American Megatrends 43 Series User Manual
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American Megatrends 43 Series User Manual

American Megatrends 43 Series User Manual

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American Megatrends, Inc.
Series 43
80386SX CAT Motherboard
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for American Megatrends 43 Series

  • Page 1 American Megatrends, Inc. Series 43 80386SX CAT Motherboard User's Guide...
  • Page 2 MAN-643 9/23/92...
  • Page 3 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 of the warranty card accompanying this product. American Megatrends shall not be liable in tort or contract for any loss or damage, direct, incidental or consequential.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction 1 Features 1 Microprocessor Speeds 1 Built-in I/O 2 CMOS RAM 2 System Expansion I/O Slots 2 Simple Memory Expansion 3 Dimensions 3 SX CAT Specifications 4 Chapter 2 Installation 5 Step 1 Set Initial Switch Settings 7 Step 2 Install Math Coprocessor (Optional) 8 Step 3 Install SIMM Memory 8 Step 4 Install the Motherboard 9...
  • Page 5 Keyboard 32 American Megatrends SX CAT 80386SX Motherboard User's Guide...
  • Page 6 Table of Contents, Continued Chapter 4 AMIBIOS Setup, cont'd Section 3 ADVANCED CMOS SETUP 33 Typematic Rate Programming, Rate, and Delay 34 Memory Test Tick Sound 35 Memory Parity Error Check 35 Wait for <F1> If Any Error 37 System Boot Up Num Lock 37 Weitek Processor(s) 37 Floppy Drive Seek At Boot 37 System Boot Up Sequence 38...
  • Page 7 Index 79 American Megatrends SX CAT 80386SX Motherboard User's Guide...
  • Page 8 Thank you for purchasing the SX CAT 80386SX AT- compatible motherboard from American Megatrends. This product is a state of the art 80386SX-based motherboard that includes the famous Hi-Flex AMIBIOS. It is assumed that you have also licensed the rights to use the American Megatrends SX CAT documentation.
  • Page 9 BIOS products. American Megatrends Product Engineering Change Notices, Tech Tips, and technical documentation are available on the BBS. Some parts of the BBS are not accessible to all callers. Call American Megatrends Technical Support at 404-246-8600 to find out how to access additional BBS information.

  • Page 10: Chapter 1 Introduction

    Chapter 1 Introduction Features The SX CAT is an integrated AT®-compatible computer motherboard that uses the Intel® 80386SX microprocessor. The 80386SX provides the affordability of a 16-bit computer with the power of the 32-bit 80386DX. The SX CAT includes an AMIBIOS specifically tailored for the Chips and Technologies® SCAT-SX® chipset.

  • Page 11: Built-In I/O

    SX CAT Features, Continued Built-in I/O The SX CAT contains built in input/output controllers to save both money and system setup time. The controllers include: ● two serial ports, ● one parallel printer port, a ● dual floppy drive interface that can be configured for low or high density, 3½ or 5¼ inch drives, and an ●...

  • Page 12: Simple Memory Expansion

    SX CAT Features, Continued Simple Memory Expansion The SX CAT motherboard provides easy memory expansion using industry standard SIMMs (Single In-Line Memory Modules). These modules can be either 1 MB x 9, 256 KB x 9, or 4 MB x 9. At least two SIMMs must be installed, but performance improves with four or more SIMMs. See Chapter 5 Technical Description on page for more detailed information about memory configuration.

  • Page 13: Sx Cat Specifications

    SX CAT Specifications 16 or 20 MHz Intel® 80386SX Math Coprocessor socket for 80387SX Chipset Chips and Technologies, Inc. 82C836 SCAT-SX CHIPSet Memory Architecture page mode, 2/4 bank interleave Maximum RAM up to 16 MB through ISA bus Memory Speed 100 ns at 16 MHz 80 ns at 20 MHz Wait States...

  • Page 14: Chapter 2 Installation

    Chapter 2 Installation SX CAT installation is a simple procedure that is eased because most of the hardware jumpers and switch setting found on many motherboards have been removed. This chapter discusses how to connect the various connectors found in a typical computer chassis. Installation Steps The installation steps are shown in the following table.
  • Page 15 SX CAT Motherboard Diagram...

