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AlphaPC64 Motherboard
User's Manual
Order Number: EC–QLJKB–TE
Revision/Update Information:
Digital Equipment Corporation
Maynard, Massachusetts
This document supersedes the
AlphaPC64 Motherboard User's Manual
(EC–QLJKA–TE).

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Summary of Contents for Digital Equipment AlphaPC64

  • Page 1 AlphaPC64 Motherboard User’s Manual Order Number: EC–QLJKB–TE Revision/Update Information: This document supersedes the AlphaPC64 Motherboard User’s Manual (EC–QLJKA–TE). Digital Equipment Corporation Maynard, Massachusetts...
  • Page 2 While Digital believes the information included in this publication is correct as of the date of publication, it is subject to change without notice. Digital Equipment Corporation makes no representations that the use of its products in the manner described in this publication will not infringe on existing or future patent rights, nor do the descriptions contained in this publication imply the granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    ......... . . 1 AlphaPC64 Introduction The AlphaPC64 Motherboard ......1–1 System Components and Features .
  • Page 4 3.4.3 Returning to Windows NT ARC Firmware from the Debug Monitor ......... 3–10 4 Functional Elements PCI Interrupts and Arbitration .
  • Page 5 1–5 1–2 AlphaPC64 Summary ....... 1–8 Jumper Position Descriptions ......
  • Page 7: About This Manual

    Alpha 21064A microprocessor and the DECchip 21072 chipset. Audience This guide is intended for users of the AlphaPC64 to assist them in installing the board and populating it with memory modules and peripheral cards. Scope This guide describes the features, configuration, and installation of the...
  • Page 8: Document Conventions

    Digital Semiconductor products and associated literature. • Appendix C, Warranty Registration Information, provides information on how to register your AlphaPC64 motherboard and be notified of changes and updates. Document Conventions This section provides the conventions used in this document.
  • Page 9: Alphapc64 Introduction

    AlphaPC64 Introduction This chapter provides an overview of the AlphaPC64, its components, features, and uses. 1.1 The AlphaPC64 Motherboard The AlphaPC64 Motherboard (AlphaPC64) is a module for computing systems, based on the Alpha 21064A microprocessor and the DECchip 21072 chipset.
  • Page 10: Alphapc64 Functional Block Diagram

    1.2 System Components and Features Figure 1–1 AlphaPC64 Functional Block Diagram 21064A Support L2 Cache Interface - L2 Cache PALs - TriQuint PLL L2 Cache SIMMs Clock L2 Cache buff_ - Address Buffers - External Clock - 512KB Control address...
  • Page 11: Maximum And Minimum Simm Bank Layouts

    16MB DRAM 3 - 4MB SIMM DRAM 1 - 4MB SIMM memData96 - 127 + Parity memData32 - 63 + Parity 16MB DRAM 2 DRAM 0 Unpopulated Unpopulated Bank 1 DRAM 3 DRAM 1 Unpopulated Unpopulated LJ04134A.AI AlphaPC64 Introduction 1–3...
  • Page 12: Decchip 21072 Support Chipset

    128-bit data bus. The L2 cache size can be reconfigured through onboard hardware and software jumpers. The AlphaPC64 supports the L2 cache SIMM sizes shown in Table 1–1. SIMM types currently available and supported are 512KB @15 ns and 2MB @12 ns.
  • Page 13: Clock Subsystem Overview

    A time-of-year (TOY) function provided by a Dallas Semiconductor DS1287 chip • A 1MB flash ROM memory using the Intel 28F008SA chip The ISA has two dedicated expansion slots and one shared expansion slot with the PCI. AlphaPC64 Introduction 1–5...
  • Page 14: Software Support

    Ethernet connection. Development code can be generated on a host system and loaded into the AlphaPC64 through the serial line, optional Ethernet port, diskette, or flash ROM. Full design database and user documentation are provided. A serial ROM (SROM) contains the 21064A initialization code. When reset is deasserted, the contents of the SROM are read into the Icache and are executed to perform initialization.
  • Page 15: Alphapc64 Component Layout And Board Dimensions

