PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is the valuable property of NEC Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors. NEC and/or its licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.
The NEC product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration, customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be determined by the customer and is not warranted by NEC.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions thereof without prior written approval of NEC is prohibited.
Versa and FastFacts are U.S. trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective trademark owners.
|
First Printing — June 1994 |
Copyright 1994 |
Copyright 1994 |
NEC Technologies, Inc. |
NEC Corporation |
1414 Massachusetts Avenue |
7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku |
Boxborough, MA 01719 |
Tokyo 108-01, Japan |
All Rights Reserved |
All Rights Reserved |
xi
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the Versa S series sub-notebooks. It also provides hardware and interface information for users who need an overview of the computer system design. The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center personnel, and dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1, Technical Information, provides an overview of the computer features, hardware design, interface ports and internal devices.
Section 2, Setup and Operation, takes the user from unpacking to setup and operation. Included is a description of the operating controls, System Configuration Utility, and system password.
Section 3, Power Management, describes how to use power management options to conserve energy and save battery power.
Section 4, Options, provides the user with installation information for options such as PCMCIA cards, memory upgrade, hard disk upgrade, and connecting external devices.
Section 5, Troubleshooting and Repair, includes a list of NEC service information and telephone numbers that provide access to the NEC Bulletin Board System (BBS), FastFacts, and Technical Information Bulletins. Included are desktop disassembly and reassembly procedures along with an illustrated parts breakdown. NEC service and spare parts ordering information is also provided.
Appendix A, Connector Pin Assignments, provides a list of the system board connector pin assignments.
An Index is included for convenience.
xiii
A |
ampere |
AC |
alternating current |
AT |
advanced technology |
|
(IBM PC) |
BBS |
Bulletin Board System |
BCD |
binary-coded decimal |
BCU |
BIOS Customized Utility |
BIOS |
basic input/output system |
bit |
binary digit |
BUU |
BIOS Upgrade Utility |
bpi |
bits per inch |
bps |
bits per second |
C |
capacitance |
C |
centigrade |
Cache |
high-speed buffer storage |
CAM |
constantly addressable memory |
CAS |
column address strobe |
CD-ROM |
compact disk-ROM |
CG |
character generator |
CGA |
Color Graphics Adapter |
CGB |
Color Graphics Board |
CH |
channel |
clk |
clock |
cm |
centimeter |
CMOS |
complementary metal oxide |
|
semiconductor |
COM |
communication |
CONT |
contrast |
CPGA |
ceramic pin grid array |
CPU |
central processing unit |
DAC |
digital-to-analog converter |
DACK |
DMA acknowledge |
DC |
direct current |
DIP |
dual in-line package |
DLAB |
Divisor Latch Address bit |
DMA |
direct memory access |
DMAC |
DMA controller |
DOS |
disk operating system |
DRAM |
dynamic RAM |
DTE |
data terminal equipment |
ECC |
error checking and correction |
EGA |
Enhanced Graphics Adapter |
EPROM |
erasable and programmable |
|
ROM |
EVGA |
Enhanced Video Graphics |
|
Array |
F |
Fahrenheit |
FCC |
Federal Communications |
|
Commission |
FG |
frame ground |
FM |
frequency modulation |
FRU |
field-replaceable unit |
GB |
gigabyte |
GND |
ground |
HEX |
hexadecimal |
HGA |
Hercules Graphics Adapter |
Hz |
hertz |
IC |
integrated circuit |
ID |
identification |
IDE |
intelligent device electronics |
IDTR |
interrupt descriptor table |
|
register |
in. |
inch |
INTA |
interrupt acknowledge |
IPB |
illustrated parts breakdown |
IRR |
Interrupt Request register |
ISA |
Industry Standard Architecture |
ISR |
In Service register |
I/O |
input/output |
IPC |
integrated peripheral controller |
ips |
inches per second |
IRQ |
interrupt request |
xiv Abbreviations
K |
kilo (1024) |
QFP |
quad flat pack |
k |
kilo (1000) |
RAM |
random-access memory |
KB |
kilobyte |
RAMDAC |
RAM digital-to-analog |
kg |
kilogram |
RAS |
row address strobe |
kHz |
kilohertz |
RGB |
red green blue |
lb |
pound |
RGBI |
red green blue intensity |
LED |
light-emitting diode |
ROM |
read-only memory |
LSB |
least-significant bit |
rpm |
revolutions per minute |
LSI |
large-scale integration |
R |
read |
M |
mega |
RTC |
real-time clock |
mA |
milliamps |
R/W |
read/write |
max |
maximum |
S |
slave |
MB |
megabyte |
SG |
signal ground |
MDA |
Monochrome Display Adapter |
SIMM |
single inline memory module |
MFM |
modified frequency modulation |
SVGA |
Super Video Graphics Array |
MHz |
megahertz |
SW |
switch |
mm |
millimeter |
TAC |
Technical Assistance Center |
ms |
millisecond |
TSC |
Technical Support Center |
MSB |
most-significant bit |
TTL |
transistor/transistor logic |
NASC |
National Authorized Service |
tpi |
tracks per inch |
|
Center |
V |
volt |
NC |
not connected |
Vdc |
volts, direct current |
NMI |
Non-maskable Interrupt |
VESA |
video electronics standards |
ns |
nanosecond |
|
association |
NSRC |
National Service Response |
VGA |
Video Graphics Array |
|
Center |
VRAM |
virtual RAM |
PAL |
programmable array logic |
W |
watt |
PC |
personal computer |
W |
write |
PCB |
printed circuit board |
|
|
PFP |
plastic flat package |
|
|
PIO |
parallel input/output |
|
|
pixel |
picture element |
|
|
PLCC |
plastic lead chip carrier |
|
|
PLL |
phase lock loop |
|
|
p-p |
peak-to-peak |
|
|
PPI |
programmable peripheral |
|
|
|
interface |
|
|
PROM |
programmable ROM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
v |
|
|
Contents |
|
|
Page |
Preface ........................................................................................................................ |
xi |
Abbreviations .............................................................................................................. |
xiii |
Section 1 Technical Information |
|
Hardware Overview..................................................................................................... |
1-2 |
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) ............................................................................... |
1-2 |
Keyboard.............................................................................................................. |
1-3 |
Versa SurePoint.................................................................................................... |
1-3 |
LED Status Bar .................................................................................................... |
1-3 |
Battery ................................................................................................................. |
1-4 |
System Board ....................................................................................................... |
1-5 |
CPU ............................................................................................................. |
1-5 |
Memory........................................................................................................ |
1-5 |
Video Controller........................................................................................... |
1-6 |
Input/Output Controller ................................................................................ |
