2 System Board

Chip-Set

 

PCI/ISA Bridge Chip (82371SB)

 

This chip is encapsulated in a 208 pin plastic quad flat pack (PQFP)

 

package.

PCI Bus Interface

This part of the chip performs PCI-to-ISA, and ISA-to-PCI bus cycle

 

translation. It supports the Plug-and-Play mechanism.

ISA Bus Interface

As well as accepting cycles from the PCI bus interface, and translating them

 

for the ISA bus, the ISA bus interface also requests the PCI master bridge to

 

generate PCI cycles on behalf of a DMA or ISA master. The ISA bus interface

 

contains a standard ISA bus controller and data buffering logic. It can directly

 

support six ISA slots without external data or address buffering.

IDE Controller

The PCI master/slave IDE controller, supporting four devices, two on each of

 

two channels, is described on page 34.

USB Controller

The PCI USB controller, supporting two connectors, is described on page 36.

DMA Controller

The seven channel DMA controller incorporates the functionality of two

 

82C37 DMA controllers. Channels 0 to 3 are for 8-bit DMA devices, while

 

channels 5 to 7 are for 16-bit devices (see page 82). The channels can be

 

programmed for any of the four transfer modes: the three active modes

 

(single, demand, block), can perform three different types of transfer: read,

 

write and verify. The address generation circuitry can only support a 24-bit

 

address for DMA devices.

Interrupt Controller

The sixteen channel interrupt controller incorporates the functionality of

 

two 82C59 interrupt controllers. The two controllers are cascaded, giving 14

 

external and two internal interrupt sources (see page 82).

Counter / Timer

The chip contains a three-channel 82C54 counter/timer. The counters use a

 

division of the 14.31818 MHz OSC input as the clock source.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual PCI/ISA Bridge Chip 82371SB
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Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 specifications

The HP Vectra VL 5/xxx was a series of desktop personal computers introduced by Hewlett-Packard in the mid-1990s. These machines were designed for both business and professional environments, making them suitable for a range of applications from basic office tasks to more demanding computing needs. This series played a significant role in HP's efforts to strengthen its market presence in the PC sector during a time when competition was intensifying.

One of the standout features of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line was its versatility. The series included various configurations designated by the '5/xxx' nomenclature, which indicated different performance levels and specifications. The performance was driven primarily by Intel Pentium processors, widely acclaimed for their reliability and efficiency. This allowed users to choose a model that suited their specific requirements, whether for everyday tasks or more resource-intensive applications.

In addition to its strong processing capabilities, the Vectra VL 5/xxx featured advanced graphics support, which was critical for visual applications and presentations. Many units in this series came equipped with onboard graphics capabilities that supported a range of resolutions, enhancing the user experience in both standard office environments and more creative settings.

Storage options were another highlight of the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series. The machines typically featured a variety of hard drive configurations, allowing for ample data storage. Some models included the option for expanding storage through additional hard drives or external devices. Coupled with considerable RAM options, these machines ensured smooth multitasking and efficient performance across various applications.

Connectivity was also a core aspect of the Vectra VL 5/xxx. The systems typically included multiple USB ports, parallel and serial ports, and integrated networking capabilities. This made it easy for businesses to integrate the Vectra machines into their existing infrastructure, facilitating seamless interaction with peripherals and networks.

In terms of design, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx series presented a robust yet compact form factor, which was ideal for office environments with limited space. Additionally, HP emphasized the reliability and serviceability of these machines, which included easy access to internal components for maintenance and upgrades, thereby extending the product life cycle.

Overall, the HP Vectra VL 5/xxx line offered a balanced combination of performance, flexibility, and reliability, making it a solid choice for organizations looking to leverage computing power for a range of professional applications. The series embodied HP's commitment to delivering quality and innovation in the ever-evolving landscape of personal computing.
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