    1.2 System Components and Features Figure 1–3 AlphaPC64 Component Layout and Board Dimensions 22.1 cm (8.7 in 0.0005 in) Scale = 90% LJ-04458.AI5 AlphaPC64 Introduction 1–7...
  • Page 16: Alphapc64 Summary

    1.2 System Components and Features Table 1–2 AlphaPC64 Summary Characteristic Description Operating Systems Supported operating Microsoft Windows NT. For information on Digital UNIX systems or OpenVMS operating system support, see your local distributor or your Digital sales representative. System Characteristics...
  • Page 17 1.2 System Components and Features Table 1–2 (Cont.) AlphaPC64 Summary Characteristic Description Graphics Graphics options Refer to the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List for Windows NT to determine which graphics cards are supported. See Section B.4 for information on how to obtain the listing.
  • Page 18 Minimum dew point 2°C (36°F) EMC compliance Compliance certification is the responsibility of the system integrator. The AlphaPC64 was tested in industry- representative enclosures to prove feasibility of emissions compliance. Shock and vibration Passing of shock and vibration tests is dependent on the method used to mount the system board, the design of the enclosure, and how the enclosure is supported.
  • Page 19: System Jumpers And Connectors

    System Jumpers and Connectors The AlphaPC64 uses jumpers to implement variations in clock frequency and L2 cache size and speed. These jumpers must be configured for the user’s environment. Onboard connectors are provided for the I/O, memory SIMMs, serial and parallel peripherals, integrated device electronics (IDE) devices, and L2 cache SIMMs.
  • Page 20: Alphapc64 Board Jumpers

    2.1 Configuration Jumpers Figure 2–1 AlphaPC64 Board Jumpers Scale = 90% LJ-04459.AI5 2–2 System Jumpers and Connectors...
  • Page 21: J3 Jumpers/Connectors

    2.1 Configuration Jumpers Figure 2–2 J3 Jumpers/Connectors sysclkdiv jmp_irq2 jmp_irq1 jmp_irq0 toy_clr sp_bit0 sp_bit1 sp_bit2 sp_bit3 sp_bit4 sp_bit5 sp_bit6 sp_bit7 reset_button hd_act_l hd_led_l spkr key_lock To Speaker power_led_l LJ-04132.AI System Jumpers and Connectors 2–3...
  • Page 22: Jumper Position Descriptions

    2.1 Configuration Jumpers Table 2–1 Jumper Position Descriptions Register Bit Select Bit Name Function sp_bit7 BOOT_OPTION Jumper out—Boot first image in flash ROM. Jumper in (default)—Boot one of several alternate images in flash ROM as specified by NVRAM location 3F in TOY RAM. See Section 4.4. sp_bit6 MINI_DEBUG Jumper out (default)—Boot selected image in...
  • Page 23 2.1 Configuration Jumpers Table 2–1 (Cont.) Jumper Position Descriptions Register Bit Select Bit Name Function sp_bit<2:0> BC_SIZE<2:0> L2 cache size selection is shown here. BC_SIZE <2> <1> <0> J3-15 J3-13 J3-11 L2 Cache Size Disables L2 cache 512KB (default for 21A02–A5) 2MB (default for 21A02–A3 and 21A02–A4)
  • Page 24: Hardware Configuration Jumpers

    2.1 Configuration Jumpers 2.1.2 Hardware Configuration Jumpers Hardware configuration jumpers are shown in Figure 2–1 and are described in Table 2–2. Table 2–2 AlphaPC64 Board Jumpers Connector Pins Description L2 Cache Address Lines Adr<22:19> L2 cache J15-1 J15-2 J15-3 J15-4...
  • Page 25: Alphapc64 Board Connectors

    2.1 Configuration Jumpers Table 2–2 (Cont.) AlphaPC64 Board Jumpers Connector Pins Description System Clock Functions 21064A CPU clock divisor selection. J3-1 J3-3 J3-5 J3-7 sysclkdiv jmp_irq2 jmp_irq1 jmp_irq0 Divisor Divisor 6 is used for 200 MHz. Divisor 7 is used for 233 MHz.
  • Page 26: Alphapc64 Board Connectors

    2.2 AlphaPC64 Board Connectors Figure 2–3 AlphaPC64 Board Connectors J10 J11 Scale = 90% LJ-04457.AI5 2–8 System Jumpers and Connectors...
  • Page 27: Module Connector Descriptions

