Summary of Contents for Digital Equipment AlphaPC 164SX
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AlphaPC 164SX Motherboard DIGITAL UNIX User’s Manual Order Number: EC–R8P7A–TE This is a new document. Revision/Update Information:...
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AlphaPC, DECnet, DIGITAL, DIGITAL Semiconductor, DIGITAL UNIX, OpenVMS, ThinWire, and the DIGITAL logo are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. DIGITAL Semiconductor is a Digital Equipment Corporation business. Cypress and hyperCache are trademarks of Cypress Semiconductor Corporation. GRAFOIL is a registered trademark of Union Carbide Corporation.
DIGITAL Semiconductor 21174 core logic chip. It describes the motherboard’s features and how to set its configuration switches. This manual helps users to install and populate the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard with memory boards and peripheral cards. 1.1 Manual Conventions and Terminology The following conventions are used in this manual.
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Manual Conventions and Terminology Italic Type: Italic type emphasizes important information and indicates complete titles of documents. Terms: The following terms are used in this manual: This term... Refers to... Alpha SRM console The Alpha SRM Console firmware DIGITAL UNIX installation guide The DIGITAL UNIX Installation Guide DIGITAL UNIX The DIGITAL UNIX operating system About This Manual...
Features Table 2–1 provides an overview of the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard’s features. Table 2–1 AlphaPC 164SX Features Feature Description Microprocessor DIGITAL Semiconductor Alpha 21164PC microprocessor (64-bit RISC) Core logic chip DIGITAL Semiconductor 21174 core logic chip, comprising a single control chip that provides an interface to system memory...
Power Requirements 2.1 Power Requirements The AlphaPC 164SX motherboard has a total power dissipation of 90 W, excluding any plug-in PCI and ISA devices. Table 2–3 lists the power requirement for each dc supply voltage. The power supply must be ATX-compliant.
± Rate of (dry bulb) temperature change 11°C/hour 2°C/hour (20°F/hour 4°F/hour) 2.3 Physical Parameters The AlphaPC 164SX motherboard is an ATX-size printed-wiring board (PWB) with the following dimensions: • Length: 30.48 cm (12.0 in ±0.0005 in) • Width: 24.38 cm (9.6 in ±0.0005 in) •...
AlphaPC 164SX Switch Configuration The AlphaPC 164SX motherboard has a switchpack located at SW1, as shown previously in Figure 2–1. These switches set the hardware configuration. Figure 3–1 shows these switch configurations. 3.1 Mini-Debugger (CF3) The Alpha SROM Mini-Debugger is stored in the flash ROM and is enabled/ disabled by switch CF3.
AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts This chapter lists the pinouts of the AlphaPC 164SX connectors (see Table 4–1 through Table 4–14). See Figure 2–1 for connector locations. 4.1 PCI Bus Connector Pinouts Table 4–1 shows the PCI bus connector pinouts. Table 4–1 PCI Bus Connector Pinouts...
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].
— 4.6 Parallel Bus Connector Pinouts Table 4–6 shows the parallel bus connector pinouts. Table 4–6 Parallel Bus Connector Pinouts (J13) Signal Signal Signal Signal BUSY SLCT INIT SLIN — — — — — — AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 4–6...
+5 V dc This pinout is ATX-compliant. 4.11 Enclosure Fan Power Connector Pinouts Table 4–11 shows the enclosure fan power connector pinouts. Table 4–11 Enclosure Fan (+12 V dc) Power Connector Pinouts (J16) Voltage +12 V dc AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 4–8...
Buttons for reset and halt Table 4–14 shows the multipurpose connector pinouts, and Figure 4–1 shows the connector layout. Table 4–14 Multipurpose Connector Pinouts (J20) (Sheet 1 of 2) Signal Description — HALT_BUTTON Halt system — RESET_BUTTON Reset system AlphaPC 164SX Connector Pinouts 4–9...
DIGITAL Semiconductor World Wide Web Internet site. See Appendix B 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.
Increasing Microprocessor Speed 5.3 Increasing Microprocessor Speed This section describes how to complete the following actions to increase microprocessor speed: • Replace the DIGITAL Semiconductor 21164PC microprocessor with an Alpha chip that has a higher speed rating. • Reconfigure the clock divisor switches. 5.3.1 Preparatory Information Static-Sensitive Component –...