1-7 |
Keyboard Controller ..................................................................................... |
1-8 |
PCMCIA Controller (CL-PD6720) ............................................................... |
1-8 |
I/O Addressing ............................................................................................. |
1-8 |
Interrupt Controller ...................................................................................... |
1-9 |
Power Management Overview .............................................................................. |
1-10 |
Specifications .............................................................................................................. |
1-11 |
Section 2 Setup and Operation |
|
Unpacking the System ................................................................................................. |
2-1 |
Setup........................................................................................................................... |
2-1 |
Replacing a Battery Pack ...................................................................................... |
2-3 |
Operating Controls ...................................................................................................... |
2-5 |
LED Status Bar .................................................................................................... |
2-5 |
SurePoint and Selection Buttons ........................................................................... |
2-7 |
Fn Key.................................................................................................................. |
2-7 |
Reset Button......................................................................................................... |
2-8 |
Power-on Self-Test (Post) ........................................................................................... |
2-8 |
System Configuration Utility........................................................................................ |
2-9 |
Accessing the SCU ............................................................................................... |
2-9 |
|
|
vi Contents
Using the SCU...................................................................................................... |
2-10 |
|
SCU Menu Options .............................................................................................. |
2-10 |
|
Standard ....................................................................................................... |
2-10 |
|
Preferences ................................................................................................... |
2-12 |
|
VGA............................................................................................................. |
2-14 |
|
Memory........................................................................................................ |
2-14 |
|
Power Management ...................................................................................... |
2-14 |
|
Default Setup................................................................................................ |
2-14 |
|
Exit .............................................................................................................. |
2-15 |
|
Section 3 |
Power Management |
|
Power Management Utility .......................................................................................... |
3-1 |
|
Accessing the Power Management Utility ............................................................. |
3-1 |
|
Menu Options....................................................................................................... |
3-3 |
|
Controls........................................................................................................ |
3-3 |
|
System Options............................................................................................. |
3-4 |
|
Device Setup ................................................................................................ |
3-5 |
|
Default Setup................................................................................................ |
3-6 |
|
Exit .............................................................................................................. |
3-6 |
|
APM Program ............................................................................................................. |
3-6 |
|
Hardware Power Management.............................................................................. |
3-7 |
|
System Power Management .................................................................................. |
3-7 |
|
Device Status........................................................................................................ |
3-8 |
|
Extending Battery Life................................................................................................. |
3-9 |
|
Section 4 |
Options |
|
PCMCIA Cards ........................................................................................................... |
4-1 |
|
Modem Card Connection...................................................................................... |
4-2 |
|
External Devices.......................................................................................................... |
4-5 |
|
Parallel Devices .................................................................................................... |
4-5 |
|
Serial Devices ....................................................................................................... |
4-6 |
|
Keyboard.............................................................................................................. |
4-6 |
|
Mouse .................................................................................................................. |
|
4-7 |
Monitor |
................................................................................................................ |
4-8 |
Internal Upgrades ........................................................................................................ |
4-9 |
|
Moving the Keyboard ........................................................................................... |
4-10 |
|
Upgrading Memory .............................................................................................. |
4-12 |
|
|
|
|
Contents vii
Upgrading the Hard Disk ...................................................................................... |
4-13 |
Replacing the Keyboard ........................................................................................ |
4-15 |
Running Setup ...................................................................................................... |
4-16 |
Memory Modules ......................................................................................... |
4-16 |
Hard Disk ..................................................................................................... |
4-17 |
Section 5 Troubleshooting and Repair |
|
Maintenance ................................................................................................................ |
5-2 |
Cleaning ............................................................................................................... |
5-2 |
Routine Checks .................................................................................................... |
5-2 |
CMOS Clear Switch .................................................................................................... |
5-3 |
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................... |
5-4 |
