Intel Vig390s manual Bios Flash Memory Organisation, Plug and Play PCI Auto-configuration

Models: Vig390s

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BIOS Flash Memory Organisation

The Intel Firmware Hub (FWH) includes a 8 Mbit flash memory device. Internally, the device is grouped into eight 64-KB blocks that are individually erasable, lockable, and unlockable.

The 8-Mbit flash component is organised as 256 KB x 8 bits and is divided into areas as described in Table 27. The table shows the addresses in the ROM image in normal mode (the addresses change in BIOS Recovery Mode).

Table 27: Typical Flash Memory Organisation

Address (Hex)

Size

Description

FFFFC000 – FFFFFFFF

16 KB

Boot Block

FFFFA000 – FFFFBFFF

8 KB

Vital Product Data (VPD) Extended System

 

 

Configuration Data (ESCD) (DMI configuration data

 

 

/ Plug and Play data)

FFFF9000 - FFFF9FFF

4 KB

Used by BIOS (e.g., for Event Logging)

 

 

 

FFFF8000 - FFFF8FFF

4 KB

OEM logo or Scan Flash Area

 

 

 

FFFC0000 - FFFF7FFF

228 KB

Main BIOS Block

Plug and Play: PCI Auto-configuration

The BIOS automatically configures PCI devices and Plug and Play devices. PCI devices may be onboard or add-in cards. Plug and Play devices are ISA add-in cards built to meet the Plug and Play specification. Auto-configuration lets a user insert or remove PCI or Plug and Play cards without having to configure the system. When a user turns on the system after adding a PCI or Plug and Play card, the BIOS automatically configures interrupts, the I/O space, and other system resources. Any interrupts set to Available in Setup are considered to be available for use by the add- in card.

PCI interrupts are distributed to available ISA interrupts that have not been assigned to an ISA card or to system resources. The assignment of PCI interrupts to ISA IRQs is non-deterministic. PCI devices can share an interrupt, but an ISA device cannot share an interrupt allocated to PCI or to another ISA device. Auto- configuration information is stored in the extended system configuration data (ESCD) format.

PCI IDE Support

If Auto is selected as a primary or secondary IDE in Setup, the BIOS automatically sets up the two local-bus IDE connectors with independent I/O channel support. The IDE interface supports hard drives up to PIO Mode 4 and recognises any ATAPI devices, including CD-ROM drives, tape drives and Ultra DMA drives. Add-in ISA IDE controllers are not supported. The BIOS determines the capabilities of each drive and configures them so as to optimise capacity and performance. To take advantage of the high-capacity storage devices, hard drives are automatically configured for logical block addressing (LBA) and to PIO Mode 3 or 4, depending on the capability of the drive. To override the auto-configuration options, use the specific

Vig390s Motherboard Manual V1.0

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Intel Vig390s manual Bios Flash Memory Organisation, Plug and Play PCI Auto-configuration, PCI IDE Support

Vig390s specifications

The Intel Vig390s is a sophisticated system-on-chip (SoC) designed for a variety of applications, particularly in the fields of IoT (Internet of Things), industrial automation, and embedded systems. As a versatile processor, it combines high performance with energy efficiency, making it suitable for resource-constrained environments.

One of the key features of the Intel Vig390s is its multi-core architecture, which facilitates parallel processing capabilities. This design allows the chip to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, optimizing performance in data-intensive applications. The chip typically incorporates up to four custom cores that operate at impressive clock speeds, ensuring swift processing in complex and demanding workloads.

In terms of graphics capabilities, the Vig390s boasts integrated Intel HD Graphics, providing enhanced visual performance without the need for additional discrete graphics units. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications requiring graphical interfaces, such as smart displays and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), where visual clarity and responsiveness are crucial.

Another notable characteristic of the Vig390s is its support for various connectivity options. The SoC includes integrated networking capabilities, such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi support, enabling seamless communication between devices in an IoT ecosystem. This connectivity enhances the chip's utility in smart factory environments, where real-time data exchange is essential for operational efficiency.

Additionally, the Intel Vig390s is built on advanced manufacturing processes, which not only improves performance but also reduces power consumption. This efficiency is vital for embedded systems that often operate in remote or energy-sensitive environments. The chip has integrated power management features that dynamically adjust performance levels based on workload, thereby extending battery life in portable applications.

The architecture of the Vig390s is also equipped with robust security features, including hardware-based security measures that help protect sensitive data. This capability is increasingly important in an era where cybersecurity threats are prevalent.

With scalability in mind, Intel designed the Vig390s to support a range of operating systems, making it flexible for developers looking to deploy applications across various platforms. Its compatibility with major IoT frameworks enhances its appeal in diverse use cases.

In summary, the Intel Vig390s distinguishes itself with its powerful multi-core processing, integrated graphics, extensive connectivity options, energy efficiency, and security features, making it an ideal choice for modern IoT and embedded applications.