  • Page 16: Step 1 Set Initial Switch Settings

    Step 1 Set Initial Switch Settings The only switch on the SX CAT motherboard is a four-switch DIP switch marked SW1. The typical setting would be: ● switches 1 and 2 closed (or ON), and ● switches 3 and 4 open (or OFF). This setting configures an onboard battery, no additional wait states for IDE interface memory transfers and a monochrome or VGA®...

  • Page 17: Step 2 Install Math Coprocessor (Optional)

    Step 2 Install Math Coprocessor (Optional) A math coprocessor chip can speed certain application programs such as desktop publishing, Computer-Aided Design, and spreadsheets. The SX CAT contains a socket for an 80387SX coprocessor. The math coprocessor must be the same speed as the main processor (either 16 MHz or 20 MHz). Match up the chamfered edge with the socket U27 and carefully press the chip into the socket.

  • Page 18: Step 4 Install The Motherboard

    Step 3 Install SIMM Memory, Continued Installing SIMMs SIMMs must be installed or removed with care to make sure that the sockets are not damaged. The latching tabs on the sockets must be handled carefully so as to not break them off. Make sure the SIMMs are firmly in place for reliable operation. Make sure that the modules do not interfere with adjacent expansion slots. Install the SIMMs by gently sliding them into the socket.

  • Page 19: Step 5 Install And Connect Power Supply

    Step 5 Install and Connect Power Supply The power supply should match the physical configuration of the chassis. Make sure that the power switch is Off. Before plugging everything in, make sure that the proper voltage has been selected. Power supplies often can run on a wide range of voltages, but must be set (usually with a switch) to the proper range.

  • Page 20: Step 7 Connect Cables

    Step 7 Connect Cables The following cables should be connected to the motherboard from the chassis: ● Reset Switch. ● Speaker should be connected to J22. ● Keylock switch and power on indicator connect to J23. ● Hard disk activity indicator connect to J24 unless an adapter card-based controller is used for the disk drive, in which case, attach the connector to the appropriate place on the option board.
  • Page 21 Step 8 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 8-bit board standard pins. SBHE- MEMCS16- LA23 IOCS16- LA22 IRQ10 LA21 IRQ11 LA20 IRQ12...
  • Page 22 Step 8 Install Adapter Cards, Continued 8-Bit ISA Slot Pinout IOCHCK- SD07 RSTDRV SD06 SD05 IRQ9 SD04 SD03 DREQ2 SD02 SD01 OWS- SD00 IOCHRDY SMEMW- SA19 SMEMR- SA18 IOW- SA17 IOR- SA16 DACK3- SA15 DREQ3 SA14 DACK1- SA13 DREQ1 SA12 REF- SA11 SYSCLK...
  • Page 23 SA02 SA01 SA00...

  • Page 24: Step 9 Install Floppy Disk Drives

    Step 9 Install Floppy Disk Drives The floppy drives should be attached to the chassis using the mounting hardware supplied with the drives or the chassis. The drives may need mounting guides before they can be attached to the chassis. Mounting guides should be supplied with either the drive or the chassis. The floppy controller on the SX CAT motherboard supports up to two floppy disk drives.

  • Page 25: Step 10 Connect The Hard Disk Drive

    Step 10 Connect the Hard Disk Drive The IDE hard disk drive contains its own controller, a separate hard disk drive controller adapter card is not needed. The interconnection between the drive and the motherboard via a simple ribbon cable connected to J20. This cable is supplied separately. Remember to check the location of pin 1 of each connector to ensure proper installation.
  • Page 26 Step 11 Perform Initial Test and Configuration, Continued In Case of Errors If the system beeps during POST (power on self test), a serious problem exists with the system configuration or hardware. The beeps are part of a Beep Code (see Page ) that almost always indicates a fatal error.

  • Page 27: Chapter 3 Amibios Power-On Self Test

    Chapter 3 AMIBIOS Power-On Self Test Overview The AMIBIOS (Basic Input Output System) provides all IBM standard POST routines, as well as enhanced AMIBIOS POST routines. POST supports CPU internal diagnostics. POST codes are accessible via the Manufacturing Test Port (I/O Port 80h). POST Phases When the system is powered on, the AMIBIOS runs Power-On Self Test (POST), which has two phases: System Test and Initialization (test and initialize motherboards for normal operations) and...

  • Page 28: Bios Beep Codes

    BIOS 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 errors. Fatal errors do not allow the system to continue the boot process. Consult the component manufacturer for possible repairs if a fatal error occurs.