Problem Checklist................................................................................................. |
5-4 |
Diagnosing and Solving Problems ......................................................................... |
5-4 |
Error Messages............................................................................................. |
5-6 |
Beep Codes .................................................................................................. |
5-8 |
Disassembly and Reassembly ....................................................................................... |
5-8 |
Removing the Battery Pack................................................................................... |
5-9 |
Removing the Keyboard ....................................................................................... |
5-10 |
Removing the Memory Module............................................................................. |
5-13 |
Removing the Hard Disk....................................................................................... |
5-14 |
Removing the System Cover and LCD Assembly .................................................. |
5-15 |
Removing the CMOS or Bridge Battery................................................................ |
5-17 |
Removing the Inverter Circuit Board .................................................................... |
5-18 |
Removing the System Board................................................................................. |
5-19 |
Removing the LED Circuit Board ......................................................................... |
5-20 |
Removing the LCD Cover .................................................................................... |
5-21 |
Separating the LCD Assembly from the System Cover .......................................... |
5-22 |
Illustrated Parts Breakdown......................................................................................... |
5-23 |
viii Contents
Figures
Figure |
Title |
Page |
1-1 |
Versa S Components ..................................................................................... |
1-1 |
1-2 |
Versa S Series (Rear View) ........................................................................... |
1-2 |
1-3 |
LED Status Bar ............................................................................................. |
1-3 |
2-1 |
Opening the LCD Panel ................................................................................. |
2-1 |
2-2 |
Attaching the AC Adapter.............................................................................. |
2-2 |
2-3 |
Connecting the Diskette Drive ....................................................................... |
2-2 |
2-4 |
Turning on the Versa S .................................................................................. |
2-3 |
2-5 |
Removing the Battery Pack............................................................................ |
2-3 |
2-6 |
Locating the Tabs and Grooves...................................................................... |
2-4 |
2-7 |
Inserting the Battery Pack.............................................................................. |
2-4 |
2-8 |
Control and Button Locations........................................................................ |
2-5 |
2-9 |
LED Status Bar ............................................................................................. |
2-5 |
2-10 |
SurePoint and Selection Buttons .................................................................... |
2-7 |
2-11 |
SCU Main Menu............................................................................................ |
2-9 |
3-1 |
Power Management Menu ............................................................................. |
3-2 |
4-1 |
PCMCIA Card Slots ...................................................................................... |
4-2 |
4-2 |
Installing the Modem Card............................................................................. |
4-3 |
4-3 |
Connecting the Adapter ................................................................................. |
4-3 |
4-4 |
Telephone Line Connection ........................................................................... |
4-4 |
4-5 |
Modem and Telephone Connection ................................................................ |
4-5 |
4-6 |
Connecting a Parallel Device.......................................................................... |
4-5 |
4-7 |
Attaching a Serial Device............................................................................... |
4-6 |
4-8 |
Attaching the External Keyboard ................................................................... |
4-7 |
4-9 |
Connecting the Mouse ................................................................................... |
4-8 |
4-10 |
Connecting the External Monitor ................................................................... |
4-9 |
4-11 |
Locating the Retainer..................................................................................... |
4-10 |
4-12 |
Removing the Retainer................................................................................... |
4-10 |
4-13 |
Lifting the Keyboard ...................................................................................... |
4-11 |
4-14 |
Leaning the Keyboard against the LCD .......................................................... |
4-11 |
4-15 |
Locating the Memory Module Socket ............................................................ |
4-12 |
4-16 |
Installing the Module ..................................................................................... |
4-13 |
|
|
|
Contents ix
4-17 |
Locating the Hard Disk.................................................................................. |
4-13 |
4-18 |
Removing the Screw...................................................................................... |
4-14 |
4-19 |
Removing the Hard Disk................................................................................ |
4-14 |
4-20 |
Installing the Hard Disk ................................................................................. |
4-15 |
4-21 |
Positioning the Keyboard ............................................................................... |
4-15 |
4-22 |
Inserting the Retainer..................................................................................... |
4-16 |
5-1 |
Locating the CMOS Clear Switch .................................................................. |
5-3 |
5-2 |
Removing the Battery Pack............................................................................ |
5-10 |
5-3 |
Locating the Plastic Retainer.......................................................................... |
5-10 |
5-4 |
Removing the Retainer................................................................................... |
5-11 |
5-5 |
Lifting the Keyboard ...................................................................................... |
5-11 |
5-6 |
Leaning the Keyboard Against the LCD ......................................................... |
5-12 |
5-7 |
Disconnecting the Keyboard Cables ............................................................... |
5-12 |
5-8 |
Locating the Memory Module........................................................................ |
5-13 |
5-9 |
Removing the Memory Module...................................................................... |
5-13 |
5-10 |
Locating the Hard Disk.................................................................................. |
5-14 |
5-11 |
