Motherboard Description

1.7 Ultra I/O Interface Controller (SMC FDC37C93FR)

1.7.1Floppy controller

The SMC FDC37C93FR is software compatible with the DP8473 and 82077 floppy disk controllers. The floppy interface can be configured for 360 KB or 1.2 MB 5¼" media or for

720 KB, 1.2 MB, 1.44 MB, or 2.88 MB 3½" media in the BIOS setup. By default, the Floppy A interface is configured for 1.44 MB and Floppy B is disabled. Another setup option prevents the user from being able to write to floppy. Configuring the floppy interface for 1.25 MB 3 ½" (3-mode floppy) requires the use of special floppy drives and a driver to for the specific operating system.

1.7.2Keyboard and mouse interface

PS/2† keyboard/mouse connectors are located on the back panel side of the motherboard. The 5V lines to these connectors are protected with a PolySwitch† circuit which acts much like a self- healing fuse, re-establishing the connection after an over-current condition is removed. While this device eliminates the possibility of having to replace a fuse, care should be taken to turn off the system power before installing or removing a keyboard or mouse. The system BIOS can detectand correct keyboards and mice plugged into the wrong PS/2 style connector.

The integrated 8042 microcontroller contains the AMI Megakey keyboard/mouse controller code which, besides providing traditional keyboard and mouse control functions, supports Power- On/Reset (POR) password protection. The POR password can be defined by the user via the Setup program. The keyboard controller also provides for the following "hot key" sequences:

∙<CTRL><ALT><DEL>: System software reset. This sequence performs a software reset of the system by jumping to the beginning of the BIOS code and running the POST operation.

∙<CTRL><ALT><+> and <CTRL><ALT><->: Turbo mode selection. <CTRL><ALT><-> sets the system for de-turbo mode, emulating an 25 MHz AT, and <CTRL><ALT><+> sets the system for turbo mode. Changing the Turbo mode may be prohibited by an operating system, or when the CPU is in Protected mode or virtual x86 mode under DOS.

∙<CTRL><ALT><defined in setup>: A power down hot-key sequence takes advantage of the SMM features of the Pentium Processor to greatly reduce the system’s power consumption while maintaining the responsiveness necessary to service external interrupts. A security hot- key sequence provides password protection to the system.

1.7.3Real time clock, CMOS RAM and battery

The integrated Real Time Clock (RTC) is DS1287 and MC146818 compatible and provides a time of day clock, 100-year calendar with alarm features. The RTC can be set via the BIOS SETUP program. The RTC also supports 242-byte battery-backed CMOS RAM in two banks which is reserved for BIOS use. The CMOS RAM can be set to specific values or cleared to the system default values using the BIOS SETUP program. Also, the CMOS RAM values can be cleared to the system defaults by using a configuration jumper on the motherboard.

An external coin-cell style battery provides power to the RTC and CMOS memory. The battery has an estimated lifetime of three years if the system is not plugged into the wall socket. When the system is plugged in, power is supplied from the ATX power supply’s 5v standby current to extend the life of the battery.

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Intel TE430VX manual Ultra I/O Interface Controller SMC FDC37C93FR, Floppy controller, Keyboard and mouse interface
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TE430VX specifications

The Intel TE430VX was a landmark product in the realm of computing during the early 1990s. This microprocessor, part of Intel's line of Pentium processors, was primarily aimed at the burgeoning market for personal and business computing.

One of the main features of the Intel TE430VX was its 32-bit architecture, which allowed for a significant increase in processing power compared to its predecessors. The 32-bit data bus enabled the handling of larger amounts of data simultaneously, enhancing overall system performance. The TE430VX was capable of executing instructions at clock speeds ranging from 60 MHz to 66 MHz, which was quite impressive for its time. This processing power made it suitable not only for everyday computing tasks but also for more demanding applications such as graphic design and gaming.

The TE430VX also incorporated advanced technologies such as pipelining, which allowed it to execute multiple instructions in a single clock cycle. This feature contributed to improved performance and responsiveness, making the user experience smoother. The microprocessor supported a variety of RAM types, including EDO (Extended Data Out) RAM, which further enhanced its performance by reducing memory access times.

Another characteristic that set the TE430VX apart was its compatibility with a wide range of operating systems, including DOS, Windows, and various UNIX variants. This flexibility ensured that users could run their preferred software without compatibility issues, making it a versatile choice for home and business environments alike.

The integration of a built-in memory controller also simplified motherboard design, reducing the overall cost of systems utilizing the TE430VX. This chip also supported advanced graphics options, allowing users to experience better multimedia performance through dedicated graphics cards.

Power consumption was another consideration in the design of the TE430VX. It was engineered to operate efficiently while maintaining good performance, an important factor for long-term sustainability in computing environments.

In summary, the Intel TE430VX was a significant advancement in microprocessor technology during the early 1990s. Its 32-bit architecture, pipelining capabilities, compatibility with multiple operating systems, and efficient power consumption contributed to its reputation as a reliable choice for both personal and professional use, solidifying Intel's position as a leader in the computing landscape.
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