NEC VERSA MINIDOCK 6000 User manual

First Printing — September 1997
Copyright 1997
NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
1414 Massachusetts Avenue
Boxborough, MA 01719
All Rights Reserved
PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is
the valuable property of NEC Computer Systems Division, Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
(NECCSD, PBNEC) and/or its licensors. NECCSD and/or its licensors, as appropriate, re-
serve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this document, including all de-
sign, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto, except to the extent said
rights are expressly granted to others.
The NECCSD product(s) discussed in this document are warranted in accordance with the
terms of the Warranty Statement accompanying each product. However, actual
performance of each such product is dependent upon factors such as system configuration,
customer data, and operator control. Since implementation by customers of each product
may vary, the suitability of specific product configurations and applications must be
determined by the customer and is not warranted by NECCSD.
To allow for design and specification improvements, the information in this document is
subject to change at any time, without notice. Reproduction of this document or portions
thereof without prior written approval of NECCSD is prohibited.
FaxFlash is a service mark of NEC Computer Systems Division (NECCSD), Packard Bell NEC, Inc.
NEC is a registered trademark, Versa is a U.S. registered trademark, MiniDock, VersaBay, VersaGlide, and
PortBar are trademarks, and UltraCare is a U.S. registered service mark of NEC Corporation, used under
license.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the property of their respective owners.

vii
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up and
maintain the NEC Versa®MiniDock 6000™. It also provides hardware and interface infor-
mation for users who need an overview of the docking station’s design. The manual is
written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center personnel, and
dealers.
The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1 Technical Information, provides an overview of the hardware and interface
components. System specifications are listed including dimensions, weight, environment,
safety compliance, and power consumption.
Section 2  Setup and Operation,takes the authorized service technician or dealer from
unpacking to setup and operation. The section includes a description of docking station
connectors, operating controls, and software.
Section 3  Troubleshooting and Repair,provides disassembly and assembly proce-
dures, and an exploded-view diagram of the docking station with part numbers.
Appendix A  Connector Locations and Pin Assignments,provides a list of the internal
connector pin assignments and a list of external pin assignments.
An Index is included for convenience.

ix
Abbreviations
Aampere
AC alternating current
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board System
BCD binary-coded decimal
BIOS basic input/output system
bit binary digit
bpi bits per inch
bps bits per second
BUU BIOS Upgrade Utility
C centigrade
Cache high-speed buffer storage
CAM constantly addressable memory
CAS column address strobe
CD-ROM compact disk-ROM
CGA Color Graphics Adapter
CGB Color Graphics Board
CH channel
clk clock
cm centimeter
CMOS complementary metal oxide
semiconductor
COM communication
CONT contrast
CPU central processing unit
CRT cathode-ray tube
DAC digital-to-analog converter
DC direct current
DIP dual in-line package
DLAB Divisor Latch Address bit
DMA direct memory access
DMAC DMA controller
DOS disk operating system
DRAM dynamic RAM
DTE data terminal equipment
ECC error checking and correction
EDS error detecting system
EGA Enhanced Graphics Adapter
EPP enhanced parallel port
EPROM erasable and programmable
ROM
EVGA Enhanced Video Graphics
Array
F Fahrenheit
FAX facsimile transmission
FCC Federal Communications
Commission
FG frame ground
FM frequency modulation
Fn Function
FRU field-replaceable unit
GB gigabyte
GND ground
HDD hard diskdrive
HEX hexadecimal
HGA Hercules Graphics Adapter
Hz hertz
IC integrated circuit
ID identification
IDE intelligent device electronics
IDTR interrupt descriptor table
register
IMR Interrupt Mask register
in. inch
INTA interrupt acknowledge
IPB illustrated parts breakdown
IRR Interrupt Request register
ISA Industry Standard Architecture
ISR In Service register
I/O input/output
IPC integrated peripheral controller