    2.2 AlphaPC64 Board Connectors Table 2–3 Module Connector Descriptions Connector Pins Description PCI Connectors PCI expansion connector 3 PCI expansion connector 2 PCI expansion connector 1 PCI expansion connector 0 ISA Connectors ISA expansion connector 2 ISA expansion connector 1...
  • Page 28 2.2 AlphaPC64 Board Connectors Table 2–3 (Cont.) Module Connector Descriptions Connector Pins Description Memory SIMMs Bank 0, DRAM 0 SIMM Bank 0, DRAM 1 SIMM Bank 0, DRAM 2 SIMM Bank 0, DRAM 3 SIMM Bank 1, DRAM 0 SIMM...
  • Page 29 2.2 AlphaPC64 Board Connectors Table 2–3 (Cont.) Module Connector Descriptions Connector Pins Description Power Connectors Module power connector (GND, +3.3 V) Voltage/Signal Ground Ground Ground +3.3 V +3.3 V +3.3 V Module power connector (+3.3 V, GND) Voltage/Signal +3.3 V +3.3 V...
  • Page 30 +12 V –12 V Ground Ground Note: Power for the AlphaPC64 is provided by a user- supplied, standard PC power supply that includes 3.3 V dc. Digital does not provide this power supply. CPU fan power and sensor Caution: Fan sensor required The fan must have a built-in sensor that drives a signal if the airflow stops.
  • Page 31 2.2 AlphaPC64 Board Connectors Table 2–3 (Cont.) Module Connector Descriptions Connector Pins Description Enclosure Fan Enclosure fan connector (+12 V, GND) System Reset J3 (Pins 28, 30) System reset switch connector Speaker Connector J3 (Pins 33, 35, Speaker should be connected to pins 33, 35, 37, and 39.
  • Page 33: Starting And Using The Alphapc64

    AlphaPC64. 3.1 Hardware Requirements Before turning on the power to your AlphaPC64, you must provide the following components in addition to those supplied with your board. The components listed here round out the complement of parts needed to run the Windows NT operating system on the AlphaPC64 motherboard.
  • Page 34: Software Requirements

    Refer to the Alpha Microprocessors Evaluation Board Windows NT 3.51 Installation Guide provided in the AlphaPC64 Windows NT 3.51 Installation Kit and the Hardware Compatibility List for Windows NT to determine which SCSI controllers and graphics cards are supported.
  • Page 35 • 1/4-in hex bit • 3/8-in socket with 1/4-in hex drive • #2 Phillips screwdriver bit Note Install the heat sink only after the Alpha 21064A has been assembled to the board ZIF socket. Starting and Using the AlphaPC64 3–3...
  • Page 36: Fan/Heat Sink Assembly

    Qty 4 Guard, Fan Clip, Heat Sink/Chip/Fan Nut, Hex, 10-32, 2011-T3 Aluminum, 0.375 in Across Flats, Qty 2 Torque to 15 +/- 2 in-lb Heat Sink, with Fan Mounting Holes Thermal Pad Alpha 21064A LJ-04412.AI5 3–4 Starting and Using the AlphaPC64...
  • Page 37 Repeat for second nut. 6) If the sink/chip/fan clip is used, install it properly by positioning it over the assembly and hooking its ends around the ZIF socket retainers. Starting and Using the AlphaPC64 3–5...
  • Page 38 The enclosure you use should be able to accept a standard baby-AT-size motherboard. 7. Connect the power supply to the motherboard, as shown in Figure 3–2, with standard power to J29 and J31 and with 3.3-V dc power to J27 and J28. 3–6 Starting and Using the AlphaPC64...
  • Page 39: Alphapc64 Power Connectors

    +3.3 V +3.3 V +3.3 V Ground Ground Ground Alpha 21064A Voltage/Signal Ground Microprocessor Ground −5 V (+5 V) (+5 V) (+5 V) Voltage/Signal p_dcok (+5 V) +12 V −12 V Ground Ground MK−2306−33 Starting and Using the AlphaPC64 3–7...
  • Page 40 9. Connect the 3.5-in diskette drive. The 34-pin diskette drive cable goes from connector J24 on your AlphaPC64 to the diskette drive. The drive should be connected at the very end of the cable closest to the twist in the cable.
  • Page 41: Software Configuration

