel

insert. Save the screw for later use.

For safe operation, ensure that there are no missing slot
covers when you complete the installation.

LC

Board

Caution

1–6

Figure 1–3 Removing the Slot Cover

LJ-00462-TI0

1–7

2. Place the LC board in the option slot.
Tip the board down and toward the rear of the system box to allow

the BNC connector on the mounting bracket to clear the opening
in the rear of the system unit (Figure 1–4).

3. Firmly press the board into place until it is securely seated.
Be sure the BNC connector is centered in the opening.

4. Replace the screw on the slot cover.

Figure 1–4 Installing the DEC EtherWORKS

LJ-02542-TI0

LC

Board

1–8

5. Replace the system unit cover.
a. Slide the cover toward the rear of the system unit.
b. Replace the screws (Figure 1–5) at the rear of the system

unit.

Figure 1–5 Replacing the Screws and Cover

LJ-00587-TI0

6. Plug the keyboard connector into the rear of the system unit and
connect the cables.

a. Connect any option cables and the monitor cable to the rear of

the system unit.

b. Connect the power cable to the rear of the system unit, then

plug the other end into the wall outlet.

1–9

1.5 Running the Power Up Self-Test

A power up self-test runs automatically each time your turn on or
reset your computer.

When the self-test completes successfully, the screen displays LC
board configuration information, and then the system prompt appears.

If the self-test is unsuccessful, an error code, such as DE100 88,
appears on the screen during the restart process, indicating that
a self-test error has occurred. Note the error code and refer to
Section 3.2.

1.6 Connecting to a Network

Depending on how you set the shunt connect in Section 1.3, use one
of the following procedures to connect your system to the network.
For ThinWire Ethernet, refer to Section 1.6.1; for ThickWire Ethernet,
refer to Section 1.6.2.

1–10

1.6.1 Connecting to ThinWire Ethernet

Connect the board to ThinWire Ethernet by attaching the T-Connector
to the ThinWire Ethernet connector.

Push the connector nut of the T-Connector onto the BNC connector on
the bottom of the board mounting bracket, then turn the nut clockwise
until it locks into place (Figure 1–6).

Figure 1–6 Connecting to a ThinWire Network

LJ-02541-TI0

1–11

1.6.2 Connecting to ThickWire Ethernet

Connect the transceiver cable to the ThickWire Ethernet connector
(Figure 1–7).

Figure 1–7 Connecting to a ThickWire Network

LJ-02540-TI0

1.7 Installing the Software

Read the files named "README.TXT" and "RELEASE.NOT" on the
installation diskette. These files contain the instructions for loading
the LC software drivers, problems found, and how to configure your
system.

1–12

2

Configuring the

LC

Board

2.1 Introduction

The LC board switch pack contains 12 switches you can set that
enable the board to operate in a configuration without interference
with the other boards in your computer. This chapter describes how
to change the settings on the switch pack.

If you have many options in your system, you may also need to
change the interrupt request (IRQ) line, the I/O address setting, or
the memory address setting on the LC board to create a compatible
operating set.

2.2 Default Settings

The LC board is shipped with the switch pack settings preselected
(default settings) to work in most installations. These settings are
shown in Table 2–1 and illustrated in Figure 2–1.

2–1

Table 2–1 Switch Pack Default Settings

Switch Setting Function Default

SW1
SW2

SW3
SW4

SW5 ON Sets the I/O memory

SW6 ON Enables or disables the

SW7 OFF Sets the timeout period

SW8
SW9
SW10
SW11
SW12

1

This feature requires installation of the option ROM chip. Refer to Appendix B for

more information.

ON
ON

ON
ON

OFF
OFF
OFF
ON
OFF

Sets the base memory
address range.

Selects a base memory
size.

address.

remote boot feature.

for the remote boot
attempt.

1

Enable IRQ2
Enable IRQ3
Enable IRQ4
Enable IRQ5
Enable IRQ7

Base memory address range
set to D0000 - DFFFF (hex).

