Design Overview; System Unit - Compaq Armada 3500 series Service Manual

1.4 Design Overview

This section presents a design overview of the computer. The overview is limited to
field replaceable parts. All replacement parts are listed in Chapter 3.

1.4.1 System Unit

The computer is a traditional clamshell design with a display assembly attached to a
system unit. The computer opens to reveal a backlit LCD display and a full-function
keyboard. The display is designed for a continuously adjustable tilt angle. Multimedia
capability and connectivity are enhanced through an optional Mobile 3500 Expansion
Unit.
1.4.2 System Boards
The system electronics are integrated on three printed circuit assemblies: the system
board, the DC-DC converter board, and LED/switch board.
The system board integrates the processor, on-board memory, level 2 cache, local
bus video adapter, audio functions, and PCMCIA/CardBus adapter.
The DC-DC converter board creates the system voltages (3.3v and 5v) from the
battery or AC/DC input.
The LED/switch board integrates the status LEDs and the power and standby
switches.
1.4.2.1 Processor
An Intel 266- or 300-MHz Mobile Pentium II processor is located on the system board.
1.4.2.2 Memory
Base memory is 32- or 64-MB with 16-, 32-, 64-, or 128-MB of optional expansion
memory. Base memory is onboard memory built into the system board. Expansion
memory consists of one memory expansion board available as a user installable option.
1.4.2.3 Cache
Level 2 cache is integrated in the CPU module. It is not user upgradable.
1.4.2.4 PCMCIA/CardBus Controller
The PCMCIA/CardBus adapter is based on the Texas Instrument PCI1220 PC to
CardBus controller unit. Both 16-bit cards and 32-bit CardBus cards are supported.
1.4.2.5 Video Adapter Controller
The local bus video adapter is the Chips and Technologies 69000 controller. This
controller offers improved video performance due to the on-board 2-MB video
memory.
Product Description 1-13