    The Windows NT ARC firmware is used to load and boot Windows NT. The AlphaPC64 system has been configured to start the Windows NT ARC firmware by default.
  • Page 42: Returning To Windows Nt Arc Firmware From The Debug Monitor

    3.4 Software Configuration 5. Turn off the power to the AlphaPC64, and then turn the power back B. Turn off the power to the AlphaPC64, remove the jumper from J3-25/26 (SP7 on the board), and then turn on the power to the AlphaPC64.
  • Page 43 B. If you used item B in Section 3.4.2 to enter the debug monitor, then use this procedure to return to Windows NT ARC firmware: 1. Turn off the power to the AlphaPC64 and install the jumper at J3-25/26 (see SP7 on the board).
  • Page 45: Functional Elements

    Functional Elements This chapter describes some of the functional elements of the AlphaPC64. Information, such as bus timing and protocol, found in other specifications, data sheets, and reference documentation is not duplicated. Appendix B provides a list of supporting documents and order numbers.
  • Page 46: Interrupt Control And Pci Arbitration

    4.1 PCI Interrupts and Arbitration Figure 4–1 Interrupt Control and PCI Arbitration sys_irq0 21071-DA System pci_isa_irq (0) Interrupt PLDs pci_inta<3:0> rtc_irq_l pci_intb<3:0> pci_intc<3:0> pci_intd<3:0> PCI Bus sio_int cpu_irq pci_req_s0_l <5,2:0> pci_gnt_s0_l Slot 0 pci_req_s1_l pci_gnt_s1_l Slot 1 irq_resetd_l PCI-to-ISA pci_req_s2_l Bridge pci_gnt_s2_l Slot 2...
  • Page 47: Cpu Interrupt Assignment

    4.1 PCI Interrupts and Arbitration The AlphaPC64 interrupt controller has 17 interrupts: four from each of the four PCI slots (16) and one from the SIO bridge. All PCI interrupts are combined in the PLD and drive a single output signal, pci_isa_irq.
  • Page 48 16-bit ISA IRQ14 IRQ15 16-bit ISA The AlphaPC64 timer interrupt is generated by the real-time clock by means of cpu_irq1, rather than by the timer within the SIO, which would route the interrupt through the ISA bus interrupts. 4–4 Functional Elements...
  • Page 49: Pci/Isa Arbitration

    4.1 PCI Interrupts and Arbitration Interrupt PLDs Function The MACH210 PLD acts as an 8-bit I/O slave on the ISA bus at addresses 804h, 805h, and 806h. This is accomplished by a decode of the three ISA address bits sa<2:0> and the three ecas_addr<2:0> bits. Each interrupt can be individually masked by setting the appropriate bit in the mask register.
  • Page 50: Isa Devices

    4.2 ISA Devices 4.2 ISA Devices Figure 4–3 shows the AlphaPC64 ISA bus implementation with peripheral devices and connectors. Also shown is the utility bus (Ubus) with system support devices. Figure 4–3 ISA Devices PCI Bus la<23:17> sd<15:0> sd<7:0> ubus<7:0>...
  • Page 51: Dc Power Distribution

    4.3 dc Power Distribution 4.3 dc Power Distribution The AlphaPC64 derives its system power from a user-supplied, industry- standard PC power supply. The power supply must provide +12 V dc, –12 V dc, –5 V dc, Vdd (+5 V dc), and +3.3 V dc. The dc power is supplied through power connectors J27, J28, J29, and J31 (see Figure 4–4).
  • Page 52: Dc Power Distribution

    4.3 dc Power Distribution Figure 4–4 dc Power Distribution p_dcok +12 V dc -12 V dc Devices Slots Slots Clocks -5 V dc 3 V dc Logic 3 V dc 21064A Ground Ground 3 V dc LJ04143A.AI5 4–8 Functional Elements...
  • Page 53: Flash Rom (System Rom)