Increasing Microprocessor Speed 5.3.3 Removing the 21164PC Microprocessor Remove the microprocessor currently in place at location U31 by performing the following steps: 1. Unplug the fan power/sensor cable from connector J14 (see Figure 2–1). 2. Remove the four 6–32 × 0.625-inch screws that secure the fan to the heat sink. 3.
Increasing Microprocessor Speed Figure 5–1 Fan/Heat-Sink Assembly Screw, 6–32 × 0.625 in Qty 4 ± Torque to 3 1 in-lb Clip, Heat-Sink/Chip/Fan Nut, Hex, Aluminum Flats, Qty 2 ± Torque to15 2 in-lb Heat Sink, with Fan Mounting Holes Thermal Pad Airflow Alpha 21164PC a.
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Increasing Microprocessor Speed b. Attach the microprocessor heat sink. The heat-sink material is clear anodized, hot-water-sealed, 6061-T6 aluminum. The nut material is 2011-T3 aluminum (this grade is critical). Perform the following steps to attach the heat sink: 1. Observe antistatic precautions. 2.
This section lists the system and I/O interrupt assignments. It also lists the physical AlphaPC 164SX I/O space assignments. 6.1 Interrupts Table 6–1 lists each AlphaPC 164SX ISA interrupt and its source. Table 6–1 ISA Interrupts (Sheet 1 of 2)
EIDE IRQ15 EIDE The # symbol indicates an active low signal. 6.2 ISA I/O Address Map Table 6–2 lists the AlphaPC 164SX ISA I/O space address mapping. Table 6–2 ISA I/O Address Map Range (hex) Usage 000-00F 8237 DMA #1...
The Alpha SRM Console firmware initializes the system and enables you to install and boot the DIGITAL UNIX operating system. This firmware resides in the flash ROM on the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard. 7.1 Alpha SRM Console Firmware Conventions The following conventions are used in this section:...
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Alpha SRM Console Firmware Conventions The following table lists Alpha SRM Console special keys and their functions. These special keys, also referred to as shortcut keys, provide command recall, line editing, and basic input/output control flow. Shortcut Key Function Terminate the command line input. Enter Delete one character to the left of the cursor.
Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions 7.2 Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions This section describes the following basic Alpha SRM Console commands that are necessary to boot the DIGITAL UNIX operating system: • • boot • deposit • examine •...
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Loads and runs the AlphaBIOS firmware update utility from a diskette. Syntax Arguments None Options None Description None Examples Either of the following commands load and run the AlphaBIOS firmware update utility from a diskette: >>>arc >>>nt Alpha SRM Console Firmware...
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions boot Initializes the processor, loads a program image from the specified boot device, and transfers control to the loaded image. Syntax boot [-file <filename>] [-flags <longword>[,<longword>]] [-protocols <enet_protocol>] [-halt] [<boot_device>] Arguments <boot_device> A device path or list of devices from which the firmware will attempt to boot.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Description The boot command initializes the processor, loads a program image from the specified boot device, and transfers control to that image. If you do not specify a boot device in the command line, the default boot device is used.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Examples boot Command Example Description Boots the system from the default boot device. >>>boot Boots the system from Ethernet port ewa0. >>>boot ewa0 Boots the file named dec2.sys from Ethernet >>>boot -file dec2.sys ewa0 port ewa0.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions deposit Writes data to the specified address. Syntax deposit [-{b,w,l,q,o,h}] [{physical, virtual, gpr, fpr, ipr}] [-n <count>] [-s <step>] [<device>:]<address> <data> Arguments <device>: The optional device name (or address space) selects the device to access.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Symbolic Address Description The location immediately preceding the last location referenced by examine or deposit. The location last referenced by examine or deposit. The location addressed by the last location referenced by examine or deposit.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Description The deposit command writes data to the specified address, such as a memory location, register, device, or file. The defaults for address space, data size, and address are the last specified values. After initialization, the default for address space is physical memory;...
