3 Interface Devices and Mass-Storage Drives

HP Ethernet 10/100 BaseT Network Board

HP Ethernet 10/100 BaseT Network Board

The HP Ethernet 10/100 BaseT Network Board is supplied on all models of the HP Vectra XA 5/xxx PC. It is based on the AMD PCnet-PCI-II 79C971 network processor chip.

On desktop models, it is installed in a dedicated PCI accessory slot underneath the internal, hard disk drive, rear-shelf, plugged into the PCI Junior slot that is situated on the rear of the double-sided backplane board.

On the rear panel there are two RJ-45 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) connectors, whose pin-out is shown in the diagram on page 62. One is fully compliant with the 10-BaseT, 10 Mbits per second, ISO 8802-3 (IEEE/ANSI 802.3) standard. It supports the Remote Power-On (RPO) feature that is described on page 71.

The other RJ-45 connector is fully compliant with the 100-BaseT, 100 Mbits per second, ISO 8802-3 (IEEE/ANSI 802.3u) standard. This connector supports the Remote Wake-Up feature, but not Remote Power-On.

The two lights indicate which of the network sockets is connected (they are not link lights or activity lights). The controller automatically detects which of the two connectors is presently in use.

There is a socket, on the network board, to support an Option ROM of up to 256 KB. This is not compatible with the Option ROM chip from the Enhanced Ethernet Network board.

Remote start

Network

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filter

Processor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RPO

logic

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 MHz

 

 

SRAM

 

 

 

clock

 

 

 

 

 

100BT Phy layer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filter

RJ-45 UTP 10 BaseT network

Network connected light

RJ-45 UTP 100 BaseT network

Network connected light

 

 

50 MHz clock

Option ROM socket

52

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Image 52
HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual HP Ethernet 10/100 BaseT Network Board, Sram

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.