4 Summary of the HP/Phoenix BIOS

BIOS Addresses

IRQ (Interrupt Vector)

Interrupt Request Description

 

 

 

IRQ0(08h)

 

System Timer

 

 

 

IRQ1(09h)

 

Keyboard Controller

 

 

 

IRQ2(0Ah)

Slave IRQ

Cascade connection from INTC2 (Interrupt Controller 2)

 

 

 

 

IRQ8(70h)

Real Time Clock

 

 

 

 

IRQ9(71h)

Available for accessory board (ISA/PCI)

 

 

 

 

IRQ10(72h)

SoundBlaster 3, or Available for accessory board (ISA/PCI)

 

 

 

 

IRQ11(73h)

Available for accessory board (ISA/PCI)

 

 

 

 

IRQ12(74h)

Mouse, or ISA accessory board

 

 

 

 

IRQ13(75h)

Co-processor

 

 

 

 

IRQ14(76h)

IDE, or ISA accessory board

 

 

 

 

IRQ15(77h)

Secondary IDE or ISA/PCI accessory board

 

 

 

IRQ3(0Bh)

 

Serial Port 2, Serial Port 4, or ISA accessory board

 

 

 

IRQ4(0Ch)

 

Serial Port 1, Serial Port 3, or ISA accessory board

 

 

 

IRQ5(0Dh)

 

SoundBlaster 1, Parallel Port 2, or ISA accessory board

 

 

 

IRQ6(0Eh)

 

Flexible Disk Controller

 

 

 

IRQ7(0Fh)

 

SoundBlaster 2, Parallel Port 1, or ISA accessory board

 

 

 

Using the Setup program:

IRQ3 can be made available by disabling serial ports 2 and 4.

IRQ4 can be made available by disabling serial ports 1 and 3.

IRQ5 can be made available by disabling the parallel port 2.

IRQ7 can be made available by disabling parallel ports 1 and 2.

PCI Interrupt Request Lines

PCI devices generate interrupt requests using up to four PCI interrupt request lines (INTA#, INTB#, INTC#, and INTD#).

When a PCI device makes an interrupt request, the request is re-directed to the system interrupt controller. The interrupt request will be re-directed to one of the IRQ lines made available for PCI devices.

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HP Vectra VL 5/xxx 5 manual PCI Interrupt Request Lines

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.