64 KB of memory selected.

I/O starting address set to
300 (hex).

Remote boot disabled.

1

Thirty-second timeout
period set.

IRQ5 enabled.

Note

When the switches are set to the open position, the setting is
OFF.

2–2

Figure 2–1

LC

Board Switch Pack

2

1

5

3

6

OPEN

7

8

4

11

10

9

12

LJ-00590-TI0

2–3

2.3 Sellecting Settings

You can set only one board in the computer to use a specific interrupt
request line, I/O memory address, or base memory address. If you do
not know the settings for the other boards:

• Ask your system administrator for a list of the settings.

• Check the board documentation for the possible settings.

• Inspect the boards to determine the actual settings.

If a conflict exists, you can change the appropriate setting on the LC
board as described in the sections that follow. The switches being
described are highlighted in the illustrations.

2.4 Memory Addressing Range and Size

Selection (SW1 - SW4)

Switches SW1 and SW2 select the memory addressing range.
Switches SW3 and SW4 select the size of the system memory.
Table 2–2 lists the possible memory address ranges and the switch
settings that select them.

Only one board can be set to use a given memory address range.
Check the documentation supplied with your personal computer
and other boards to determine memory address requirements. If a
memory range conflict occurs with other boards, select a range that is
not used.

2–4

Table 2–2 Switch Settings and Memory Address Ranges

Buffer
Size SW1 SW2 SW3 SW4

64 KB OFF ON ON ON C0000—CFFFF

ON ON ON ON D0000—DFFFF

OFF OFF ON ON E0000—EFFFF

32 KB OFF ON OFF ON C8000—CFFFF

ON ON OFF ON D8000—DFFFF
OFF OFF OFF ON E8000—EFFFF

2

2KB

1

Some PCs do not support the E0000 - EFFFF or E8000 - EFFFF memory address

ranges; check your PC manual for this informatiON.

2

At this time, Digital PCSA software does not support 2 KB mode.

- - - OFF -

Memory Addressing
Range

(default setting)

Note

Setting SW1 to the ON position and SW2 to the OFF position
is an illegal configuration and could prevent the computer
from working correctly.

1

1

2–5

The LC board works best when the entire 64 KB of network buffer
memory is enabled for operation. Some option boards and system
configurations do not permit the allocation of this amount of memory.
Network performance is slower when you select 32 KB or 2 KB, but
you can use the LC board in configurations where address space is at
a premium.

Example:

Figure 2–2 shows the settings for SW1 through SW4 that select
the C8000 to CFFFF (hex) system memory addressing range.

Figure 2–2 Memory Range C8000 to CFFFF for 32 KB

2–6

2

1

5

3

6

OPEN

7

8

4

11

10

9

12

LJ-00591-TI0

2.5 I/O Address Selection (SW5)

The LC board uses one of two I/O address ranges (primary or
secondary) to communicate with the CPU. Only one board in the
computer can be set to use a given I/O address range.

• Switch SW5 set to ON selects the primary I/O address range
(300 - 30F; default setting).

• Switch SW5 set to OFF selects the secondary I/O address range
(200 - 20F) (Figure 2–3).

Figure 2–3 Switch Selecting 200 - 20F I/O Memory

2

1

5

3

6

OPEN

7

8

4

11

10

9

12

LJ-00592-TI0

2–7

2.6 Remote Boot Selection (SW6)

Switch SW6 determines whether the remote boot feature is enabled or
disabled.

1

• Switch SW6 set to ON disables remote boot (default setting).

• Switch SW6 set to OFF enables remote boot (Figure 2–4).

Figure 2–4 Switch Enabling Remote Boot

2

1

5

3

6

OPEN

7

8

4

11

10

9

12

LJ-00593-TI0

1

This feature requires installation of the option ROM chip. Refer to
Appendix B for more information.

2–8

2.7 Remote Boot Period Selection (SW7)

SW7 controls the timeout period for attempting a remote boot
operation.

