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Preface Overview This manual describes the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard, a board for computing sys- tems based on the Alpha 21164PC microprocessor and the 21174 core logic chip. Audience This manual is intended for system designers and others who use the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard to design or evaluate computer systems based on the Alpha 21164PC microprocessor and the 21174 core logic chip.
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Chapter 1, Introduction, is an overview of the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard, • including its components, features, and uses. Chapter 2, System Configuration and Connectors, describes the user-environ- • ment configuration, board connectors and functions, and switch functions. It also identifies switch settings and connector locations.
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Binary Multiples • The abbreviations K, M, and G (kilo, mega, and giga) represent binary multiples and have the following values. (1024) (1,048,576) (1,073,741,824) For example: = 2 kilobytes bytes = 4 megabytes = 4 bytes = 8 gigabytes bytes Addresses Unless otherwise noted, all addresses and offsets are hexadecimal.
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Term Words Bytes Bits Other Quadword 2 Longwords Octaword 2 Quadwords Hexword 2 Octawords Note Notes emphasize particularly important information. Numbering All numbers are decimal or hexadecimal unless otherwise indicated. The prefix 0x indicates a hexadecimal number. For example, 19 is decimal, but 0x19 and 0x19A are hexadecimal (also see Addresses).
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Signal Names All signal names are printed in boldface type. Signal names that originate in an industry-standard specification, such as PCI or IDE, are printed in the case as found in the specification (usually uppercase). Active-high signals are indicated by the _h suffix.
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– An occurrence specified as UNPREDICTABLE may or may not hap- pen based on an arbitrary choice function. The choice function is subject to the same constraints as are UNPREDICTABLE results and must not constitute a security hole. Specifically, UNPREDICTABLE results must not depend upon, or be a function of, the contents of memory locations or registers that are inaccessible to the current process in the current access mode.
The board also provides a platform for PCI I/O device hardware and software devel- opment. 1.1 System Components and Features The AlphaPC 164SX is implemented in industry-standard parts and uses an Alpha 21164PC microprocessor running at 400 or 533 MHz. Figure 1–1 shows the board’s functional components.
System Components and Features Figure 1–1 AlphaPC 164SX Functional Block Diagram Index Control Alpha 21164PC Microprocessor 1MB, L2 Bcache Bcache Tag 128-Bit Data Data Quick Switches 168-Pin Flash ROM Unbuffered Control SDRAM DIMM Sockets (× 4) Address DECchip 21174-CA Commands...
128-bit arrays. Each DIMM can be 72 bits or 64 bits wide, with 100 MHz or faster Note: speed. Table 1–1 AlphaPC 164SX SDRAM Memory Configurations (Sheet 1 of 2) Bank 1 Bank 0 Total Memory ×...
Bcache. 1.1.4 PCI Interface Overview The AlphaPC 164SX PCI interface, with a 33-MHz data transfer rate, is the main I/O bus for the majority of functions (SCSI interface, graphics accelerator, and so on). PCI-EIDE support is provided by an onboard controller chip (Cypress CY82C693U-NC), which also provides a PCI-to-ISA bridge, a mouse and keyboard controller, and a time-of-year (TOY) clock.
Windows NT operating system. The AlphaBIOS firmware resides in the flash ROM on the 21A05-A0 variation of the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard. Binary images of the AlphaBIOS firmware are included in the motherboard Software Developer’s Kit (SDK), along with a license describing the terms for use and distribution.
1.2.2 Alpha SRM Console Firmware The Alpha SRM Console firmware is required to install and boot DIGITAL UNIX on the AlphaPC 164SX. This Alpha firmware comes factory installed in the 21A05- A1 variation of the AlphaPC 164SX. When installed, this firmware occupies the flash blocks reserved for the primary firmware.
This chapter describes the AlphaPC 164SX configuration, board connectors and functions, and switch functions. It also identifies switch and connector locations. The AlphaPC 164SX uses switches to implement configuration parameters such as system speed and boot parameters. These switches must be configured for the user’s environment.
