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User Manual AIMB-281 Intel® Core™ i7/i5/i3/Celeron LGA1155 Mini-ITX with CRT/DVI/ LVDS, 6 COM, Dual LAN, PCIe x4...
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No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Advantech Co., Ltd. All information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. However, Advantech Co., Ltd.
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Our dealers are well trained and ready to offer the support required to get the most from Advantech products. The majority of problems reported are minor and can be easily resolved over the phone.
Because of Advantech’s high quality-control standards and rigorous testing, most customers never need to use our repair service. If an Advantech product is defective, it will be repaired or replaced at no charge during the warranty period. For out-of-war- ranty repairs, customers are billed according to the cost of replacement materials, service time, and freight.
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The product should be free of marks and scratches and in perfect working order upon receipt. While unpacking, check the AIMB-281 device for signs of shipping damage (for example, damaged box, scratches, or dents). If the product is damaged or fails to meet the specifications, notify our service department or your local sales representative immediately.
3.1 GHz/Pentium G620 2.6 GHz/Celeron G460 1.8 GHz processors, L3 cache of up to 8 MB, and DDR3 1066/1333/1600 memory up to 16 GB. AIMB-281 also offers rich I/O connectivity with 6 serial ports, 8 USB 2.0, dual GbE LAN, and 3 SATA II ports.
MHz, +5V @1.38A, +3.3V @ 1.2A, +12V @ 7.25A, 5Vsb @ 0.15A, -12V @ 0.24A Measure the maximum current value with the system under maximum load (CPU: Top speed, RAM: Full loading) Board Size: 170 x 170 mm (6.69 x 6.69") Board Weight: 1.04 kg AIMB-281 User Manual...
Jumpers and Connectors The AIMB-281 motherboard is equipped with connectors for integrating additional devices, such as hard disk drives and a keyboard. The board also features several jumpers for configuring the system to each application. The function of every board jumper and connector is listed in the table below. Instruc- tions for setting jumpers are provided in subsequent sections of this chapter.
Some jumpers consist of three pins labeled 1, 2, and 3. In such cases, connect either Pins 1 and 2, or Pins 2 and 3. A pair of needle-nose pliers may be necessary for set- ting jumpers. AIMB-281 User Manual...
Hold down the <Del> key during the boot process and enter BIOS setup to re- enter data. Note! Except when clearing the RTC RAM, never remove the cap on the CLRTC jumper from its default position. Removing the cap will cause a system boot failure! Normal (Default) Clear CMOS AIMB-281 User Manual...
For system failures due to overclocking, use the C.P.R. (CPU Parameter Recall) feature. Shut down and reboot the system to allow the BIOS to automatically reset the parameter settings to their default values. 1.8.3 LVDS Back Light Power Selection +5 V +3.3 V AIMB-281 User Manual...
ATX Mode (Default) AT Mode System Memory AIMB-281 features two 204-pin memory sockets for 1066/1333/1600 MHz memory modules with a maximum capacity of 16 GB (a maximum of 8 GB for each DIMM). However, AIMB-281 supports only non-ECC DDR3 memory modules.
1.11 Cache Memory AIMB-281 supports a CPU with one of the following built-in full speed L3 caches: 8 MB for Intel Core i7-3770 6 MB for Intel Core i5-3550 3 MB for Intel Core i3-3220 8 MB for Intel Core i7-2600...
USB Ports AIMB-281 supports up to 8 USB ports. The USB interface complies with USB Specifi- cation Rev 2.0 in supporting transmission rates of up to 480 Mbps. The USB interface can be disabled during the system BIOS setup.
USB+5 V USB- USB+ USB+ VGA/DVI-D Connector AIMB-281 is equipped with VGA and DVI interfaces that can drive conventional VGA and DVI displays. The VGA connector is a standard 15-pin D-SUB connector com- monly used for VGA. AIMB-281 User Manual...
AGND_2 Serial Ports (COM12 ~ COM56) AIMB-281 supports six serial ports. COM34 and COM56 support RS-232. COM12 supports RS-232/422/485 (supports RS-485 auto flow control). These ports can be used to connect serial devices, such as a mouse or printer, or to a communications network.