  • Page 29: Amibios Non-Fatal Error Messages

    AMIBIOS Non-Fatal Error Messages Errors are displayed in the following format: ERROR Message Line 1 ERROR Message Line 2 Press the <F1> key to continue is displayed and the system halts. The system does not halt if Wait for <F1> If Any Error in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP is Disabled. If a second message appears, it is RUN SETUP UTILITY.
  • Page 30 D: Drive Error No response from drive D:. Run the Hard Disk Utility and check the D: hard disk type in STANDARD CMOS SETUP. D: drive failure No response from hard disk drive D:. It may be necessary to replace the hard disk. Diskette Boot Failure The boot diskette in floppy drive A: is corrupt.
  • Page 31 Parity Error ???? Parity error at an unknown address in system memory. Run AMIDiag to find and correct memory problems.

  • Page 32: Post Memory Test

    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. A BIOS Identification string is displayed at the left bottom corner of the screen, below the copyright message. Press <Ins> during system boot to display two additional BIOS ID strings.
  • Page 33 BIOS Configuration Summary Screen The AMIBIOS displays the following screen when the POST routines are successfully completed. System Configuration (C) Copyright 1985-1991 American Megatrends Inc. Main Processor : 80386SX Base Memory Size : 640 KB Numeric Coprocessor : Present Ext. Memory Size...
  • Page 34 Chapter 4 AMIBIOS BIOS Features The AMIBIOS has several features that can be accessed at any time. Keyboard Speed Switching The end user 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 through AMIBCP.

  • Page 35: Chapter 4 Amibios Setup

    AMIBIOS Setup, Continued STANDARD CMOS SETUP The AMIBIOS STANDARD CMOS SETUP utility permits the end user to configure and set system components such as floppy drives, hard disk drives, time and date, monitor type, and keyboard. These features are discussed in Section 2 on page . ADVANCED CMOS SETUP ADVANCED CMOS SETUP allows the end user to configure more advanced parts of memory configuration, peripheral support, and power management support.

  • Page 36: Section 1 Running Amibios Setup

    Section 1 Running AMIBIOS Setup A record of the system configuration 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. Each time the system is powered-on, it is configured with these values, unless CMOS RAM has been corrupted.

  • Page 37: Setup Key Usage

    Setup Key Usage Keystroke Action <Esc> Returns to previous screen. →, ←, ↑, ↓ Move the cursor from one option to the next. <PgUp> and <PgDn>; Modify the default value of the options for the <Ctrl><PgUp> highlighted parameter. If there are fewer than 10 <Ctrl><PgDn>...

  • Page 38: Main Menu Setup Options

    Main Menu Setup Options The AMIBIOS Setup Main Menu options are shown below. Each option is explained in detail in this section. Warning Message A warning is displayed every time you choose STANDARD CMOS SETUP, ADVANCED CMOS SETUP, or ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP. Press any key to continue.

  • Page 39: Auto Configuration With Power-On Defaults

    Auto Configuration With Power-On Defaults This option configures the default Power-On values, worst-case values for system performance, but are the most stable values that can be chosen. Use this option as a diagnostic aid if the system is behaving erratically. Type Y and press <Enter> to use the Power-On defaults. The following appears: Default values loaded.

  • Page 40: Section 2 Standard Cmos 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 Move the cursor to the Date field with the arrow keys and set the Date and Day by pressing <PgUp> and <PgDn> to change the values. Ranges for each value are shown in the lower left corner of the STANDARD CMOS SETUP Screen.

  • Page 41: Hard Disk Configuration

    STANDARD CMOS SETUP Options, Continued Hard Disk Configuration Hard disk drive types are identified by the following parameters: Parameter Description Type The number designation for a drive with certain identification parameters. Cylinders The number of cylinders in the disk drive. Heads The number of heads.

  • Page 42: Hard Disk Parameter Table

    STANDARD CMOS SETUP Options, Continued Hard Disk Parameter Table Type Cylinders Heads Write Landing Sectors Capacity Precompensation Zone 10 MB 20 MB 31 MB 62 MB 47 MB 65535 20 MB 31 MB 65535 30 MB 65535 112 MB 65535 20 MB 65535 35 MB...
  • Page 43 1024 1024 68 MB 41 MB 25 MB 57 MB 41 MB 41 MB 41 MB 48 MB 65535 69 MB 65535 114 MB 1224 65535 1223 152 MB...