AlphaPC 164SX Configuration Switches 2.1 AlphaPC 164SX Configuration Switches The AlphaPC 164SX motherboard has a switchpack located at SW1, as shown previ- ously in Figure 2–1. The switches set the hardware configuration and boot options. Figure 2–2 shows the switch functions.
2.3 Bcache Size Switches (CF0 and CF1) The Bcache size switches are located at SW1 (CF0 and CF1), as shown in Figure 2–2. The AlphaPC 164SX is configured with 1MB of Bcache during production; the other combinations shown in Figure 2–2 (.5MB and 2MB) are for other implementations.
Debugger after all initialization is complete, but before starting the execution of the system flash ROM code. 2.7 AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts This section lists the pinouts of all AlphaPC 164SX connectors. See Figure 2–1 for connector locations. 2.7.1 PCI Bus Connector Pinouts Table 2–2 shows the PCI bus connector pinouts.
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AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts Table 2–2 PCI Bus Connector Pinouts (Sheet 2 of 2) Signal Signal Signal Signal REQ# AD[31] AD[29] AD[27] AD[25] C/BE#[3] AD[23] AD[21] AD[19] AD[17] C/BE#[2] IRDY# DEVSEL# LOCK# PERR# SERR# C/BE#[1] AD[14] AD[12] AD[10] Not used...
AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 2.7.2 ISA Expansion Bus Connector Pinouts Table 2–3 shows the ISA expansion bus connector pinouts. Table 2–3 ISA Expansion Bus Connector Pinouts (J22, J23) Signal Signal Signal Signal IOCHCK# RSTDRV IRQ9 –5V DRQ2 –12V ZEROWS# +12V...
Pins 1 through 84 are on the front side and pins 85 through 168 are on the back side. The AlphaPC 164SX uses BA1 as both BA1 and ADDR12. Therefore, four-bank DIMMs using ADDR[11:0] are the maximum size. (Two-bank DIMMs can use ADDR[12:0].) Pull-down.
AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 2.7.5 Diskette (Floppy) Drive Bus Connector Pinouts Table 2–6 shows the diskette (floppy) drive bus connector pinouts. Table 2–6 Diskette (Floppy) Drive Bus Connector Pinouts (J11) Signal Signal Signal Signal DEN0 DEN1 INDEX MTR0 MTR1 STEP...
AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 2.7.7 COM1/COM2 Serial Line Connector Pinouts Table 2–8 shows the COM1/COM2 serial line connector pinouts. Table 2–8 COM1/COM2 Serial Line Connector Pinouts (J3) COM1 Pin COM2 Pin (Top) COM1 Signal (Bottom) COM2 Signal DCD1 DCD2 RxD1...
AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 2.7.9 SROM Test Data Input Connector Pinouts Table 2–10 shows the SROM test data input connector pinouts. Table 2–10 SROM Test Data Input Connector Pinouts (J21) Signal Description — SROM_CLK_L Clock out — — TEST_SROM_D_L SROM serial data in —...
AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 2.7.12 Microprocessor Fan Power Connector Pinouts Table 2–13 shows the microprocessor fan power connector pinouts. Table 2–13 Microprocessor Fan Power Connector Pinouts (J14) Signal Description +12 V dc — FAN_CONN_L Fan connected — 2.7.13 Soft Power Connector Pinouts Table 2–14 shows the soft power connector pinouts.
AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts Table 2–15 Multipurpose Connector Pinouts (J20) (Sheet 2 of 2) Signal Description — No connection POWER_LED_L Pull-up to Vdd 10, 12, 14, 16 Gnd — SPKR Speaker output — 11, 13 — No connection The halt button is not used with the Windows NT operating system.
3.1 Power Requirements The AlphaPC 164SX derives its main dc power from a user-supplied power supply. The board has a total power dissipation of 90 W, excluding any plug-in PCI and ISA devices. An onboard +5-V to +2.5-V dc-to-dc converter is designed to handle 24 A of current.
3.2 Environmental Requirements The 21164PC microprocessor is cooled by a small fan blowing directly into the chip’s heat sink. The AlphaPC 164SX motherboard is designed to run efficiently by using only this fan. Additional fans may be necessary depending upon cabinetry and the requirements of plug-in cards.