    4.4 Flash ROM (System ROM) The flash ROM, sometimes called the system ROM, is a 1MB, nonvolatile, writable ROM. After the SROM code initializes the AlphaPC64 system, flash ROM code prepares the system for booting. The flash ROM headers, structure, and access methods are described here.
  • Page 54: Special Header Entry Descriptions

    4.4 Flash ROM (System ROM) Table 4–2 Special Header Entry Descriptions Entry Description Validation and inverse This quadword contains a special signature pattern used to validation pattern validate that the special ROM header has been located. The pattern is 5A5AC3C3A5A53C3C. Header size (bytes) This longword contains the size of the header block, which varies among versions of the header specification.
  • Page 55 4.4 Flash ROM (System ROM) Table 4–2 (Cont.) Special Header Entry Descriptions Entry Description Header revision The revision of the header specifications used in this header. This is necessary to provide for changes to the header specification. Version 0 headers are identified by the size of the header (32 bytes).
  • Page 56: Flash Rom Structure

    The flash ROM contains only one of these images. Not applicable. If an image is specified and is not found, the AlphaPC64 loads the first image in the flash ROM with a valid header. If no valid header is found, the entire 1MB flash image is loaded at address 0000 0000.
  • Page 57 "2" "OpenVMS" "VMS" "3" "Digital UNIX" "UNIX" O/S type selected: "Alpha Evaluation Board Debug Monitor" ..Firmware type: "DBM Firmware" AlphaPC64> bootopt nt O/S type selected: "The Windows NT Operating System" ..Firmware type: "Windows NT Firmware" AlphaPC64> bootopt Predefined bootoptions are...
  • Page 58: Flash Rom Access

    The address range for the higher bank is 3 FFF8 0000 to 3 FFFF FFFF, the same as for the lower bank. Access is now to the higher bank and will continue until the AlphaPC64 is reset or a 0 is written to the register at address 800. Note The update-enable jumper must be installed from pin J16-2 to pin J16-3 to enable writing to the flash ROM.
  • Page 59: Board Requirements And Parameters

    5.1 Power Requirements The AlphaPC64 derives its main dc power from a user-supplied, industry- standard PC power supply. The board has a total power dissipation of 96.2 W, excluding PCI and ISA devices. Table 5–1 lists the power requirements of each dc supply voltage.
  • Page 60: Environmental Characteristics

    Storage temperature range of –55°C to 125°C (–67°F to 257°F) 5.3 Physical Board Parameters The AlphaPC64 board consists of a 6-layer printed-wiring board. The board is populated with integrated circuit packages together with supporting active and passive components. The AlphaPC64 is a baby-AT-size board with the following dimensions: •...
  • Page 61: Board Component Layout

    5.3 Physical Board Parameters Figure 5–1 Board Component Layout Scale = 90% LJ-04460.AI5 Board Requirements and Parameters 5–3...
  • Page 62: Board Component Descriptions

    5.3 Physical Board Parameters Table 5–2 Board Component Descriptions Number Device Component Description Alpha 21064A–275 microprocessor—431 PGA, 275 MHz DECchip 21071–BA0, 208-pin PQFP, ASIC DECchip 21071–BA1, 208-pin PQFP, ASIC DECchip 21071–BA2, 208-pin PQFP, ASIC DECchip 21071–BA3, 208-pin PQFP, ASIC DECchip 21071–DA, 208-pin PQFP, ASIC DECchip 21071–CA, 208-pin PQFP, ASIC 8, 9 U25, 17...
  • Page 63 5.3 Physical Board Parameters Table 5–2 (Cont.) Board Component Descriptions Number Device Component Description 32, 33 U22, U23 74F08 AND gate PALCE22V10H–25JC, 28-pin PLCC, 25 ns 74ACT244 S82378ZB—208-pin PQFP, PCI-to-ISA bridge chip 24-MHz crystal oscillator PC87312VF combination diskette controller chip— 100-pin PQFP 39, 41, 43 U48, U50, U52...
  • Page 65: A Supporting Vendor Products

    In doing so, Digital does not warrant these components or guarantee that they will function in all configurations. A.1 Products Included The following products are included in the AlphaPC64 motherboard kit. • Alpha microprocessor clock solution. Components available from:...
  • Page 66: Products Not Included