• Switch SW7 set to OFF sets the remote boot timeout to 30 seconds
(default setting).

• Switch SW7 set to ON sets the remote boot timeout to 150
seconds.

Figure 2–5 Switch Selecting 150 Seconds for Remote Boot

2

1

5

3

6

OPEN

7

8

4

11

10

9

12

LJ-00594-TI0

2–9

2.8 IRQ Selection (SW8 - SW12)

You can use switches SW8 through SW12 to select an interrupt
request line (IRQ). The LC board uses one IRQ line for the network
interface (NI). Table 2–3 lists the switches and the interrupt request
line that is enabled.

Table 2–3 Interrupt Request Line Switches

Switch Interrupt Request Line

SW8 IRQ2
SW9 IRQ3
SW10 IRQ4
SW11 IRQ5 (default setting)
SW12 IRQ7

Only one of the switches should be set to ON. By default, SW11 is set
to ON, selecting IRQ5.

Example:

To select IRQ3, set SW9 to the ON position and set switches SW8,
SW10, SW11, and SW12 to the OFF position (Figure 2–6).

2–10

Figure 2–6 Switch Selecting IRQ3

2

1

5

3

6

OPEN

7

8

4

11

10

9

12

LJ-00595-TI0

2–11

3

Problem Solving

The tables in this chapter describe problems you may encounter with
the LC board and provide possible causes and solutions.

3.1 Fault Isolation by Symptom

Table 3–1 describes how to isolate faults by the symptoms occurring
and any corrective action to be taken.

Table 3–1 Fault Isolation by Symptom

Symptom Possible Cause Recommended Action

The system is on,
but there is no
display.

The monitor is not on or
it is not connected to the
video board.

The LC board is not seated
firmly.

The I/O or memory address
is set wrong or is causing a
conflict with another board.

Be sure the monitor
cable is firmly connected
to the video board. Set
the monitor power
switch to on.

Remove and reinsert
the board firmly
into the option slot
(Section 1.3.)

Check the settings for
SW1 through SW5. An
address range conflict
may exist between the
LC board and another
option board.

(continued on next page)

3–1

Table 3–1 (Cont.) Fault Isolation by Symptom

Symptom Possible Cause Recommended Action

The system is
on, but nothing
happens. The LC
board LED is on
for longer than
30 seconds. The
keyboard does not
respond.

The system does
not boot from the
diskette.

The LC board is preventing
the computer from
operating correctly.

The LC board is preventing
the CPU from operating
correctly.

The I/O or memory address
is set wrong or is causing a
conflict with another board.

Switch SW6 is in the OFF
position.

Disconnect the
transceiver cable or the
twisted-pair cable from
the LC board. Turn the
computer off then on
again. If the problem
persists, contact your
system administrator
or authorized service
representative.

Disconnect the
transceiver cable or
the twisted-pair cable
from the LC board, then
turn the computer off
then on again.

Check the settings for
SW1 through SW5.
An address range
conflict may exist
between the LC board
and another option
board. If the problem
persists, contact your
system administrator
or authorized service
representative.

Set SW6 to the ON
position.

(continued on next page)

3–2

Table 3–1 (Cont.) Fault Isolation by Symptom

Symptom Possible Cause Recommended Action

The system does
not remote boot.

The system is on,
but the network
does not start.

The system diskette may be
corrupted.

Switch SW6 is set to the
ON position, disabling
remote boot.

If a 30-second remote boot
time is set, it may not be
long enough for a busy
network.

The Ethernet address is not
registered for this address
node.

The network interface
or remote boot is set
incorrectly.

The network cables are
loose.

A conflict exists with
another board in the
system:



IRQ jumpers are set

incorrectly.



The I/O address or
memory address range
is set incorrectly.

The Ethernet address is not
registered for this address
node.

See your system
administrator for
a bootable system
diskette.

Set switch SW6 to the
OFF position.