Removing the Screw...................................................................................... |
5-14 |
5-12 |
Removing the Hard Disk................................................................................ |
5-15 |
5-13 |
Removing System Cover Screw (Rear) .......................................................... |
5-15 |
5-14 |
Removing System Cover Screws (Bottom) .................................................... |
5-16 |
5-15 |
Removing System Cover Screws (Top).......................................................... |
5-16 |
5-16 |
Removing the System Cover and LCD Assembly ........................................... |
5-17 |
5-17 |
Removing the CMOS and Bridge Batteries .................................................... |
5-18 |
5-18 |
Removing the Inverter Circuit Board ............................................................. |
5-18 |
5-19 |
Removing the System Board .......................................................................... |
5-19 |
5-20 |
Removing the LED Circuit Board .................................................................. |
5-20 |
5-21 |
Removing LCD Cover Screws ....................................................................... |
5-21 |
5-22 |
Separating the LCD Assembly and System Cover........................................... |
5-22 |
5-23 |
Versa S Illustrated Parts Breakdown.............................................................. |
5-25 |
x Contents
Tables
Table |
Title |
Page |
1-1 |
Versa S Supported Chipsets........................................................................... |
1-5 |
1-2 |
Versa S System Memory Map........................................................................ |
1-6 |
1-3 |
Versa S Video Modes .................................................................................... |
1-6 |
1-4 |
Parallel Port Addresses and Interrupts............................................................ |
1-7 |
1-5 |
Serial Port Addresses and Interrupts .............................................................. |
1-7 |
1-6 |
Versa S I/O Address Map .............................................................................. |
1-8 |
1-7 |
Versa S Series Interrupt-Level Assignments................................................... |
1-10 |
1-8 |
Specifications................................................................................................. |
1-11 |
3-1 |
Status of Devices in Auto Suspend Mode....................................................... |
3-8 |
3-2 |
Status of Devices in Power Saving Mode ....................................................... |
3-8 |
5-1 |
NEC Service and Information Telephone Numbers ........................................ |
5-1 |
5-2 |
Problems and Solutions.................................................................................. |
5-5 |
5-3 |
Error Messages.............................................................................................. |
5-7 |
5-4 |
Beep Codes ................................................................................................... |
5-8 |
5-5 |
Disassembly................................................................................................... |
5-8 |
5-6 |
Versa S Field-Replaceable Parts List .............................................................. |
5-23 |
5-7 |
Documentation .............................................................................................. |
5-24 |
A-1 |
Serial Interface Connector ............................................................................. |
A-1 |
A-2 |
Parallel Interface Connector........................................................................... |
A-2 |
A-3 |
VGA Interface Connector .............................................................................. |
A-3 |
A-4 |
Keyboard/Mouse Connector .......................................................................... |
A-3 |
A-5 |
DC Power Connector .................................................................................... |
A-4 |
A-6 |
Diskette Drive Connector .............................................................................. |
A-4 |
A-7 |
Hard Disk Connector ..................................................................................... |
A-5 |
Contents xi
Section 1
The NEC Versa™ S series sub-notebooks integrate Intel's SL Enhanced 486 microproce s- sor. The systems offer a unique transportable unit in the following models:
nVersa S/50C ¾ 486DX2-50 CPU, thin-film-transistor (TFT) color LCD, 4-MB standard RAM, 8 KB cache RAM, 128-KB ROM, 260-MB hard disk
nVersa S/33C ¾ 486SX-33 CPU, TFT color LCD, 4-MB standard RAM, 8 KB cache RAM, 128-KB ROM, 210-MB hard disk
nVersa S/33D ¾ 486SX-33 CPU, double-scan super-twist nematic (DSTN) color LCD, 4-MB standard RAM, 8 KB cache RAM, 128-KB ROM, 210-MB hard disk
nVersa S/33M ¾ 486SX-33 CPU, monochrome LCD, 4-MB standard RAM, 8 KB cache RAM, 128-KB ROM, 210-MB hard disk (125-MB – international models).
Figure Section 1-1 shows the components on the front and side views of the Versa S.
Reset
Button
LCD
Latch
Power
Button PCMCIA
Slot
Figure Section 1-1 Versa S Components
The following system upgrades must be completed by authorized customer engineers or an authorized service center:
nadditional memory (up to 12 MB)
n260-MB hard disk.
System upgrade procedures are described in Section 4, Options.
1-2 Technical Information
HARDWARE OVERVIEW
The base unit includes a monochrome or color LCD panel, a 210or 260-MB hard disk, an external 1.44-MB diskette drive, a battery pack, and a PS/2 compatible 80-key keyboard. A 81-key keyboard is used for U.K. and Germany.
One memory card slot is available for the addition of a 4- or 8-MB memory card. Two Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card slots, supported by the Cirrus Logic CL-PD6720 PCMCIA chip set, allow for the addition of either two Type 2 PCMCIA cards or one Type 3 PCMCIA card.
Figure Section 1-2 shows the I/O interface ports on the system's rear panel. These include one combined 6-pin PS/2-style keyboard and mouse port, one 15-pin Super VGA port, one 9-pin (RS-232C) serial port, one 25-pin enhanced printer (parallel) port, and one 3-pin power connector port.
Power |
|
|
VGA |
|
|
Port |
|
|
Serial |
||
Parallel |
|
Monitor |
|||
|
|
Port |
|||
Keyboard/ |
Port |
Diskette |
Port |
||
|
|||||
|
|
|
|||
Mouse |
|
Drive |
|
|
|
Port |
|
Port |
|
|
Figure Section 1-2 Versa S Series (Rear View)
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
The Versa S comes with one of three different LCD panels. Each panel provides a 9.5-inch viewing area.
nThe thin-film transistor (TFT) color LCD has a 640 x 480 resolution, is backlit, and supports up to 4096 colors.
nThe Dualscan Super-Twisted Nematic (DSTN) color LCD has a 640 x 480 resolution, is backlit, and supports up to 256 colors.
nThe DSTN monochrome LCD (outside of the U.S. only) has a 640 x 480 resolution, is backlit, and supports 64 shades of gray.
A VGA port on the system's rear panel allows the user to connect an optional monochrome or color external display to the system. The computer supports the LCD and external display simultaneously when using a resolution of 640 x 480 or lower.
Technical Information |
1-3 |
|
|
Power-saving features for controlling the LCD's backlighting include the ROM-based hot key Fn F5, Fn F6, and Auto Setup power management settings. See Section 2, Setup and Operation, for information on using these settings. In addition, the automatic LCD status sense feature conserves the backlight. When the LCD is closed, the backlight shuts off, saving battery power.