  • Page 44: Monitor

    STANDARD CMOS SETUP Options, Continued Hard Disk Parameter Table, cont'd Not Installed could be used for diskless workstations and SCSI hard disks. Type 47 can be used for both hard disks C: and D:. The parameters for type 47 under Hard Disk C: and Hard Disk D: can be different, allowing two different user-definable hard disk types.

  • Page 45: Section 3 Advanced Cmos Setup

    Section 3 ADVANCED CMOS SETUP The ADVANCED CMOS SETUP options are: Typematic Rate Programming, Typematic Rate Delay, Typematic Rate (Chars/Sec), Above 1 MB Memory Test, Memory Test Tick Sound, Memory Parity Error Check, Hit <DEL> Message Display, Hard Disk Type 47 RAM Area, Wait For <F1>...
  • Page 46 A warning message is displayed when ADVANCED CMOS SETUP is selected. Press any key to continue.

  • Page 47: Typematic Rate Programming, Rate, And Delay

    ADVANCED CMOS SETUP The ADVANCED CMOS SETUP screen is shown below. ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options Typematic Rate Programming, Rate, and Delay Typematic Rate Programming enables or disables the following two options. Typematic Rate Delay and Typematic Rate control the speed at which a keystroke is repeated.

  • Page 48: Memory Test Tick Sound

    ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options, Continued Memory Test Tick Sound This option enables or disables the ticking sound during the memory test. The settings are Enabled or Disabled. Memory Parity Error Check If enabled, this option enables testing of memory parity in all RAM. The settings are Enabled or Disabled. Hit <DEL>...
  • Page 49 ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options, Continued Hard Disk Type 47 RAM Area You can specify a user-definable hard disk type for drive C: and drive D:. The type 47 drive parameters must be entered in STANDARD CMOS SETUP (see page ). This option specifies the type 47 data storage area – 0:300h in lower system RAM or in the top 1 KB of applications memory, starting at address 639K or 511K (depending on how much base memory the system has).

  • Page 50: Wait For If Any Error

    ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options, Continued Wait for <F1> If Any Error Before the system boots, the BIOS executes POST, a series of system diagnostic routines. If POST generates a non-fatal error and the system can still function, an appropriate error message is displayed followed by: Press <F1>...

  • Page 51: System Boot Up Sequence

    ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options, Continued System Boot Up Sequence This option sets the disk drive boot sequence after the BIOS completes POST. The settings are C:,A: or A:,C:. The BIOS default is C:,A:. The Power-On default is A:,C:. System Boot UP CPU Speed Sets that the system boot speed.
  • Page 52 ADVANCED CMOS SETUP Options, Continued Video ROM Shadow C000,16K Video ROM Shadow C400,16K ROM shadow is a technique in which video BIOS code is copied from slower ROM to faster RAM. The video BIOS is then executed from the RAM. When enabled, the 16 KB memory segment at the address specified in the option title is shadowed from ROM to RAM and executed from RAM.

