2 System Board

Chip-Set

Super I/O Chip (37C932)

The Super I/O chip (FDC37C932) is contained within a 160-pin PQFP package. The chip provides the control for the following devices.

Function

Logical device number

 

 

Flexible disk controller

0

 

 

Parallel port controller

3

 

 

UART1 controller

4

 

 

UART2 controller

5

 

 

RTC

6

 

 

Keyboard controller

7

 

 

Mouse controller

7

 

 

General purpose I/O (GPIO)

8

 

 

Serial / parallel

The two 9-pin serial ports (whose pin layouts are depicted on page 58)

communications ports

support RS-232-C and are buffered by 16550 UARTs, with 16 Byte FIFOs.

 

They can be programmed as COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, or disabled.

 

The 25-pin parallel port (also depicted on page 58) is Centronics

 

compatible, supporting IEEE 1284. It can be programmed as LPT1, LPT2, or

 

disabled. It can operate the four modes:

 

Standard mode (PC/XT, PC/AT, and PS/2 compatible).

 

Bidirectional mode (PC/XT, PC/AT, and PS/2 compatible).

 

Enhanced mode (enhanced parallel port, EPP, compatible).

 

High speed mode (MS/HP extended capabilities port, ECP, compatible).

FDC

The integrated flexible drive controller (FDC) supports any combination of

 

two from the following: tape drives, 3.5-inch flexible disk drives, 5.25-inch

 

flexible disk drives. It is software and register compatible with the 82077AA,

 

and 100% IBM compatible. It has an A and B drive-swapping capability and a

 

non-burst DMA option.

Keyboard and Mouse

The computer has an 8042-based keyboard and mouse controller. The

Controller

connector pin layouts are shown on page 58. The Windows 95 keyboard is

26

Page 26
Image 26
HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Super I/O Chip 37C932, Serial / parallel

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.