Keyboard
The built-in, 80-key keyboard (U.S.) or 81-key keyboard (UK and Germany) uses the standard QWERTY-key layout. The keyboard provides 12 function keys and 8 cursor control keys, with an Fn key for ROM-based key functions. The numeric keypad is embedded in the standard key layout.
Versa SurePoint
The Versa SurePoint™ pointing device performs the functions of a mouse. It is located between the G, H, and B keys. Pressing the Versa SurePoint in a specific direction moves the cursor in that direction. The two selection buttons below the keyboard act like the left and right mouse buttons on a two-button mouse.
The Versa SurePoint is the system's default pointing device unless a PS/2 mouse is installed. If an external mouse is installed, then the Versa SurePoint is deactivated.
LED Status Bar
The LED status bar contains eight light emitting diodes (LEDs) that light or blink to show the status of Versa S components. Figure Section 1-3 shows the locations of the LEDs on the status bar. A description of the LEDs follow.
|
Num |
|
Caps |
Scroll Lock |
|
Lock |
||
Power Lock |
||
Mgmt |
|
|
Charge |
|
|
Power |
|
|
|
A |
|
Hard Disk |
Diskette |
|
Drive |
||
Drive |
||
|
||
Figure Section 1-3 |
LED Status Bar |
1-4 Technical Information
n Power LED — lights yellow or green.
¾When steady green, the computer is running on AC power.
¾When steady yellow, the computer is running on battery power and battery power is sufficient.
¾When blinking yellow, the computer is running on battery power and battery power is low.
¾When off, the computer is in Suspend mode or the computer power is off.
nCharge LED — lights orange.
¾When lit continuously, the battery is charging.
¾When blinking orange, the battery has malfunctioned.
¾When off, no battery is installed, the AC adapter is not attached, or the battery is fully charged.
nPower Management LED — lights green
¾When lit continuously, Power Management features are enabled.
¾When blinking, the system is in Suspend mode.
¾When off, Power Management features are disabled.
nHard Disk LED — lights green when the hard disk is being accessed. Avoid turning off the Versa S when this LED is lit.
nDiskette Drive LED — lights green when a diskette is being accessed.
nCaps Lock LED — lights green when the Caps Lock is in effect.
nScroll Lock LED — lights green when the scroll lock key is active.
nNum Lock LED — lights green when Num Lock mode is in effect.
Battery
The system uses a nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery as its transient power source. The battery pack installs in the compartment at the bottom of the base unit. The battery pack lasts approximately 2.0 hours under typical operating conditions and recharges in approximately 1.5 hours. A bridge battery is provided as an emergency backup. It backs up memory and system status for up to 5 minutes under Suspend mode.
Technical Information |
1-5 |
|
|
System Board
The system board is inside the base unit. It contains system components including the CPU, system memory, and I/O subsystems.
Refer to Table Section 1-1 for a summary of the chipsets supported by the Versa S. For a list of system board connector descriptions, see Appendix A. System board specifications are listed in at the end of this section.
Table Section 1-1 Versa S Supported Chipsets
Chip |
|
Manufacturer |
Description |
Technology |
|
|
|
|
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i486SX-33 |
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Intel |
33 MHz CPU |
208-pin QFP* |
i486DX2-50 |
Intel |
50 MHz CPU |
208-pin QFP* |
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PT86C368 |
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PicoPower |
System Controller |
208-pin QFP* |
FDC37C665 |
Standard MicroSystem |
Peripheral Controller |
100-pin QFP* |
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Corporation |
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28F010 |
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Intel |
128-KB Flash ROM |
32-pin PLCC** |
CL-GD6235 |
Cirrus Logic |
VGA Controller |
208-pin QFP* |
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80C51SL |
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Intel |
Keyboard Controller |
44-pin QFP* |
CL-PD6720-B |
Cirrus Logic |
PCMCIA Controller |
208-pin QFP* |
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*QFP: |
quad flat package |
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**PLCC: |
plastic lead chip carrier |
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CPU
The CPU is an Intel SL Enhanced i486 chip (DX2-50 or SX-33). The CPU controls important functions including power management, direct drive bus interface, and memory management. It has a 32-bit internal data bus and requires an operating voltage of 3.3 volts.
The CPU’s microprocessor has an internal on-chip cache controller with 8-KB cache memory. The DX2-50's floating point unit (FPU) provides an internal math coprocessor.
Memory
The system board provides 4 MB of standard random access memory (RAM). Optional memory cards with a value of 4- or 8-MB can be added to increase system memory up to 12 MB.
The system board also provides 128 KB of read-only memory (ROM). The 28F010 flash ROM contains the system, power management, and video BIOS.
1-6 Technical Information
The Versa S supports system and video BIOS shadowing. When shadowing is enabled (default settings), the BIOS is copied from ROM to RAM which speeds up system performance. These settings can be changed in the SCU (see Section 2, Setup and Operation). Table Section 1-2 shows the system's memory map.
Table Section 1-2 Versa S System
Memory Map
Address |
Function |
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FFFFF |
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System BIOS (shadow) (64 KB) |
F0000 |
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MAXIMIZER (shadow) (32 KB) |
E8000 |
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Video BIOS (shadow enabled) (32 KB) |
E0000 |
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ISA space available |
C8000 |
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Video BIOS (shadow enabled) (32 KB) |
C0000 |
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Video Controller
The Cirrus CL-GD6235 video controller integrates a 32-bit local bus video. The system ships with 512 KB VRAM supporting LCD video modes up to 640 x 480 resolution with 256 colors (color model) or 64 shades of gray (monochrome model).