  • Page 54: Section 4 Advanced Chipset Setup

    The following screen appears when ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP is selected from the Setup menu: ╔═════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ ║ BIOS SETUP PROGRAM ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP ║ ║ (C) 1990 American Megatrends Inc., All Rights Reserved ║ ╠══════════════════════════════════════╦══════════════════════════════════╣ ║ On Board Serial Port 1 : Enabled ║ ║...
  • Page 55 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options On Board Serial Port 1 This option enables or disables serial port 1 on the SX CAT motherboard. The settings are I/O ports 3F8h - 3FFh, I/O ports 3E8h - 3EFh, or Disabled. If the configuration data stored in CMOS RAM is corrupted when the system is powered on, the system BIOS automatically configures onboard serial port 1 according to the presence or absence of serial ports on any adapter cards in the system expansion slots (offboard serial ports).
  • Page 56 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options, Continued On Board Serial Port 1, cont'd Autoconfiguration only occurs when CMOS RAM data is corrupted. The result for serial port 1 is: If the Offboard the Onboard Serial Port 1 is Autoconfigured as Serial Port is None 3F8h Can be disabled or changed to 3E8h via...
  • Page 57 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options, Continued On Board Serial Port 2 This option enables or disables serial port 2 on the SX CAT motherboard. The settings are I/O Ports 2F8h - 2FFh, I/O Ports 2E8h - 2EFh, or Disabled. If the configuration data stored in CMOS RAM is corrupted when the system is powered on, the system BIOS automatically configures onboard serial port 2 according to the presence or absence of serial ports on any adapter cards in the system expansion slots (offboard serial ports).
  • Page 58 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options, Continued On Board Parallel Port This option enables or disables the onboard parallel port. The settings are I/O ports 378h - 37Fh, I/O ports 278h - 27Fh, or Disabled. J18 is the onboard parallel port. If the configuration data stored in CMOS RAM is corrupted when the system is powered on, the system BIOS automatically configures the onboard parallel port according to the presence or absence of parallel ports on any adapter cards in the system expansion slots (offboard parallel ports).
  • Page 59 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options, Continued On Board Floppy Controller The AMIBIOS detects if an external floppy disk controller is installed in the system. The onboard floppy controller is automatically enabled and disabled accordingly. The settings are Enabled or Disabled.. Make sure that the floppy cable is connected to J17 on the SX CAT motherboard. On Board IDE Controller Enable this option to use the onboard IDE hard disk drive controller.
  • Page 60 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options, Continued DMA Clock Select Allows the user to program the DMA clock to operate at either BCLK or BCLK/2 (BUS CLOCK). The BIOS and Power-On defaults are BCLK/2. Refresh Command Width This option specifies the command width during a refresh cycle. These pulse widths are derived from the oscillator. The settings are 140 ns, 210 ns, 280 ns, or 350 ns.
  • Page 61 ADVANCED CHIPSET SETUP Options, Continued EMS Options The settings are Enabled or Disabled. You must have a software EMS driver (such as AMISeems) to use EMS memory and to configure EMS options. The defaults settings are Disabled. Extended Boundary Specifies the upper boundary of memory within the total memory defined. Memory residing above this boundary is accessible only via EMS. The settings are: Settings Settings Settings...

  • Page 63: Section 5 Amibios Password Support

    Section 5 AMIBIOS Password Support AMIBIOS Setup has an optional password feature. The system can be configured so the end user is required to enter a password every time the system boots, or whenever the end user runs Setup. The password function can also be disabled. If disabled, the prompt does not appear. Changing a Password The password check option is enabled or disabled in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP (Page ).
  • Page 64 Changing A Password, Continued Password Options Control Prompt When and if the prompt appears is dependent upon the options chosen in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP. If Always was set in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP, the prompt appears when the system is powered on. If Setup was set in ADVANCED CMOS SETUP, the prompt does not appear when the system is powered on, but when AMIBIOS Setup is run.

  • Page 65: Section 6 Hard Disk Utility

    Section 6 Hard Disk Utility Overview The AMIBIOS includes three hard disk utilities: Utility Purpose Turn to Hard Disk Format Performs a low level format of the hard Page drive(s). Read the system or hard disk drive documentation to find out if the hard disk has been preformatted.

  • Page 66: When To Use Amibios Hard Disk Utilities

    When to Use AMIBIOS Hard Disk Utilities When Conditions Run... Installing a new hard The hard disk drive None disk. manufacturer provided a list of bad tracks, the system documentation includes the optimum interleave factor, and the drive is preformatted . Installing a new hard You do not have a list of bad Media Analysis...

  • Page 67: Hard Disk Format Utility

    Hard Disk Format Utility Warning Hard Disk Format destroys all hard disk data. Back up the data on the hard disk before running this utility. This routine do 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 that has developed bad tracks as a result of aging or poor handling.
  • Page 68 Hard Disk Format Utility, Continued Answer the questions on the screen. The first two questions are already completed if one disk was selected in STANDARD CMOS SETUP. Enter C or D in Disk Drive and press <Enter>. If only one drive was selected in STANDARD CMOS SETUP, the cursor will be at Interleave. The Disk Drive Type is read from CMOS RAM.
  • Page 69 Hard Disk Format Utility, Continued Type Y and press <Enter>. The warning screen appears. Warning Once you type Y and press <Enter>, data on the hard drive will be irrevocably lost.

  • Page 70: Auto Interleave Utility

    Auto Interleave Utility Warning Auto Interleave destroys hard disk data. Back up the data on the hard disk before running this utility. Auto Interleave 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 will format a portion of the hard disk for each transfer rate calculated.
  • Page 71 Auto Interleave Utility, Continued The cursor is on Mark Bad Tracks. The default is N. To mark additional bad tracks, type Y and press <Enter>. The following screen appears. 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.
  • Page 72 Auto Interleave Utility, Continued Press <Enter> to return to the main Hard Disk Utility screen. To proceed, type Y and press <Enter>.

