4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

Power Saving and Ergonometry

Little Ben

Little Ben is an HP application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), designed to be a companion to the Super I/O chip, that is connected between the chip-set and the processor. It contains the following:

BIOS timer

hardware wired 50 ms long 880 Hz beep module.

automatic blinker that feeds the LEDs module with a 1 Hz oscillator signal.

security protection (access, flash and anti-virus protection)

For 128, 256 or 512 KB Flash EEPROMs.

For the Super I/O space: the Serial EEPROM, serial ports, parallel port and mass storage drives (disable write on Flexible Disk Drive, disable boot on any drive, disable use of any embedded drive)

hard and soft control for the power supply (available with Windows NT and Windows 95, but not with OS/2)

Advanced power management (APM) version 1.2 (available with Win- dows 95 and OS/2, but not with Windows NT)

glue logic (such as programmable chip selects)

The computer can be turned on by typing the space-bar on the keyboard, or when it receives an external signal from a network board. The power consumption has been kept as low as possible. When VccState and PowerGood pins are both low, all output pins are in tri-state mode, except for RemoteOnBen which continues to be driven. This allows the computer to be powered from the standby power supply, and to be restarted even after a power loss has occurred.

When the user requests a ShutDown from the operating system, the environment is first cleared. Any request to turn off the computer, from the control panel, or from the operating system, can only be granted if the computer is not locked by Little Ben’s lock bit (otherwise the power remains on, a red light is illuminated, and the buzzer is sounded).

The SMI_OFF signal is asserted if the Hard Soft Power Down mode (HSPD) is enabled when Little Ben is instructed to turn off the computer (via the status panel or soft power down). The BIOS first performs some RPO initialization, and then proceeds to power down the computer. If the watch-

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual Little Ben

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.