The system provides a 15-pin D-SUB connector to allow connecting an external display to the system. The system supports external display video modes up to 1024 x 768 with 16 colors or 800 x 600 x 256 color (non-interlaced). System video also supports simultaneous external display and LCD viewing. Table Section 1-3 shows the supported Versa S video modes.
Table Section 1-3 Versa S Video Modes
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Video |
Horizontal |
Vertical |
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Mode |
Pixel |
Character |
Columns |
Colors |
Clock |
Freq |
Freq |
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(Hex) |
Resolution |
Size |
/Rows |
(K) |
(MHz) |
(kHz) |
(Hz) |
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12 |
640 x 480 |
8 x 16 |
30 x 30 |
16/256 |
25.0 |
31.5 |
60.0 |
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58/6A * |
800 x 600 |
8 x 16 |
100 x 37 |
16/256 |
40.0 |
37.8 |
60.0 |
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5C * |
800 x 600 |
8 x 16 |
100 x 37 |
256/256 |
40.0 |
37.9 |
60.0 |
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5D * |
1024 x 768 |
8 x 16 |
128 x 48 |
16 |
65.0 |
48.3 |
60.0 |
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Technical Information |
1-7 |
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5F |
640 x 480 |
8 x 16 |
80 x 30 |
256/256 25.0 |
31.5 |
60.0 |
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NOTE: * External display only.
Input/Output Controller
The FDC37C665 input/output (I/O) controller provides the following interfaces:
nRS-232C serial port
nparallel (printer) port
ndiskette drive
nIDE hard disk.
The user selects between three parallel interface modes using Auto Setup. These include unidirectional, bidirectional or enhanced. Unidirectional mode sends data output from the standard ISA port only. Bidirectional mode sends data using the standard ISA port or PS/2 technology. Enhanced mode enables high speed data transmission to occur using either the unidirectional or bidirectional modes.
Parallel port addresses and interrupts are listed in Table Section 1-4. Pin locations for the parallel interface are listed in Appendix A.
Table Section 1-4 Parallel Port Addresses and Interrupts
Starting I/O Address |
Interrupt Level |
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378h |
(LPT 1) * |
IRQ07 |
278h |
(LPT 2) |
IRQ05 |
3BCh (LPT 3) |
IRQ07 |
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*Default
The serial port consists of a 16450 compatible serial port controller with a programmable baud rate within 50/115.2 K bps. See Table Section 1-5 for the available addresses and interrupts.
Table Section 1-5 Serial Port Addresses and Interrupts
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Starting I/O Address |
Interrupt Level |
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3F8h (COM 1) * |
IRQ04 |
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2F8h (COM 2) |
IRQ03 |
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3E8h (COM 3) |
IRQ04 |
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2E8h (COM 4) |
IRQ03 |
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1-8 Technical Information
*Default
Keyboard Controller
The keyboard controller (80C51SL) supports a PS/2-style keyboard, mouse and security features such as keyboard hot keys and password. Refer to Appendix A for keyboard interface connector pin assignments.
The input clock cycle is 12 MHz. Data transmits between the controller and the keyboard through a bidirectional serial interface. The controller receives serial data, checks for parity errors, converts scan codes, and writes the data to the output buffer.
When data is written to the output buffer, the controller generates an interrupt (IRQ01 or IRQ12) and requests the CPU to receive the data. The controller automatically adds an even parity bit to the data sent and waits for a response. The device must acknowledge that the data was successfully received by sending a response to the controller for each byte of data received.
PCMCIA Controller (CL-PD6720)
The PCMCIA interface uses a standard Exchangeable Card Architecture (ExCA) connector allowing the user to choose from an array of optional modem or network cards. The controller interfaces with the ISA bus, PCMCIA card socket and configuration registers to provide:
nmemory address mapping, I/O address mapping
npower management for each PCMCIA card socket, controlled through power and RESETDRV control registers
nthe elimination of interrupt conflicts using interrupt steering.
I/O Addressing
The CPU works in conjunction with I/O devices using I/O mapping. Refer to Table Section 1-6 for hex addresses.
Table Section 1-6 Versa S I/O Address Map
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Address (Hex) |
I/O Device Name |
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000-00F |
DMA Controller 1 |
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020-03F |
Interrupt Controller 1 |
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040-043 |
Timer 1 |
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048-04B |
Timer 2 |
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060-064 |
Keyboard Controller |
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Technical Information |
1-9 |
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Table Section 1-6 Versa S I/O Address Map
Address (Hex) |
I/O Device Name |
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061 |
NMI Status |
070 |
NMI Mask |
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070-076 |
Real-time Clock |
081H-083H |
DMA Page Register |
087H |
DMA Page Register |
089H-08BH |
DMA Page Register |
08FH |
DMA Page Register |
092H |
Port 92 |
0C0H-0CEH |
DMA Channel |
0D0H-0DEH |
DMA Controller 2 |
0102H |
Parallel Port Configuration |
0278H-027AH |
LPT2 |
02F8H-02FFH |
Serial Controller Port B |
0372H-0377H |
Diskette Drive Controller |
0378H-037AH |
LPT1 |
03BCH-03BEH |
LPT3 |
03F0H-03F5H |
Diskette Drive Controller Port Status |
03F8H-03FFH |
Serial Controller Port A |
0461H |
Port 461 EISA mode |
0C00H |
Extended System Port 1 |
0C01H |
Extended System Port 2 |
0C02H |
Extended System Port 3 |
0C03H |
Extended System Port 4 |
0C10H |
Extended System Port 6 |
03E0-03E1 |
PCMCIA |
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Interrupt Controller
The interrupt controller operates as an interrupt manager for the CPU. The controller receives requests from peripherals and issues interrupt requests to the CPU. Interrupt-level assignments 0 through 15 are listed in Table Section 1-7, in order of decreasing priority.