    Motorola PN, MCM92AA128SG12 Micron PN, MBDLS12896G-12 Included in 21A02-A5. Included in 21A02-A4. A.2 Products Not Included The following products are not included in the AlphaPC64 motherboard kit. • DRAM system memory—70 ns DRAM SIMMs (5 V, 72 pin) 36, 2M 36, 4M...
  • Page 67: Technical Support

    United States and Canada 1–800–332–2717 Outside North America +1–508–628–4760 B.2 Ordering Digital Semiconductor Products To order the AlphaPC64 evaluation board and related products, contact your local distributor. You can order the following semiconductor products from Digital: Product Order Number Alpha 21064A–200 Microprocessor 21064–AB...
  • Page 68: Ordering Digital Semiconductor Products

    B.2 Ordering Digital Semiconductor Products Product Order Number 2MB, 12-ns L2 Cache SIMM for AlphaPC64 21A02–M2 Heat Sink Assembly 2106H–AA Alpha 21064 Evaluation Board Design Package 21A01–13 B.3 Ordering Associated Literature The following table lists some of the available Digital Semiconductor literature.
  • Page 69 B.3 Ordering Associated Literature Title Order Number Associated DECchip Documentation DECchip 21071 and DECchip 21072 Core Logic Chipsets EC–QH0QA–TE Product Brief DECchip 21071 and DECchip 21072 Core Logic Chipsets Data EC–QAEMA–TE Sheet Designing a Memory/Cache Subsystem for the DECchip 21064 EC–N0301-72 Microprocessor: An Application Note Designing a System with the DECchip 21064 Microprocessor:...
  • Page 70: Ordering Third-Party Documentation

    B.4 Ordering Third-Party Documentation B.4 Ordering Third-Party Documentation You can order the following documentation directly from the vendor: Documentation Order Number 82420/82430 PCIset ISA and EISA Bridges Intel No 290483 (includes 82378ZB SIO) PC87311/PC87312 (Super I/O™ II/III) Floppy National Semiconductor No 11362 Disk Controller with Dual UARTs, Parallel Port, and IDE Interface UPI-41AH/42AH Universal Peripheral Interface...
  • Page 71: C Warranty Registration Information

    Warranty Registration Information To register your AlphaPC64 motherboard and be notified of changes and updates, as well as new kits and products available from Digital Equipment Corporation, please complete the registration card included in the kit, or send the following information to the address listed below:...
  • Page 73 Index Alpha documentation, B–2 Cache Arbitration See L2 cache PCI, 4–1 Chipset support, 1–4 scheme, 4–5 Clock subsystem overview, 1–5 Associated literature, B–2 COM1 connector, 2–10 COM2 connector, 2–10 Components, 1–1 Configuration, 2–1 Backup cache hardware, 3–2 See L2 cache software, 3–9 Bank selection Connectors, 2–7 to 2–13...
  • Page 74 Flash ROM (cont’d) CPU clock divisor jumpers, 2–7 header content, 4–9, 4–10 CPU fan connector, 2–12 higher bank image selection, 4–12 jumper, 2–6 MAKEROM tool, 4–9 special headers, 4–9 dc power distribution, 4–7 structure, 4–12 See also Power requirements TOY RAM location 3F, 4–12 Debugging update-enable jumper, 4–14 native, 1–6...
  • Page 75 Jumpers Operating Systems BC_SIZE<2:0>, 2–5 See OS BC_SPEED<2:0>, 2–4 Ordering products, B–1 BOOT_OPTION, 2–4 configuration, 2–1 to 2–7 software support, 1–6 CPU clock divisor, 2–7 flash ROM, 2–6 L2 cache address, 2–6 MINI_DEBUG, 2–4 PAL control set, 1–4 sp_bit6, 2–4 Parallel interface, 1–5 sp_bit7, 2–4 Parallel port connector, 2–10...
  • Page 76 System components, 1–1 System features, 1–1 System I/O chip Saturn IO chip See SIO chip See SIO chip System interrupts, 4–1 Serial interface, 1–5 System reset connector, 2–13 Serial ROM System ROM See SROM, code; SROM, test connector See Flash ROM SIMM System software support, 1–6 bank layouts, 1–1...

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