Set switch SW7 to the
ON position, enabling a
150-second timeout.

Re-register this board.
If the problem persists,
contact your system
administrator.

Check the shunt
connector setting.

Check and secure all
cables.

Check the settings for
SW8 through SW12
(Chapter 2).

Check settings for
SW1 through SW5
(Chapter 2).

Re-register this board.
If the problem persists,
contact your system
administrator.

(continued on next page)

3–3

Table 3–1 (Cont.) Fault Isolation by Symptom

Symptom Possible Cause Recommended Action

The system is on
and displays DE100
and a self-test code
during system
startup.

The system
cannot return to
network operation
after exiting
an application
program.

A possible problem exists
with the LC board.

The I/O address or memory
address range is set
incorrectly, or is causing
a conflict with another
board.

The error code may be an
IBM error code.

You may be using a
program written or
compiled in Version 1.0
BASIC (IBM BASIC Version

1.0, Interpreter or Compiler,
GW-BASIC Version 1.0).

See Table 3–3. Press
the F1 key to continue.

Replace or reinsert the
board and try starting
the system again.

Check the settings for
SW1 through SW5. An
address range conflict
could exist between the
LC board and another
option board.

See your IBM owner’s
manual for additional
information. If the
problem persists,
contact your system
administrator.

Do not use these
versions of the program.
Recompile the program
using Version 2.0 or
later of BASIC, or
contact your software
vendor for an updated
version of the program.

3–4

3.2 LED Activity

There is an amber light emitting diode (LED) on the LC board
mounting bracket that displays the operating status of the board. The
next table describes the different LED activity.

Table 3–2 LED Activity

LED Activity Cause User Action

The LED stays on for 20
seconds, then it goes off.

The LED stays on after
20 seconds.

Normal during self-test. None.

A fault has occurred
and an error number
appears on the screen.

See the LC board
self-test error codes
(Table 3–3).

3–5

3.3 Recovering From Self-Test Errors

Self-test errors can occur at system startup. Table 3–3 lists the LC
board self-test error codes, possible cause, and recommended action.
To recover from some errors, you can try pressing the F1 function key
to resume system operation.

Note

Although the LC board detects an error and is not operating,
you can still use your personal computer.

Table 3–3 Self-Test Error Codes

Error Description Recommended Action

80 Memory access conflict Check switches SW1 through

81 Data path error Check switches SW1 through

82 Address test conflict Check switches SW1 through

83 RAM Test conflict Check switches SW1 through

84 Ethernet ROM CRC error Check switch SW5 for a conflict

85 NI_CSR Error Call your Digital authorized

3–6

SW5 for a conflict with another
installed board.

SW5 for a conflict with another
installed board. Call your Digital
authorized service representative.

SW5 for a conflict with another
installed board.

SW5 for a conflict with another
installed board.

with another installed board.
If the problem continues, call
your Digital authorized service
representative.

service representative.

(continued on next page)

Table 3–3 (Cont.) Self-Test Error Codes

Error Description Recommended Action

86 LANCE I/O Address conflict Check the setting for switch SW5.
87 LANCE Initialization error Call your Digital authorized

88 LANCE IRQ Conflict Check the IRQ switch settings,

89 NI_CSR Mask test error Call your Digital authorized

8A LANCE Internal loopback

error

8B LANCE Collision error Call your Digital authorized

8C LANCE CRC Error Call your Digital authorized

8D Shadow RAM error Call your Digital authorized

8E Shadow RAM enable error Call your Digital authorized

8F Configuration error Check switches SW8 through

service representative.

SW8 through SW12.

service representative.
Call your Digital authorized

service representative.

service representative.

service representative.

service representative.

service representative.

SW12 to be sure only one of the
switches is in the ON position.
Also check the parameter settings
for your network to be sure they
match the board configuration.

3–7

A

General Information

A.1 Introduction

The LC board lets you integrate IBM/PC/XT/AT and compatible
personal computers into a network. After installing an LC board, you
can use various network software products to integrate the computer
into a network.