1-10 Technical Information
Table Section 1-7 Versa S Series Interrupt-Level Assignments
Controller |
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Master/Slave |
Priority |
Name |
Device |
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Master |
0 |
IRQ00 |
Counter/Timer 1 |
Master |
1 |
IRQ01 |
Keyboard |
Master |
2 |
IRQ02 |
Cascade for 8 to 15 |
Slave |
3 |
IRQ08 |
Real-time Clock |
Slave |
4 |
IRQ09 |
VGA |
Slave |
5 |
IRQ10 |
Reserved |
Slave |
6 |
IRQ11 |
Reserved (PCMCIA) |
Slave |
7 |
IRQ12 |
PS/2 Mouse* |
Slave |
8 |
IRQ13 |
Math Coprocessor (built into CPU) |
Slave |
9 |
IRQ14 |
Hard Disk Controller |
Slave |
10 |
IRQ15 |
Reserved |
Master |
11 |
IRQ03 |
COM2, COM4* |
Master |
12 |
IRQ04 |
COM1, COM3* |
Master |
13 |
IRQ05 |
Parallel Port 2 |
Master |
14 |
IRQ06 |
Diskette Drive Controller* |
Master |
15 |
IRQ07 |
Parallel Port 1* |
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*Industry standard locations
Power Management Overview
The Versa system uses power management features to prolong system battery life.
The CPU (SL Enhanced i486) implements a System Management Interrupt (SMI) function that works transparently with the operating system and application software. When activated, the processor mode changes to real mode. Unique "SM-RAM" containing power management software is mapped at address 30000h — 3FFFFh. This activity is inherent to the system and does not require any adjustment to the operating system or application software.
The power management program is located in ROM at location E8000h — EFFFFh. In onboard DRAM, the software is physically allocated at the same location.
Use the System Configuration Utility to select specific power management options. For information on how to select these options, see Section 3, Power Management.
Technical Information 1-11
SPECIFICATIONS
Table Section 1-8 provides a complete list of Versa E series system specifications.
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Table Section 1-8 |
Specifications |
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Item |
Specification |
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Chassis |
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Size |
Width: |
10.76 in. (276 mm) |
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Depth: |
8.26 inches (212 mm) |
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Height: |
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— Versa S/50C, S/33C: |
1.63 in. (42 mm |
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— Versa S/33D: |
)1.52 in. (39 mm) |
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— Versa S/33M: |
1.4 in. (36 mm) |
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Weight: |
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— Versa S/50C: |
5.07 lb (2.30 kg) |
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— Versa S/33C: |
4.71 lb (2.14 kg) |
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— Versa S/33D: |
4.71 lb (2.14 kg) |
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— Versa S/33M: |
4.23 lb (1.92 kg) |
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(Exact weight depends on options) |
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Keyboard |
PS/2 compatible, 80-key standard (U.S.), 81-key |
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standard (UK and Germany) |
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Fn Key for ROM-based functions |
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Device Slots |
One internal 2 1/2-inch x 0.75-inch high slot, right |
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side access, for standard hard disk |
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One 3 1/2-inch x 0.75-inch high slot, bottom-access, |
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for primary battery |
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One memory slot for optional memory card |
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Two PCMCIA slots that support up to two optional |
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cards |
oriented one on top of the other |
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Power |
AC Adapter: Input Voltage: 90 to 240 VAC, 50 or 60 |
Hz, 1200 mA
DC/DC Adapter: On board
Battery Pack: 12 VDC, 1800 mA
Battery Life: approximately 2 hours under typical operating conditions
Recharging time: approximately 1.5 hours
Bridge battery: backs up memory contents and system status for up to 5 minutes under Suspend mode.
1-12 Technical Information
Table Section 1-8 Specifications
Item |
Specification |
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System Board |
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Flash ROM |
128 KB: |
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28F010 |
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System BIOS: |
64 KB |
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Video BIOS: |
32 KB |
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Power Management: |
32 KB |
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I/O Interface Connectors |
6-pin PS/2 External Keyboard/mouse Connector |
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9-pin Serial Connector |
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15-pin VGA Connector |
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25-pin Parallel Connector |
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3-pin DC-In Power Connector |
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72-pin Internal Memory Connector |
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44-pin IDE Connector |
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26-pin External Diskette Drive Connector |
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CPU |
SL Enhanced i486 DX2-50 or SX-33 |
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Clock Speed |
50 MHz or 33 MHz |
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Memory |
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System Memory |
4 MB resident on system board |
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Optional |
Expandable to 12 MB |
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Video RAM |
512 KB |
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Cache RAM |
8 KB |
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Display |
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Monochrome Model |
Technology: FTN, backlit, monochrome LCD |
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Resolution: |
640 x 480 pixels |
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Display: 64 shades of gray |
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Dot Pitch: |
0.3 mm |
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Viewing Area: 9.5 in. screen |
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Interface: |
Super VGA |
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Color Models |
Technology: |
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—Versa S/50C, S/33C: TFT, backlit, color LCD
—Versa S 33DDSTN, backlit, color LCD
Resolution: 640 x 480 pixels
Technical Information 1-13
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Table Section 1-8 Specifications |
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Item |
Specification |
Display:
—Versa S/50C, S/33C: 4096 colors
—Versa S/33D: 256 colors
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Dot Pitch: |
0.3 mm |
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Viewing Area: 9.5 in. screen |
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Interface: |
Super VGA |
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Internal Device Support |
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Diskette Drive |
External, 3 1/2-inch, 1.44-MB |
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Hard Disks |
210-MB (Versa S/33C, S/33D, S/33M) |
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260-MB (Versa S/50C) |
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Controller: |
IDE controller integrated on hard disk |
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Software |
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Standard |
MS-DOS version 6.2 |
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Windows version 3.1 |
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APM drivers |
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Mouse drivers |
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Systemsoft CardSoft PCMCIA |
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Auxiliary Windows Video Drivers (AWD) |
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NEC Communications Assistant |
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Versa S on-line help |
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Windows and DOS on-line help |
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Recommended Environment |
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Operation |
Temperature: |
41_ to 95_F (5_ to 35_C) |
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Relative Humidity: 20% to 80% (No condensation) |
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Storage |
Temperature: |
-4_ to 104_F (-20_ to 40_C) |
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Relative Humidity: 10% to 80% (No condensation) |
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Administrative Compliance |
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UL 1950
CSA C22.2 No. 220
FCC Class B
TUV EN60950: 1988
C.R.C., c.1374
VDE 0871/6.78
Section 2
This section provides setup and operation information for the Versa S (including cabling, power-on verification, and using the System Configuration Utility).