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions examine Displays the contents of the specified address. Syntax examine [-{b,w,l,q,o,h,d}] [-{physical, virtual, gpr, fpr, ipr}] [-n <count>] [-s <step>] [<device>:]<address> Arguments <device>: The optional device name (or address space) selects the device to access.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions examine Command Option Description References internal processor register address space. -ipr Specifies the number of consecutive locations to -n <count> examine. Specifies the address increment as a hexadecimal value. -s <step> This option allows you to override the increment that is normally derived from the data size.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Examples examine Command Example Display Description Examines the >>>e r0 gpr: 0 (R0) 0000000000000002 contents of R0, using a symbolic address. Examines the >>>e -g 0 gpr: 0 (R0) 0000000000000002 contents of R0, using address space.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions fwupdate Loads and runs the AlphaBIOS firmware update utility from a diskette. Syntax fwupdate Arguments None Options None Description The fwupdate command script is used to load and run the AlphaBIOS firmware update utility from a diskette. The file fwupdate.exe is extracted from a diskette with a FAT file structure.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Sets or modifies the value of an environment variable. Syntax set <envar> <value> [-default] [-integer] [-string] Arguments <envar> The environment variable to be assigned a new value. <value> The value that is assigned to the environment variable. It can be either a numeric value or an ASCII string.
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions Examples set Command Example Description Modifies the default boot device to ewa0. >>>set bootdef_dev ewa0 Attempts to boot the operating system following an >>>set auto_action boot error, halt, or power-up. Modifies the default boot flags to 0,1. >>>set boot_osflags 0,1 Creates an environment variable called foobar and >>>set foobar 5...
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Basic Alpha SRM Console Command Descriptions show Displays the current value of the specified environment variable or information about the system. Syntax show [{config, device [device_name], iobq, hwrpb, map, memory, pal, version, <envar>...}] Arguments show Command Argument Description Displays the current memory configuration, PCI logical config slots, and ISA logical slots.
Environment Variables for Alpha SRM Console Commands Examples show Command Example Description Lists device information, such as >>>show device dka0.0.0.6.0 DKA0 RZ26L 441A system designation, drive model, dka400.4.0.6.0 DKA400 RRD43 3213 or Ethernet address. dva0.0.0.0.1 DVA0 ewa0.0.0.12.0 EWA0 08-00-2B-E2-1C-25 pka0.7.0.6.0 PKA0 SCSI Bus ID 7 Lists system random-access...
Environment Variables for Alpha SRM Console Commands 7.3.1.1 Architecture-Required Environment Variables The following table shows common Alpha SRM Console architecture-required environment variables and their descriptions. For a complete list, enter show * at the Alpha SRM Console prompt. Architecture-Required Environment Variable Description When used with the set or show command, this...
Environment Variables for Alpha SRM Console Commands 7.3.1.2 System-Defined Environment Variables The following table shows common Alpha SRM Console system-defined environment variables and their descriptions. For a complete list, enter show * at the Alpha SRM Console prompt. System-Defined Environment Variable Description When used with the set command, this variable modifies console...
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Environment Variables for Alpha SRM Console Commands System-Defined Environment Variable Description The language environment variable assigns language n to language n the system (where n is the option number of a language listed in the menu that follows). Use the following procedure to select the language: 1.
Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM 7.4 Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM Use the AlphaBIOS firmware update utility to update the firmware in a flash ROM. 7.4.1 AlphaBIOS Conventions AlphaBIOS uses universally accepted keys and key combinations for navigating the interface and selecting items.
Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM 7.4.2 Starting the AlphaBIOS To start the AlphaBIOS, follow this procedure: 1. Insert the AlphaBIOS diskette into diskette drive A. 2. At the Alpha SRM Console prompt, enter the following command: >>>fwupdate Because the firmware update utility reinitializes some system compo- Note:...
Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM 7.4.3 Installing Alpha SRM Console Using AlphaBIOS Setup Program Figure 7–2 shows an example of the AlphaBIOS Setup screen. Select the AlphaBIOS Upgrade... option by using the arrow or Tab keys. Figure 7–2 AlphaBIOS Setup Screen Press Enter to begin installing the SRM Console firmware image.
Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM Figure 7–3 shows an example of the AlphaBIOS Upgrade Options screen. If more than one image is found, the new image's name is displayed. If the name of the new image is not SRM Console, use the down arrow key to cycle through the available field values until SRM Console is displayed.
Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM Figure 7–4 shows an example of the AlphaBIOS screen that warns you that you have selected to switch the operating system. Figure 7–4 AlphaBIOS Warning Screen Press Enter to continue the installation. Alpha SRM Console Firmware 7–26...
Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM A screen similar to Figure 7–5 is displayed. The version numbers shown on your screen may be different than those shown in Figure 7–5. Figure 7–5 AlphaBIOS Upgrade SRM Console Screen Press F10 to continue the installation.
Using the AlphaBIOS Firmware Update Utility to Update the Flash ROM Figure 7–6 shows an example of the AlphaBIOS Upgrade Complete screen. Figure 7–6 AlphaBIOS Upgrade Complete Screen To load the SRM Console, power-cycle the system. Alpha SRM Console Firmware 7–28...
DIGITAL UNIX Version 4.0D is the minimum revision required for the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard system. This section supplements the DIGITAL UNIX Installation Guide for installing the DIGITAL UNIX operating system on an AlphaPC 164SX motherboard system. If you already have a previous version of DIGITAL UNIX installed, see Note: the DIGITAL UNIX Installation Guide for information on how to upgrade to a new version of the operating system.
Troubleshooting This chapter contains information about troubleshooting hardware and software during AlphaPC 164SX startup. 8.1 Hardware Startup Use the following troubleshooting steps if video is not working on your system. If you still have no video after reviewing these steps, please call your system vendor.
Beep Codes 8.2 Beep Codes The beep codes provide error information about the AlphaPC 164SX system. Table 8–1 lists and describes the beep codes. Table 8–1 Beep Codes Beep Code Description 1–2–3 This sequence represents the fail-safe booter startup. No valid header found in ROM; loading entire ROM.
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Post Codes Table 8–2 Post Codes (Sheet 2 of 3) Post Code Source (hex) Description Jump to Mini-Debugger Fatal error. Second code identifies source of error: 05 = No memory found 06 = Checksum error detected when image was read back from memory Starting console Console...
1-2-3; that is, one beep and a pause, followed by two beeps and a pause, followed by three beeps. After the diskette activity light flashes, insert the AlphaPC 164SX SRM Console Firmware diskette. The fail-safe booter will load and run the AlphaBIOS firmware update utility from this diskette.
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Battery Recycle/Disposal Information NOTICE Recycle or dispose of batteries promptly in accordance with your organization’s environmental policies. If this is a LITHIUM battery, the following additional precautions may apply: • Replace batteries correctly to prevent possible explosion. • Replace batteries with the same or equivalent type. •...
Supporting Products This appendix lists sources for components and accessories that are not included with the AlphaPC 164SX. For the latest information, visit the Alpha website at URL: http://www.alpha.digital.com. Click on Motherboard Products. The hardware compatibility list (HCL) is also available at this location.
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Memory Viking Components attn: Carl Johnson, OEM Development Executive 30200 Avenida de la Banderas Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 Phone: 1-800-338-2361, ext. 316 Fax: 714-643-7250 PN VE2641U4SN3-DC01 (2Mb × 64) PN VE8641U4SN3-DC01 (8Mb × 64) PN VE16642U4SN3-DC01 (16Mb × 64) PN VE2721U4SN3-DC01 (2Mb ×...
River Road Fremont, NH 03044 Phone: 603-642-5040 Fax: 603-642-5819 PN 70-33148-01 A.3 Enclosure An enclosure, suitable for housing the AlphaPC 164SX and its power supply, is available from: Axxion Group Corporation 7801 Trade Center Avenue El Paso, TX 79912 Phone: 915-877-5288...
Power Supply A.4 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 El Paso, TX 79935...
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Butterworth-Heinemann (Digital Press) at 1-800-366-2665 Alpha Architecture Handbook See previous entry PN EC–QD2KB–TE DIGITAL Semiconductor Alpha 21164PC Digital Equipment Corporation Microprocessor Hardware Reference Manual DIGITAL Semiconductor PN EC–R2W0A–TE 77 Reed Road Hudson, MA 01749 USA Online, World Wide Web access at URL: http://www.digital.com/semiconductor...
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Title Vendor CY82C693U hyperCache/Stand-Alone PCI Cypress Semiconductor Corporation Peripheral Controller with USB Data Sheet 3901 North First Street San Jose, CA 95134 Phone: 1-800-858-1810 Super I/O Floppy Disk Controller with Infrared Standard Microsystems Corporation Support (FDC37C669) Data Sheet 80 Arkay Drive Hauppauge, NY 11788 Phone: 1-800-443-7364 Fax: 1-516-231-6004...
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