∙The Flash BIOS can be updated from a file on a disk;

∙The current BIOS code can be copied from the Flash EEPROM to a disk file as a backup in the event that an upgrade cannot be successfully completed; or

∙The BIOS in the Flash device can be compared with a disk file to ensure the system has the correct BIOS version.

The upgrade utility ensures the upgrade BIOS extension matches the target system to prevent accidentally installing a BIOS for a different type of system. A recovery jumper is provided to allow recovery in the unlikely event of an unsuccessful BIOS upgrade. The jumper forces the ROM decode to access a 8 KB block of write protected recovery code in the Flash device.

SETUP UTILITY

The ROM-based Setup utility allows the configuration to be modified without opening the system for most basic changes. The Setup utility is accessible only during the Power-On Self Test, POST, by pressing the <F1> key after the POST memory test has begun and before boot begins. A prompt may be enabled that informs the user to press the <F1> key to access Setup. A switch on the baseboard can be set to prevent user access to Setup for security purposes. Setup options are detailed in the BIOS appendix.

PCI AUTO-CONFIGURATION

The PCI auto-configuration utility operates in conjunction with the system Setup utility to allow the insertion and removal of PCI cards to the system without user intervention. When the system is turned on after adding a PCI add-in card, the BIOS automatically configures interrupts, DMA channels, I/O space, and other parameters. The user does not have to configure jumpers or worry about potential resource conflicts. Because PCI cards use the same interrupt resources as ISA cards, the user must specify the interrupts used by ISA add-in cards in the Setup utility. The PCI Auto- Configuration function complies with version 2.10 of the PCI BIOS specification.

ISA PLUG & PLAY

The BIOS incorporates ISA Plug and Play capabilities conforming to version 1.0a of the Plug-n-Play specification. This will allow auto-configuration of Plug and Play ISA cards, and resource management for legacy ISA cards, when used in conjunction with the ISA Configuration Utility (ICU).

SHADOW MEMORY

Memory from C8000-DFFFF is not shadowed. This is a change from previous Intel products using AMI BIOS. This may have a slight adverse affect on the performance of some non-Plug and Play ISA cards. All or part of this area may be used as shared ISA memory if needed. Video BIOS located from C0000-C7FFF is shadowed to boost performance.

POWER MANAGEMENT

The Advanced/ZP will enable you to have an Energy Star compliant system through its Advanced Power Management resources. The Advanced/ZP BIOS supports power management via System Management Mode (SMM) interrupts to the CPU and Advanced Power Management (APM v1.1). In general, power management capabilities will allow the system to be put into a power managed Stand By state. This can be accomplished by pressing the sleep/resume button on the front of the chassis, entering an user configured hot-key sequence on the keyboard, or by the expiration of a hardware timer which detects system inactivity for a user-configurable length of time. While in the Stand By state, the Advanced/ZP baseboard reduces the system power consumption to Energy Star levels by utilizing the power saving capabilities of the Pentium® Processor, spinning down the IDE hard drive, and turning off an Energy Star rated monitor. Add-in cards supplied with APM-aware drivers can also be put into a power managed state for further energy savings. The ability to respond to external interrupts is fully maintained while in Stand By mode allowing the system to service requests such as in-coming FAX’s or network messages while unattended.

FLASH LOGO AREA

Advanced/ZP supports a 4 KB programmable FLASH user area located at EC000-ECFFF. An OEM may use this area to display a custom logo. The BIOS accesses the user area at several points during the boot up sequence.

Advanced/ZP Technical Product Summary Page 10

Page 10
Image 10
Intel 281786-002 Setup Utility, Pci Auto-Configuration, ISA Plug & Play, Shadow Memory, Power Management, Flash Logo Area

281786-002 specifications

The Intel 281786-002 is a highly regarded microprocessor that was part of Intel’s extensive portfolio of technology solutions. Originally released in the mid-1990s, it is recognized for its robust performance and advanced features, which catered to the needs of both personal computing and embedded systems.

One of the standout features of the Intel 281786-002 is its architecture, which includes a 32-bit data bus. This architecture allows for efficient data processing and memory management. The processor is built on a 0.6-micron process technology, contributing to reduced power consumption while enhancing overall performance. The chip operates at various clock speeds, typically ranging around 25MHz to 50MHz, allowing it to suit different applications and user requirements.

The Intel 281786-002 also boasts a sophisticated instruction set that supports a wide range of operations. This multi-functionality ensures that it can efficiently handle complex computations and multitasking scenarios. Its ability to execute instructions in parallel paves the way for better performance when running multiple applications simultaneously.

In terms of memory support, the processor is designed to interface effectively with both SRAM and DRAM technologies, accommodating a vast range of memory configurations, thereby enhancing flexibility for system designers. It is also compatible with both 16-bit and 32-bit data buses, making it versatile enough for use in various computing environments.

Another notable aspect of the Intel 281786-002 is its integrated security features. These allow for better data protection and integrity, making it a viable choice for systems requiring enhanced security protocols.

Furthermore, the microprocessor's reliability and stability have made it a preferred choice for embedded applications, network devices, and industrial systems. Its proven track record in various computing environments underscores Intel's commitment to quality and performance.

Additionally, the Intel 281786-002 supports various operating systems, providing flexibility in deployment across different computing platforms. This compatibility ensures that users can leverage existing software ecosystems without extensive modifications.

In conclusion, the Intel 281786-002 microprocessor encapsulates an amalgamation of performance, efficiency, and versatility. With its advanced features and robust architecture, it has played a significant role in shaping computing technology, making it a noteworthy component in Intel’s legacy of innovation.