UNPACKING THE SYSTEM
Find an area away from devices that generate strong magnetic fields (electric motors, transformers, etc.). Place the shipping carton on a sturdy surface and carefully unpack the system. The carton includes the base unit, external diskette drive, AC adapter, AC power cable, software diskettes, spare SurePoint caps, and user documentation.
SETUP
Perform the following procedure to set up the Versa S.
1. Open the LCD panel.
LCD Latch
Figure Section 2-1 Opening the LCD Panel
2. Connect the AC adapter cable to the power port on the back of the system.
2-2 Setup and Operation
3.Connect one end of the AC power cable to the AC adapter and the other end to a properly grounded wall outlet.
The LED on the AC adapter and the Charge LED on the system lights.
Power
Port
AC
Adapter
AC
Power
Cable
Figure Section 2-2 Attaching the AC Adapter
4.Connect the diskette drive (optional) to the system as follows:
n Align the diskette drive cable connector with the diskette drive port on the system.
n Press the connector into the port until it clicks into place.
Cable |
Connector |
Diskette
Drive Port
Figure Section 2-3 Connecting the Diskette Drive
Setup and Operation 2-3
5. Press the power button to turn on the system.
NOTE: If operating on DC power, verify that the system has a charged battery pack installed.
Power
Button
Figure Section 2-4 Turning on the Versa S
Replacing a Battery Pack
Follow these instructions to replace a battery pack.
1.Close the LCD panel securely. Disconnect any external options.
2.Turn the Versa S upside down.
3.Locate the battery release latch on the bottom of the system and slide it back.
4.Lift up and remove the battery pack.
Battery |
Battery |
Pack |
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Release Latch |
Figure Section 2-5 Removing the Battery Pack
2-4 Setup and Operation
5.Locate the tabs on the end of the new battery pack. Fit the tabs into the grooves inside the compartment.
Grooves
|
Battery |
Battery |
Pack |
Pack Tabs |
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Figure Section 2-6 Locating the Tabs and Grooves
6.Lower the battery pack into the compartment. Press it down until the battery pack latch clicks and locks the battery in place.
Figure Section 2-7 Inserting the Battery Pack
7. Turn the Versa S right side up and reconnect the external options.
Setup and Operation 2-5
OPERATING CONTROLS
The following section describes system controls. Refer to Figure Section 2-8 to locate system controls and buttons.
LCD
LED Status
Bar
Keyboard
Reset Button
Fn Key
Figure Section 2-8 Control and Button Locations
LED Status Bar
The LED status bar contains eight light emitting diodes (LEDs) that light or blink to show the status of Versa S components. Figure Section 2-9 identifies the LEDs on the status bar. A description of the LEDs follow.
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Num |
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Caps |
Scroll Lock |
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Lock |
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Power Lock |
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Mgmt |
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Charge |
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Power |
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A |
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Hard Disk |
Diskette |
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Drive |
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Drive |
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Figure Section 2-9 |
LED Status Bar |
2-6 Setup and Operation
n Power LED — lights yellow or green.
¾When steady green, the computer is running on AC power.
¾When steady yellow, the computer is running on battery power and battery power is sufficient.
¾When blinking yellow, the computer is running on battery power and battery power is low.
¾When off, the computer is in Suspend mode or the computer power is off.
nCharge LED — lights orange.
¾When lit continuously, the battery is charging.
¾When blinking orange, the battery has malfunctioned.
¾When off, no battery is installed, the AC adapter is not attached, or the battery is fully charged.
nPower Management LED — lights green
¾When lit continuously, Power Management features are enabled.
¾When blinking, the system is in Suspend mode.
¾When off, Power Management features are disabled.
nHard Disk LED — lights green when the hard disk is being accessed. Avoid turning off the Versa S when this LED is lit.
nDiskette Drive LED — lights green when a diskette is being accessed.
nCaps Lock LED — lights green when the Caps Lock is in effect.
nScroll Lock LED — lights green when the scroll lock key is active.
nNum Lock LED — lights green when Num Lock mode is in effect.