Table 2.4: Serial Port Connectors (COM34, COM56) Signal Signal DCD# DSR# RTS# CTS# DTR# DCD# DSR# RTS# CTS# DTR# PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Connector A 6-pin mini-DIN connector located on the motherboard supports connection to a PS/ 2 keyboard or PS/2 mouse. AIMB-281 User Manual...
CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) If a fan is used, this connector can support cooling fans of up to 500 mA (6 W). Table 2.5: CPU Fan Connector (CPU_FAN1) Pin Name +12 V Tach AIMB-281 User Manual...
System FAN Connector (SYS_FAN1) If a fan is used, this connector can support cooling fans of up to 500 mA (6 W). Table 2.6: System Fan Connector (SYS_FAN1) Pin Name SYSFAN1_VCC(PWM) SYSFAN1_IO AIMB-281 User Manual...
Hard Disk Drive Activity LED (Pin 1-3 HDLED) This 2-pin connector is provided for the HDD activity LED. Connect the HDD activity LED cable to this connector. The IDE LED lights up or flashes when data is read from or written to the HDD. AIMB-281 User Manual...
2.10 Serial ATA Interface (SATA1 ~ SATA3) AIMB-281 features a high-performance serial ATA interface (up to 300 MB/s) that reduces hard drive cabling with the use of thin, space-saving cables. AIMB-281 User Manual...
For motherboards with the optional HD audio feature, we recommend connecting a high-definition front panel audio module to this connector to benefit from the motherboard’s high-definition audio capability. Table 2.8: Front Headphone Connector (FP_AUDIO1) Signal Signal MIC2_L MIC2_R PRESENSE LIN2_R MIC2_JD FIO_SENSE LIN2_L LINE_JD AIMB-281 User Manual...
180 W. Table 2.9: ATX Power Connector (EATXPWR1, ATX12V1) Signal Signal +3.3 V +3.3 V Ground +5 V Ground +5 V Ground PWRGD (Power Good) +5 V (Standby) +12 V +12 V +3.3 V +3.3 V -12 V AIMB-281 User Manual...
OC-192 (10 Gb/s). Thus, this standard facilitates dramatic increases in system performance. Table 2.10: SPI Flash Connector (SPI1) Signal Signal +3 V SP1_CS# SPI_CLK SPI_MISO SPI_MOSI SPI_HOLD# AIMB-281 User Manual...
2.14 LCD Inverter Connector (JBKL1) This connector is provided for controlling the internal LVDS brightness. Table 2.11: LCD Inverter Connector (JBKL1) Signal +12 V BL_EN BRIGHT1 +5 V AIMB-281 User Manual...
BIOS Setup The AIMB-281 system is equipped with AMI BIOS as well as a CMOS setup utility that allows users to configure settings and activate certain system features. The CMOS setup utility saves all configuration settings to the CMOS RAM of the motherboard.
System Date using the <Arrow> keys. Enter new values via a keyboard. Press the <Tab> key or <Arrow> keys to move between fields. The date must be entered in MM/DD/YY format. The time must be entered in HH:MM:SS format. AIMB-281 User Manual...
3.3.1 Advanced BIOS Features Select the Advanced tab from the AIMB-281 setup screen to enter the Advanced BIOS setup screen. Users can select any item listed in the left frame, for example, CPU Configuration, to access the sub-menu for that item. Advanced BIOS setup options can be displayed for review by using the <Arrow>...
3.3.2 PCI Express Settings Link Training Retry This item allows users to adjust the number of retries for PCIE link failures. Link Training Timeout This item allows users to setup a timeout for link training. AIMB-281 User Manual...
This item allows users to set the ACPI sleep state. Lock Legacy Resources This item allows users to lock legacy device resources. S3 Video Repost This item allows users to enable or disable S3 video reposting. AIMB-281 User Manual...
Security Device Support This item allows users to enable or disable BIOS support for security devices. 3.3.5 S5 RTC Wake Settings Wake System at a Fixed Time This item allows users to enable or disable system wake-on-alarm events. AIMB-281 User Manual...
3.3.6 SATA Configuration SATA Controllers This item allows users to enable or disable SATA controllers. SATA Mode Selection This item allows users to select between IDE or AHCI mode. 3.3.7 Intel Trusted Execution Technology Configuration AIMB-281 User Manual...