  • Page 73: Media Analysis Utility

    Media Analysis Utility Media Analysis 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.
  • Page 74 Media Analysis Utility, Continued The cursor is on Proceed. When you press <Enter>, the warning screen appears. Press <Enter> to stop. The main Hard Disk Utility screen appears. Type Y and press <Enter> to perform the hard disk drive analysis.

  • Page 75: Hard Disk Utility Error Messages

    Hard Disk Utility Error Messages Initialization Errors Message Explanation No Hard Disk Installed There is no hard disk drive in the system but you tried to run the Hard Disk Utility. FATAL ERROR Bad Hard Disk No response from the hard disk, or the hard disk is not repairable.
  • Page 76 Error same value written to the disk. The data is not correct. An attempt was made to correct the data, but the ECC value is not corrected. Requested Sector Not The requested sector could not be found. Found Reset Failed The reset command did not properly reset the hard disk.

  • Page 77: Chapter 5 Technical Description

    Chapter 5 Technical Description Overview The technical features of the SX CAT motherboard are described in this chapter. Detailed information about connector pinouts and memory configurations are provided. SX CAT Connector List Connector Function J1 - J13 ISA Bus Connectors J14 and J15 COM2 and COM1 Serial Port Connectors Keyboard Connector...

  • Page 78: J1 - J13 Isa Bus Connectors

    Detailed Description of Connectors J1 - J13 ISA Bus Connectors J1 - J13 are the ISA compatible slots, J1 - J7 are the 8-bit slots and J8 - J13 are the 16-bit extension slots. The ISA Bus operates at ½ the CPU speed. If the motherboard has a 16 MHz 80386SX, the ISA Bus operates at 8 MHz.
  • Page 79 SA01 SA00...

  • Page 80: 16-Bit Isa Extension Pinout

    16-Bit ISA Extension Pinout SBHE- MEMCS16- LA23 IOCS16- LA22 IRQ10 LA21 IRQ11 LA20 IRQ12 LA19 IRQ13 LA18 IRQ14 LA17 DACK0- MEMR- DREQ0 MEMW- DACK5- SD08 DREQ5 SD09 DACK6- SD10 DREQ6 SD11 DACK7- SD12 DREQ7 SD13 SD14 MASTER- SD15 J14 and J15 COM2 and COM1 Serial Port J14 and J15 are used to connect any RS-232 type peripheral to the SX CAT motherboard.

  • Page 81: J16 Keyboard Connector

    J16 Keyboard Connector The SX CAT motherboard provides a standard 5-pin DIN type keyboard connector to be used with a standard IBM AT-Compatible keyboard. Keyboard Clock Keyboard Data...
  • Page 82 J17 Floppy Disk Connector The SX CAT motherboard supports both 3½" and 5¼" floppy disk drive in low density (360 KB/720 KB) and high density (1.2 MB/1.44 MB). There can be a maximum of two floppy drives of any combination connected to the interface. The connecting cable is a 34-pin ribbon connector with two 34-pin edge connectors that connect to the floppy drives.
  • Page 83 Floppy Diskette, Continued Description of Twist in Floppy Cable Floppy B Floppy A J18 Parallel Port Connector J18 is connects an IBM-type parallel printer to the SX CAT motherboard. The connecting cable is a 26-pin double-row ribbon that connects from the motherboard (J18) to a female 25-pin D-sub connector that should be fastened to the chassis.

  • Page 84: J19 Offboard Battery Connector

    J19 Offboard Battery Connector J19 can be used to connect an offboard battery for the CMOS RAM and Real Time Clock in the event the onboard battery fails. SW1-1 must be opened before adding and offboard battery. +VBAT Key (N/C)

  • Page 85: J20 Ide Connector

    J20 IDE Connector J20 is used to connect a hard disk drive with an Integrated Drive Electronics Interface. The interface is 100% compatible with the IBM AT Hard Disk Controller. The IDE interface can be disabled via Setup. You must disable the onboard IDE interface to use an ISA bus ESDI, RLL, SCSI, or MFM hard disk controller. -RESET DATA7 DATA8...