Functional Description This chapter describes the functional operation of the AlphaPC 164SX. The descrip- tion introduces the 21174 core logic chip and describes its implementation with the 21164PC microprocessor, its supporting memory, and I/O devices. Figure 1–1 shows the AlphaPC 164SX major functional components.
4.1 AlphaPC 164SX Bcache Interface The 21164PC microprocessor controls the board-level L2 backup cache (Bcache) array (see Figure 4–1). The data bus (data_h[127:0]) signals are shared with the sys- tem interface. Figure 4–1 AlphaPC 164SX L2 Bcache Array index_h[21:4] 21164PC Bcache...
128-bit memory interface and a PCI I/O interface, and includes the 21174-CA chip packaged in a 474-pin plastic ball grid array (PBGA). Figure 4–2 shows the AlphaPC 164SX implementation of the 21174 core logic chip. Figure 4–2 Main Memory Interface...
168-pin unbuffered 72-bit or 64-bit SDRAM DIMM modules. Even parity is generated on the PCI bus. The AlphaPC 164SX supports a maximum of 512MB of main memory. The memory is organized as two banks. Table 1–1 lists total memory options along with the corre- sponding DIMM sizes required.
21174 Core Logic Chip 4.2.3 PCI Devices The AlphaPC 164SX uses the PCI bus as the main I/O bus for the majority of periph- eral functions. As Figure 4–3 shows, the board implements the ISA bus as an expan- sion bus for system support functions and for relatively slow peripheral devices.
Peripheral Controller with USB Data Sheet for additional information. 4.2.5 PCI Expansion Slots Four dedicated PCI expansion slots are provided on the AlphaPC 164SX. This allows the system user to add additional 32-bit or 64-bit PCI options. While both the 32-bit and the 64-bit slots use the standard 5-V PCI connector and pinout, +3.3 V is...
ISA Bus Devices 4.3.1 Combination Controller Chip The AlphaPC 164SX uses the Standard Microsystems Corporation FDC37C669 combination controller chip (see Figure 4–4). It is packaged in a 100-pin QFP con- figuration. The chip provides the following ISA peripheral functions: •...
4.3.2 ISA Expansion Slots Two ISA expansion slots are provided for plug-in ISA peripherals (J22 and J23). 4.3.3 ISA I/O Address Map Table 4–1 lists the AlphaPC 164SX ISA I/O space address mapping. Table 4–1 ISA I/O Address Map (Sheet 1 of 2)
Reserved 21174 CLK_INT ERROR INT The interrupt mask register provides individual mask bits for each interrupt. Table 4–2 lists the AlphaPC 164SX system interrupts, and Table 4–3 lists the ISA interrupts. Table 4–2 AlphaPC 164SX System Interrupts 21164PC Interrupt IPL...
4.5 System Clocks Figure 4–6 shows the AlphaPC 164SX clock generation and distribution scheme. The AlphaPC 164SX system includes input clocks to the microprocessor as well as clock distribution for the various system memory and I/O devices. There are other miscellaneous clocks for ISA bus support.
Reset and Initialization The 21164PC microprocessor produces the divided clock output signal sys_clk_out1 that drives the CY2308 PLL clock-driver chip. This clock provides the references to synchronize the 21164PC microprocessor and the 21174 chip. The 21174 provides the system memory and I/O (PCI) clock references. It also provides system-level clocking to DIMMs, PCI slots, the PCI-ISA bridge, the PCI ID controller, and the PCI arbiter.
DC Power Distribution 4.7 DC Power Distribution The AlphaPC 164SX derives its system power from a user-supplied PC power sup- ply. The power supply must provide +12 V dc and 12 V dc, 5 V dc, +3 V dc, and +5 V dc (Vdd).
Serial ROM and Debug Port Support 4.8 Serial ROM and Debug Port Support Though it is not needed for normal operation, there is logic support for the use of a serial ROM and debug port. If an SROM is populated, the 21164PC loads its boot code from the SROM instead of from flash ROM.