This item is a workaround solution for OS without EHCI hand-off support. USB Hardware Delays and Timeouts This item allows users to setup parameters for detect USB devices. Mass Storage Devices This item allows users to review USB mass storage device information. AIMB-281 User Manual...
Super I/O Configuration Serial Port 1 Configuration Serial Port This item allows users to enable or disable Serial Port 1. Change Settings This item allows users to select the I/O address/IRQ setting for Serial Port 1. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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This item allows users to enable or disable Serial Port 2. Change Settings This item allows users to select the I/O address/IRQ setting for Serial Port 2. Parallel Port Configuration Parallel Port This item allows users to enable or disable the Parallel Port. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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Change Settings This item allows users to select the I/O address/IRQ setting for Serial Port 3. Auto Flow Control This item supports the auto flow control function, when the COM is set as RS- 485. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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Serial Port 4 Configuration Serial Port This item allows users to enable or disable Serial Port 4. Change Settings This item allows users to select the I/O address/IRQ setting for Serial Port 4. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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This item allows users to select the I/O address/IRQ setting for Serial Port 5. Serial Port 6 Configuration Serial Port This item allows users to enable or disable Serial Port 6. Change Settings This item allows users to select the I/O address/IRQ setting for Serial Port 6. AIMB-281 User Manual...
3.3.10 Smart Fan Configuration CPU Smart Fan This item allows users to enable or disable the CPU smart fan. System Smart Fan This item allows users to enable or disable the system smart fan. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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CPU reaches the specified temperature, an alarm will be emitted. ACPI Shutdown Temperature This item allows users to set the CPU temperature at which the system will automatically shutdown to protect the CPU from overheating damage. AIMB-281 User Manual...
<Arrow> keys. This section provides a description of all Chipset setup options as well as screen- shots of the Chipset setup page. The sub-menu items are also described in the fol- lowing pages. AIMB-281 User Manual...
PCI Express Configuration This item allows users to adjust the PCI Express settings. USB Configuration This item allows users to adjust USB settings. PCH Azalia Configuration This item allows users to adjust the PCH Azalia settings. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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AC power loss. 3.4.1.1 PCI Express Configuration PCI Express Clock Gating This item allows users to enable or disable PCI express clock gating. Subtractive Decode This item allows users to enable or disable subtractive decoding. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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3.4.1.2 PCI Express Root Port 1/2/3 AIMB-281 User Manual...
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This item allows users to enable or disable Root PCIe System Error on Non- Fatal Error. SECE This item allows users to enable or disable Root PCIe System Error on Correct- able Error. PME SCI This item allows users to enable or disable PCIe PME SCI. AIMB-281 User Manual...
Range for the Root Bridge 3.4.2 USB Configuration EHCI 1/2 This item allows users to enable or disable the EHCI controller. USB Ports Pre-Port Disable Control This item allows users to enable or disable each USB port individually. AIMB-281 User Manual...
3.4.3 PCH Azalia Configuration Azalia This item allows users to enable or disable Azalia devices. 3.4.4 System Agent Configuration AIMB-281 User Manual...
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This item allows users to set the DVMT pre-allocated memory size. DVMT Total Gfx Mem This item allows users to set the DVMT total memory size. LCD Control This item allows users to set the Display Control configuration. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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POST. The available options are VBIOS Default, VGA, LVDS, and DVI. SDVO-LFP Panel Type This item allow users to select between the following options: 1024 x 768 18-bit 1024 x 768 24-bit 1280 x 1024 48-bit 1366 x 768 24-bit AIMB-281 User Manual...
PEG0 ASPM=> Enable/Disable PEG0 ASPM function. (ASPM: Active State Power Management) Enable PEG This item allows users to enable or disable PEG. Detect Non-Compliance Device This item allows users to enable or disable detection of non-compliant devices. AIMB-281 User Manual...
3.4.6 Memory Information Memory Frequency Limiter This item allow users to set the memory frequency limiter to Auto, 1067, 1333, or 1600. Boot Configuration AIMB-281 User Manual...
To access the sub menu for an item, select the item and press <Enter>. Administrator Password This item allows users to set the administrator password. Select the item and press <ENTER> to access the sub menu, and then type in a password. AIMB-281 User Manual...
For example, default settings should not be used if the computer is experiencing system configuration prob- lems. Otherwise, select the “Restore Defaults” option from the Exit menu and press <Enter>. AIMB-281 User Manual...