x Abbreviations
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request
K kilo (1024)
k kilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
kV kilovolt
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
Mmega
mA milliamps
max maximum
MB megabyte
MFM modified frequency modulation
MHz megahertz
mm millimeter
ms millisecond\
MQFP metal quad flat package
MSB most-significant bit
NASC National Authorized Service
Center
NC not connected
NDP numeric data processor
NMI Non-maskable Interrupt
ns nanosecond
NSRC National Service Response
Center
PAL programmable array logic
PC personal computer
PCB printed circuit board
PCI peripherals component
interconnect
PFP plastic flat package
PIO parallel input/output
pixel picture element
PJQFP plastic J-lead quad flat pack
PLCC plastic lead chip carrier
PLL phase lock loop
p-p peak-to-peak
PPI programmable peripheral
interface
PQFP plastic quad flat package
PROM programmable ROM
QFP quad flat pack
RAM random-access memory
RAMDAC RAM digital-to-analog
RAS row address strobe
RGB red green blue
RGBI red green blue intensity
ROM read-only memory
rpm revolutions per minute
R read
RTC real-time clock
R/W read/write
Sslave
SCSI Small Computer System
Interface
SDLC Synchronous Data Link
Control
SG signal ground
SIMM single inline memory module
SQFP silver quad flat package
SVGA Super Video Graphics Array
SW switch
TQFP Thin-quad flat package
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
UART universal asynchronous
receiver/transmitter
Vvolt
Vdc volts, direct current

Abbreviations xi
VESA video electronics standards
association
VFO variable frequency oscillator
VGA Video Graphics Array
VLSI very large-scale integration
VRAM virtual RAM
Wwatt
µf microfarad
µPD microprocessor
µs microsecond
Ωohm

iii
Contents
Preface.........................................................................................................................vii
Abbreviations............................................................................................................... ix
Section 1 Technical Information
Hardware Overview..................................................................................................... 1-2
Front and Top Features......................................................................................... 1-2
Left Features......................................................................................................... 1-4
Right Features....................................................................................................... 1-5
Rear Features........................................................................................................ 1-6
NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Chipset............................................................................. 1-8
PCI Bus-to CardBus Controller (PCI1131)........................................................... 1-8
PCI to ISA Controller (PCIset 82380AB)............................................................. 1-8
PCI to PCI controller (PCIset 82380FB)............................................................... 1-9
IDE Controller (PCI0646U).................................................................................. 1-9
I/O Address Map ......................................................................................................... 1-9
Interrupt Availability.................................................................................................... 1-10
Specifications............................................................................................................... 1-11
Section 2 Setup and Operation
Unpacking the Unit...................................................................................................... 2-1
Environment ......................................................................................................... 2-1
Hardware Setup........................................................................................................... 2-1
Preparing the NEC Versa for Docking .................................................................. 2-3
Docking the NEC Versa........................................................................................ 2-5
Undocking the NEC Versa.................................................................................... 2-9
Software Setup............................................................................................................ 2-10
Plug and Play Software Setup............................................................................... 2-10
Running the Setup Utility............................................................................................. 2-10
Using the Setup Utility.......................................................................................... 2-11
Section 3 Troubleshooting and Repair
Preventive Maintenance ............................................................................................... 3-1
Cleaning the Docking Station’s Exterior................................................................ 3-1
Cleaning the Docking Station’s Interior................................................................. 3-2

iv Contents
Protecting the Disk Drives .................................................................................... 3-2
Required Tools and Equipment .................................................................................... 3-2
Disassembly and Reassembly........................................................................................ 3-3
Top Cover ............................................................................................................ 3-4
Internal Components............................................................................................. 3-9
Illustrated Parts Breakdown......................................................................................... 3-16
Service Information...................................................................................................... 3-18
Technical Support........................................................................................................ 3-19
Product Information..................................................................................................... 3-19
Ordering Information From FaxFlash ........................................................................... 3-20
Appendix A Connector Locations and Pin Assignment
Figures
1-1 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 ........................................................................... 1-1
1-2 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Front and Top Features...................................... 1-2
1-3 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 LEDs ................................................................. 1-3
1-4 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Left Features...................................................... 1-4
1-5 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Right Features.................................................... 1-5
1-6 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Rear Features..................................................... 1-6
2-1 AC Power Cable Connection.......................................................................... 2-2
2-2 Main Power Switch........................................................................................ 2-3
2-3 NEC Versa Expansion Port Cover.................................................................. 2-4
2-4 Stowing the Expansion Port Cover................................................................. 2-4
2-5 Docking Status LEDs..................................................................................... 2-5
2-6 Adjusting the AC Port Guard......................................................................... 2-6
2-7 Lowering the NEC Versa onto the MiniDock................................................. 2-6
2-8 Docking the NEC Versa................................................................................. 2-7
2-9 Opening the LCD Panal.................................................................................. 2-7
2-10 Power Button................................................................................................. 2-8
2-11 Undocking and Suspend/Resume Buttons....................................................... 2-9
2-12 Removing the NEC Versa.............................................................................. 2-10
2-13 Main Setup Screen......................................................................................... 2-12
3-1 Upper Shelter Cover ...................................................................................... 3-4
3-2 Undock Lever Screw Location....................................................................... 3-5