  • Page 86: J21 Reset Connector

    J21 Reset Connector A single pole momentary pushbutton switch can be connected to J21 for use as a reset switch. J22 Speaker Connector A standard 8 ohm speaker should be connected to J22. Speaker Data N/C Key J23 Keylock/Front Panel Connector J23 can be connected to the front panel power-on LED and keylock switch.

  • Page 87: J25 Turbo Speed Led Connector

    J25 Turbo Speed LED Connector J25 can be connected to a front panel LED to reflect the current CPU operating speed. The CPU speed can be toggled from the keyboard by a user-settable keychord in Setup. J26 Turbo Speed Switch Connector J26 can be connected to a front panel turbo switch that allows the CPU speed to be altered via this front panel pushbutton.

  • Page 88: P8 And P9 Power Supply Connectors

    P8 and P9 Power Supply Connectors The DC power supply should be connected to the motherboard at P8 and P9. The AT compatible power supply cable follows a color code convention that assists in proper connection to the motherboard. Not all power supply vendors conform to the standard color coding scheme. Color Description Powergood...

  • Page 89: U15 Bios Socket

    U15 BIOS Socket U15 provides a single 8-bit EPROM socket for the AMIBIOS ROM. The AMIBIOS for the SX CAT is designed specifically for the Chips and Technologies, Inc. SCATSX CHIPSet. U16 Keyboard Controller The SX CAT uses an AT compatible keyboard controller that supports both 84-key and 101-key AT compatible keyboards. The keyboard controller also controls the turbo LED control via the AMIBIOS.

  • Page 90: Sw1 Configuration Switch

    SW1 Configuration Switch SW1-1 Close to enable Onboard Battery Open to enable Offboard Battery SW1-2 Close to Enable Battery Open to Disable Battery (This switch must be closed for normal system operation.) SW1-3 Close for addition wait states on IDE interface Open for no additional wait states SW1-4 Close for Color Adapter...

  • Page 91: Onboard Simm Sockets

    Onboard SIMM Sockets SIM1 through SIM8 provide for up to 16 MB of onboard high speed memory. The memory used should be Single In-Line Memory Modules (SIMMs). Memory must be at least 100 ns or faster for processors operating at 16 MHz and 80 ns or faster for 20 MHz operation. The possible SX CAT memory configurations are: Total Memory Number of Type...

  • Page 92: Sx Cat Memory Organization/Usage

    SX CAT Memory Organization/Usage The SX CAT can use dynamic random access memory (DRAM) accessed in page mode. Page mode DRAMs permits near zero wait state operation since page mode access time to the DRAMs is significantly faster than a normal access. Bank interleave is used when groups of SIMMs are installed.

  • Page 93: Sx Cat Memory Map

    SX CAT Memory Map 000000h 640 KB for system data and DOS Applications 09FFFFh 0A0000h 128 KB for Display Adapter 0BFFFFh 0C0000h 32 KB for EGA/VGA Adapter ROM BIOS 0C7FFFh (Optional) 0C8000h 32 KB for Hard Disk ROM BIOS (Optional) 0CFFFFh 0D0000h 64 KB for Adapter RAM/ROM BIOS (Optional)
  • Page 94 Index 8042 - Gate A20 Failure 18 8042 Gate-A20 Error 19 Above 1 MB Memory Test 34 Adapter Card 16-Bit Card Pinout 12 8-Bit Pinout 13 Address Line Short! 19 Advanced CMOS Setup 33 Auto Interleave 51 Auto Interleave Utility 56 Base 64 KB Memory Failure 18 Beep Codes 18 BIOS...
  • Page 95 Index, Continued Features SX CAT 1 Floppy Drive A and Floppy Drive B: 32 Floppy Drive Seek At Boot 37 Format Utility 53 Hard Disk Configuration 30 Hard Disk Format 51, 53 Hard Disk Parameter Table 31 Hard Disk utilities Error messages 61 When to use 52 Hard Disk Utility 51...
  • Page 96 Index, Continued ROM Checksum Error 18 SCSI 53 Setup 23 Above 1 MB Memory Test 34 Advanced CMOS Setup 33 Auto Configuration 27 Fast Gate A20 38 Floppy Drive Seek At Boot 37 Hard Disk 30 Hard Disk Parameter Table 31 Key Usage 26 Memory Parity Error Check 35 Memory Test Tick Sound 35...

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