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This item allows users to save all current settings as user defaults. Restore User Defaults This item allows users to restore all settings to the user default values. Boot Override This item allows users to view the boot device types on the system. AIMB-281 User Manual...
To facilitate the installation of the enhanced display drivers and utility software, read the instructions in this chapter carefully. The drivers for AIMB-281 are located on the software installation CD. The driver in the folder of the driver CD will guide and link users to the utilities and drivers under a Windows system.
Windows XP/Windows 7 Driver Setup Insert the driver CD into the system's CD-ROM drive. Navigate to the folder labeled "Intel chip", open the folder, and double click on "Setup.exe" to complete the driver installation. AIMB-281 User Manual...
32-bit 3D graphics engine, dual independent displays, and enhanced display modes for widescreen flat panels, including extended, twin, and clone dual display modes. These features combined with optimized 3D support ensure that AIMB-281 delivers a vivid yet realistic visual experience. Windows 7/XP Note! Before installing this driver, ensure that the CSI utility has been installed.
Introduction AIMB-281 features dual Gigabit Ethernet LANs via dedicated PCIe x1 lanes (Realtek RTL8111E-VL (LAN1) and Realtek RTL8111E-VL (LAN2)) that offer a bandwidth of up to 500 MB/sec, eliminating network data bottlenecks and incorporating Gigabit Ethernet at 1000 Mbps. Installation...
Programming the Watchdog Timer AIMB-281's watchdog timer can be used to monitor the system software operation and initiate corrective action if the software fails within the allocated period. This section describes the operation of the watchdog timer and how to program it.
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Unlock NCT6776F Set the watchdog timer register Enable the function of the watchdog timer Use the watchdog timer function Lock NCT6776F AIMB-281 User Manual...
Bit 5: Write 1 to generate a timeout signal immedi- ately and automatically return to 0 [default = 0]. Bit 4: Read status of watchdog timer, 1 means “timeout”. Write this address to I/O port 2E (hex) to lock AA (hex) ----- Watchdog Timer 2. AIMB-281 User Manual...
Inc dx Mov al,10 Out dx,al ;----------------------------------------------------------- Dec dx; Lock NCT6776F Mov al,0aah Out dx,al Enable the watchdog timer and set the timeout interval as 5 minutes ;----------------------------------------------------------- Mov dx,2eh; Unlock NCT6776F Mov al,87h Out dx,al Out dx,al AIMB-281 User Manual...
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Enable the watchdog timer to be reset using a mouse ;----------------------------------------------------------- Mov dx,2eh; Unlock NCT6776F Mov al,87h Out dx,al Out dx,al ;----------------------------------------------------------- Mov al,07h; Select the watchdog timer registers Out dx,al Inc dx Mov al,08h Out dx,al ;----------------------------------------------------------- AIMB-281 User Manual...
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Dec dx; Enable the watchdog timer function Mov al,30h Out dx,al Inc dx Mov al,01h Out dx,al ;----------------------------------------------------------- Dec dx; Enable the watchdog timer to be strobed reset via the keyboard Mov al,0f7h Out dx,al Inc dx In al,dx Or al,40h Out dx,al AIMB-281 User Manual...
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Out dx,al ;----------------------------------------------------------- Dec dx; Generate a timeout signal Mov al,0f7h Out dx,al; Write 1 to Bit 5 of F7 register Inc dx In al,dx Or al,20h Out dx,al ;----------------------------------------------------------- Dec dx; Lock NCT6776F Mov al,0aah Out dx,al AIMB-281 User Manual...
Jumper Settings 1. Backlight voltage level 2. Panel brightness control 3. COM - RS232/RS422/RS485 4. Clear CMOS 5. AT/ATX mode select JBKLVOL1 Backlight Voltage Level Setting Function 5V (default) 3.3V JLVDS_VBR1 Panel Brightness Control Setting Function Linear brightness control (default) PWM brightness control AIMB-501 User Manual...
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COM RS232/RS422/RS485 Setting As shown below JCOMS1 Clear CMOS Setting Function Default Clear CMOS. AIMB-501 User Manual...
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JPSON1 AT/ATX Mode Select Setting Function AT mode ATX mode (default) AIMB-501 User Manual...
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