Contents v
3-3 Undock Shelter Screws.................................................................................. 3-6
3-4 Bottom of the MiniDock 6000 ....................................................................... 3-7
3-5 Interior of the MiniDock 6000........................................................................ 3-8
3-6 Fan Assembly Screws..................................................................................... 3-9
3-7 PCB Sub Screws............................................................................................ 3-10
3-8 Frame PCB Main ........................................................................................... 3-11
3-9 Undock Unit Screw Location......................................................................... 3-12
3-10 VersaBay Panel.............................................................................................. 3-13
3-11 Power Supply Unit......................................................................................... 3-14
3-12 PCB Sub........................................................................................................ 3-15
3-13 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 IPB .................................................................... 3-16
A-1 Keyboard and Mouse Ports............................................................................ A-1
A-2 COM Port...................................................................................................... A-2
A-3 Printer Port.................................................................................................... A-3
A-4 Monitor Port.................................................................................................. A-4
List of Tables
1-1 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Chip Types and Technologies............................. 1-8
1-2 I/O Address Map ........................................................................................... 1-9
1-3 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Specifications..................................................... 1-11
3-1 NEC Versa Series MiniDock 6000 Disassembly Sequence.............................. 3-3
3-2 NEC Versa Series MiniDock 6000 Field-Replaceable Parts............................ 3-17
3-3 Packaging and Documentation Part Numbers................................................. 3-18
3-4 NEC Service and Information Telephone Numbers......................................... 3-18
A-1 Keyboard/Mouse Pin Assignments ................................................................. A-1
A-2 COM Port Pin Assignments............................................................................ A-2
A-3 Printer Port Assignments................................................................................ A-3
A-4 Monitor Port Pin Assignments........................................................................ A-4
A-5 Docking Expansion Port Assignments............................................................ A-5

Section 1
Technical Information
The NEC VersaMiniDock 6000™ provides the user with a way to transform his/her NEC
Versa 6000 Series notebook computer into a desktop system.
Figure 1-1 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000

1-2 Technical Information
HARDWARE OVERVIEW
MiniDock features are found on every surface of the unit. To become familiar with these
features, read each of the following sections.
Front and Top Features
Features on the front and top of the NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 are shown in the following
figure. Descriptions follow the figure.
Figure 1-2 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Front and Top Features
Front and Top Feature Descriptions

Docking Guides — ensure that your NEC Versa is aligned properly for docking.
These guides fit into specially placed notches on the bottom of the notebook
computer.

Eject Lever — disconnects the NEC Versa from the MiniDock docking connec-
tor. Before pressing the Eject lever, you must prepare your system for undocking
by pressing the Undocking button or the Power button on the side of the Mini-
Dock. (See Chapter 2, “Docking and Undocking,” in the MiniDock 6000 User’s
Guide for details about undocking procedures.)

Air Vents — allow the MiniDock to cool properly. Keep the vents free of paper
and debris to allow for proper air circulation.

Docking Connector — fits the expansion port on your NEC Versa to allow for
docking.

Technical Information 1-3

AC Port Guard — keeps you from accidentally docking the NEC Versa while it is
still plugged into the AC adapter. When the notebook is docked, the MiniDock
supplies power to run the system and charges the battery installed in the NEC
Versa notebook, but not the battery installed in the MiniDock 6000 VersaBay II.

Notebook Glide — allows your notebook computer to glide easily towards the
docking connector during docking and away from the connector while undocking.

Docking Grips — give you the leverage you need to connect the expansion port
on the notebook computer to the docking connector on the MiniDock.

Docking LEDs — inform you of the current docking status, IDE drive access, and
diskette drive access. LEDs are shown in the following figure and LED states are
described after the figure.
Figure 1-3 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 LEDs
Status LEDs Descriptions
Docking Status – When power is on to the MiniDock, this LED lights as fol-
lows:

Steady green when the NEC Versa is properly docked, powered up, and
locked onto the MiniDock.

Blinks green while processing an undocking request.

Steady amber when power to the MiniDock is on but no notebook com-
puter is docked; when the computer is docked but not powered on; or an
eject request was accepted and the computer is ready for undocking.