Alpha OEM World Wide Web Internet site. See Appendix A for the URL. For a list of vendors who supply components and accessories for the AlphaPC 164SX, see Appendix A. Refer to Figure 2–1 for DIMM connector locations. Note: 1Mb ×...
64-bit-wide DIMMs can also be used. 5.2 Upgrading SDRAM Memory You can upgrade memory in the AlphaPC 164SX by adding more DIMMs or replacing the ones you have with a greater size. Refer to Figure 2–1 for DIMM connector locations.
A TS30 manual nut/torque driver (or equivalent) with the following attachments is required to affix the heat sink and fan to the microprocessor’s IPGA package: • 1/4-inch hex bit • 3/8-inch socket with 1/4-inch hex drive • #2 Phillips-head screwdriver bit Upgrading the AlphaPC 164SX 5–3...
6. Install the heat sink and heat-sink fan as directed in the following steps. A heat- sink/fan kit is available from the vendor listed in Appendix A. Refer to Figure 5–1 for heat-sink and fan assembly details. Upgrading the AlphaPC 164SX 5–4...
2. Wearing clean gloves, pick up the GRAFOIL pad. Do not perform this with bare hands because skin oils can be transferred to the pad. 3. Place the GRAFOIL pad on the gold-plated slug surface and align it with the threaded studs. Upgrading the AlphaPC 164SX 5–5...
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3. Plug the fan power/sensor cable into connector J14. When installing the microprocessor, you must change the frequency of Note: its clock output by setting the system clock divisor switches, as described in Section 2.2. Upgrading the AlphaPC 164SX 5–6...
Support, Products, and Documentation A.1 Customer Support The Alpha OEM website provides the following information for customer support. Description http://www.digital.com/alphaoem Contains the following links: • Developers’ Area: Development tools, code examples, driver developers’ information, and technical white papers • Motherboard Products: Motherboard details and performance information •...
Fax: 603-642-5819 PN 70-33148-01 A.2.3 Power Supply An ATX form-factor power supply, suitable for use with the AlphaPC 164SX (+3.3 V, +5 V, –5 V, +12 V, –12 V), is available from: Quantum Power Labs, Inc. 1410 Gail Borden Place C-4...
2859 Bayview Drive Fremont, CA 94538 Phone: 510-770-1200, ext. 313 PN PP-253V (250 W) A.2.4 Enclosure An enclosure, suitable for housing the AlphaPC 164SX and its power supply, is available from: Delta Axxion Technology 1550 Northwestern El Paso, TX 79912...
Design kits include full documentation and schematics. They do not include related hardware. Design Kits Order Number AlphaPC 164SX Motherboard Software Developer’s Kit QR-21A04-12 (SDK) and Firmware Update A.4 Alpha Documentation The following table lists some of the available Alpha documentation. You can down- load Alpha documentation from the Alpha OEM World Wide Web Internet site: http://www.digital.com/alphaoem...
Third–Party Documentation A.5 Third–Party Documentation You can order the following third-party documentation directly from the vendor. Title Vendor PCI Local Bus Specification, Revision 2.1 PCI Special Interest Group PCI Multimedia Design Guide, Revision 1.0 U.S. 1–800–433–5177 PCI System Design Guide International 1–503–797–4207 PCI-to-PCI Bridge Architecture Specification, 1–503–234–6762...
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Index Numerics Components and features, 1-1 Connectors, 2-3 21164 microprocessor. See Microprocessor. pinouts, 2-6 to 2-14 21174 Core logic chip. See Core logic chip. Conventions numbering, xii 37C669. See Combination controller. Core logic chip, ?? to 4-4 CPU. See Microprocessor. Current Abbreviations, x dc ampere requirements, 3-1...
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Power supply dc ampere requirements, 3-1 wattage requirements, 3-1 UARTs, 4-7 Processor. See Microprocessor. UNDEFINED PTE, 4-4 definition, xiii UNIX. See DIGITAL UNIX. UNPREDICTABLE definition, xiii Ranges and extents, xii Upgrading RAS, 4-4 microprocessor, 5-3 Reset, 4-14 definition, x Windows NT AlphaBIOS firmware, 1-5 definition, x SDK support, 1-6...
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