You can install an LC board in any IBM/PC/XT/AT or a computer that
has an IBM/PC/XT/AT compatible bus.

You can connect the LC board to either a ThinWire network or a
ThickWire network. You cannot, however, connect the LC board to
both kinds of networks at the same time.

A.2 Physical Description

The LC board is a half-length, IBM PC form-factor printed
circuit board that uses an 8-bit bus connector with no "overhang"
interference.

The board measures 17.2 cm x 10.8 cm (6.75 inches x 4.25 inches); the
length to the end of the connector is 18.7 cm (7.38 inches).

A.2.1 Functional Components

The major functional components on the LC board are:

• Ethernet network protocol controller (LANCE)

• ThinWire (BNC connector) network interface

• Standard Ethernet ThickWire (DB-15S connector) network
interface

A–1

• Network buffer RAM - 64 KB

• Diagnostics and remote-boot ROM - 16 KB (optional)

• Ethernet hardware address ROM

A.2.2 LED

There is one light emitting diode (LED) on the mounting bracket that
displays the operating status of the LC board. This amber LED comes
on during power-up testing and stays on if the test discovers a fault.
Chapter 3 contains additional information about the LED.

A.2.3 Environmental Requirements

The environmental (temperature and humidity) requirements for the
LC board are the same as for your IBM/PC/XT/AT personal computer.

A.3 System Specifications

The LC board operates correctly at an I/O channel bus speed of 4.77,
6, 8, or 10 MHz. Table A–1 lists the system specifications of the LC
board.

Table A–1 System Specifications

Memory Buffer Size Memory Addressing Range

64 KB C0000—CFFFF

32 KB C8000—CFFFF

2

2KB

1

Some PCs do not support the E0000 - EFFFF or E8000 - EFFFF address ranges; check

your PC manual for this information.

2

At this time, Digital PCSA software does not support the 2 Kbyte mode.

A–2

D0000—DFFFF
E0000— EFFFF

D8000—DFFFF
E8000— EFFFF

—-

1

1

(continued on next page)

Table A–1 (Cont.) System Specifications

I/O Memory Assignments

I/O 200-20F

Network Interface Available Selections

Interrupt request line IRQ2, IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5, IRQ7

Power Requirements
Amps DC (maximum) Wattage (maximum)

ThickWire: @ +5V: 0.85 10.25
ThinWire:@ +12V: 0.35

0.5 A (maximum) to power

external transceiver, DEC AUI
(H4000 or equivalent)

Bus Loads: 2 LSTTL

Operating Environment

Temperature (at sea level) 15° C - 32° C (59° F - 90° F)
Relative humidity 8% to 80% (non-condensing)
Radiated emissions FCC Class B

300-30F

8.45

VDE Class B

CAUTION

When adding any new option board to your computer, verify
that the combined power (wattage) required for all boards
in your computer does not exceed the power supply rating.
Check your PC documentation for this information.

A–3

B

Installing an Option ROM

B.1 Introduction

A ROM chip is optional on the LC board and is not required for
correct operation. If you purchased the LC board from Digital (part
number DE100-AA), then the board already has the option ROM
installed.

Caution

Static electricity can damage printed circuit boards and chips.
It is strongly recommended that a grounded wrist strap and
grounded work-surface-to-earth ground be used when handling
these components.

If your configuration requires an option ROM chip, and does not have
one installed, use the procedure described next to install one.

B.2 ROM Installation Procedure

Refer to Figure B–1 while following this procedure.

Caution

Incorrect installation of the ROM chip can damage the board.

1. Note the location of the notch!on the silk screen surrounding
the ROM socket.

B–1

Figure B–1 DEC EtherWORKS

LC

ROM Installation

2

1

LJ-00596-TI0

2. Be sure that the notch on the ROM"aligns with the notch on
the silk screen and the socket.

3. Align the pins on the chip and press from side to side until the
chip is fully seated.

B–2