1-4 Technical Information
IDE Drive Access – lights green when a CD-ROM, hard disk, or SuperDisk™
LS-120 drive installed in the MiniDock or NEC Versa is accessed.
Diskette Drive Access – lights green when a standard diskette drive installed
in the NEC Versa or MiniDock VersaBay II is accessed. Also lights green
when a diskette drive connected via an external FDD connector cable is ac-
cessed.
Left Features
Features on the left hand side of the MiniDock are shown in the following figure. Descrip-
tions follow the figure.
Figure 1-4 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Left Features
Left Feature Descriptions

PC Card Slots — lets you install two Type II PC cards, one Type III
PC card, or one Type III card in the top slot and one Type II card in
the bottom slot for use while docked.

MIDI/Game Port — supports MIDI/game devices, such as a joystick
or MIDI keyboard.

Serial Port — lets you connect serial devices to the MiniDock.

External FDD Connector — lets you connect an optional External
FDD cable directly to the MiniDock.

Technical Information 1-5

Audio Ports — gives you the option of connecting external audio
devices including: a microphone, headphones, or speakers. You can
also connect other audio devices to use as an output device or input
source.

Volume Control —gives you control over the volume of external
speakers or headphones attached to the MiniDock.

Undocking Button —releases the locking mechanism and prepares
the NEC Versa for undocking. For warm undocking, you must press
the Undocking button before pressing the Eject lever to successfully
undock. (See Chapter 2, “Docking and Undocking,” for details about
undocking the system.)
If an eject request is rejected, the Docking LED returns to solid
green.

Suspend/Resume Button — puts your NEC Versa into Standby
mode to conserve energy. To return to Operating mode, press the
button a second time.
Right Features
Features on the right-hand side of the MiniDock are shown in the following figure. De-
scriptions follow the figure.
Figure 1-5 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Right Side Features

1-6 Technical Information
Right Feature Descriptions

Kensington Lock Port — lets you secure your MiniDock using an op-
tional Kensington Lock.

VersaBay II — lets you install your diskette or SuperDisk drive, CD-
ROM reader, second hard disk drive, or other VersaBay option into the
MiniDock.

VersaBay II Eject Button — ejects a device installed in the MiniDock
6000 VersaBay II.

Power Button — lets you power on and off the NEC Versa notebook
computer docked on the MiniDock.
Rear Features
Features on the rear of the MiniDock 6000 are shown in the following figure. Descriptions
follow the figure.
Figure 1-6 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Rear Features
Rear Feature Descriptions

Keyboard Port — lets you connect a PS/2-style external keyboard to your
MiniDock.

Mouse Port — lets you connect a PS/2-style external mouse to your
MiniDock.

Technical Information 1-7

USB Port — lets you connect one or more USB devices to the Mini-
Dock. If your NEC Versa supports USB device connection, this port on
the MiniDock works. If your NEC Versa does not support USB device
connection, this port does not work.

Power Port — allows you to connect the MiniDock to AC power.
!
CAUTION
Always use the power cable that ships with the
MiniDock or one that is appropriate for your
country. See the cable listed in the MiniDock
6000 User’s Guide. Appendix A, Specifications

Main Power Switch —turns power on to the MiniDock. Pressing this
button to remove power while the notebook is docked and powered on
shuts down everything and can cause a system crash.

Parallel Port — lets you connect a parallel device to the MiniDock.

External Monitor Port — allows you to connect an external monitor.
(You may need to press Fn-F3 to get an image on the external monitor.
See your NEC Versa user’s guide for function key combinations.)

1-8 Technical Information
NEC VERSA MINIDOCK 6000 CHIPSET
Refer to Table 1-1 for a quick summary of the chip types used in the system. See the
Abbreviations section at the beginning of this manual for a translation of chip technologies.
Table 1-1 NEC Versa MiniDock 6000 Chip Types and Technologies
Chip Manufacturer Description Technology
PCI1131 Texas Instruments CardBus Controller 208-pin (TQFP)
PCIset 82380AB
(Moon PCI) Intel PCI to ISA Support 160-pin MQFP
PCIset 82380AF
(Moon ISA) Intel PCI to PCI Support 208-pin SQFP
PCI0646U CMD Technology,
Inc. IDE Controller 100-pin SQFP
PCI Bus-to-CardBus Controller (PCI1131)
The PCI1131 supports two 32-bit CardBus credit-card-size add-in modules that give the
PC access to peripheral devices, such as modems, video programming, printers, external
video monitors, and local area networks.

bandwidth significantly greater than that of other CardBus controllers

supports two 32-bit CardBus credit-card-size and also supports 16-bit PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association) or PC Card add-in
modules.
PCI to ISA Controller (PCIset 82380AB)
This chip provides the docking station with docking control and hot insertion as applicable
to the PCI/ISA bus. The PCIset 82380AB integrates the following in PCI/ISA technology:

supports full ISA including ISA masters

supports PCI at 25 Mhz to 33 Mhz

supports ISA at 7.5 Mhz to 8.33 Mhz

provides byte swap logic, I/O recovery support, wait-state generation, refresh and
SYSCLK generation.

Technical Information 1-9
PCI to PCI Controller (PCIset 82380FB)
This chip provides the MiniDock with docking control and hot insertion. The PCIset
82380FB integrates the following in PCI/PCI technology:

efficient repeater architecture

supports full power management

high performance bridge supports back-to-back data transfer.
IDE Controller (PCI0646U)
NEC uses CMD Technology’s PCI to IDE controller, providing the following:

standard PCI to Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology

complete driver support for all major operating systems including MS-DOS, Win-
dows 3.1, Windows NT, Windows 95, and Novell NetWare

supports isochronous and asynchronous transfer types

supports dynamic “hot” insertion and removal of devices.
I/O ADDRESS MAP
Refer to Table 1-2 for the MiniDock address map.
Table 1-2 I/O Address Map
Address Function
0170 - 0177H IDE Controller (Secondary)
01F0 - 01F7H IDE Controller (Primary)
0376H Alternate HDD, Control and Status
(Secondary)
0377H Alternate HDD, Digital Input Register
(Secondary)
03F6H Alternate HDD, Control and Status
(Primary)
03F7H Alternate HDD, Digital Input Register
(Primary)
0C28H Docking Station Control Register
0C20H NVRAM Page Selection Control Register
1D00 - 1DFFH 16 Pages of 128 byte/page NVRAM

1-10 Technical Information
INTERRUPT AVAILABILITY
The assignments associated with the MiniDock 6000 are as follows:

IRQ 0 — Timer

IRQ 1 — Keyboard controller

IRQ 2 — Cascade

IRQ 3 — * Modem

IRQ 4 — * Serial Port

IRQ 5 — * Audio

IRQ 6 — * Diskette drive

IRQ 7 — * Parallel Port

IRQ 8 — Real Time Clock

IRQ 9 — * IR Port

IRQ10 — IntA (Assigned by Windows 95 Cardbus driver)

IRQ11 — IntB (Assigned by Windows 95 Cardbus driver)

IRQ12 — * VersaGlide/Mouse

IRQ13 — Math Coprocessor

IRQ14 — Primary Hard Drive

IRQ15 — * Secondary Hard Drive (MD6000 Drive).
* These IRQ’s are available for reassignment (IRQ12 is available only with the NEC Versa
6020/6030).

Technical Information 1-11
SPECIFICATIONS
Table 1-3 provides a complete list of the NEC Versa Series MiniDock 6000 specifications.
Table 1-3 NEC Versa Series MiniDock 6000 Specifications
Item Specification
Chassis Configuration (Size)
Width:11.58 in. (297 mm)
Depth:16.25 in. (416.6 mm)
Height (Back): 3.66 in. (94 mm)
Weight: 7.05 lb. (3.2 kg)
Power 120 Volts, 1.5A, 60 Hz (North America)
220-240 Volts, .9A, 50Hz (Europe)
Connector Support Docking Connector  connects to Versa expansion connector
VersaBay II  20-pin connector
Serial RS-232C  9-pin connector
Parallel EPP  25-pin connector
MIDI Game port  15-pin connector
VGA CRT  15-pin port
PS/2-style mouse port
PS/2-style keyboard port
Microphone-in Port  accepts a standard monophonic
microphone jack
Headphone  accepts standard stereo headphone or external
speaker
Line In  external audio source, stereo input to MiniDock.
Line Out  connects to another audio system
USB  4 pin connector
External FDD Connector  26-pin connector
Indicator LEDs Docking status
IDE Drive Access
Diskette Drive Access status

1-12 Technical Information
Table 1-3 NEC Versa Series MiniDock 6000 Specifications (cont’d)
Item Specification
Standard Software
NEC MiniDock 6000 Setup utility
BIOS Update Diskette
Recommended Environment
Temperature: 41° to 95°F (5° to 35°C)
Relative Humidity: 8% to 80% (noncondensing)
Storage Requirements
Temperature: –4° to 140°F (–20° to 60°C)
Relative Humidity: 5 to 95% (non-condensing)
Administrative Compliance
UL 1950 CSA C22.2 No. 950 (D3) CE EN60950; 1992 + A1+
A2; 1993 + A3:1995 + A-4