NEC VERSA 2000 WINDOWS 98 - UPGRADE INFORMATION User manual

VERSA 2000 (RT1)
SERVICE AND REFERENCE MANUAL

PROPRIETARY NOTICE AND LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
The information disclosed in this document, including all designs and related materials, is
the valuable property of NEC Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors. NEC and/or its
licensors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this
document, including all design, manufacturing, reproduction, use, and sales rights thereto,
except to the extent said rights are expressly granted to others.
The NEC 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 NEC.
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 NEC is prohibited.
FastFacts, and NEC SVGA, are U.S. trademarks of NEC Technologies, Inc.
All other product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective trademark owners.

Preface............................................................................................................................. vii
Abbreviations .................................................................................................................. ix
Section 1 Technical Information
Hardware Overview......................................................................................................... 1-2
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD).................................................................................. 1-3
System Board ........................................................................................................... 1-3
Battery Pack ............................................................................................................. 1-4
CMOS Battery.......................................................................................................... 1-4
Bridge Battery .......................................................................................................... 1-4
PCMCIA Slots.......................................................................................................... 1-4
Keyboard.................................................................................................................. 1-4
NEC VersaGlide....................................................................................................... 1-5
System Memory............................................................................................................... 1-5
Memory Map............................................................................................................ 1-6
System Video................................................................................................................... 1-7
Parallel Interface.............................................................................................................. 1-11
Serial Interface................................................................................................................. 1-11
NEC Versa 2000 Series Chip Set.................................................................................... 1-11
System Logic............................................................................................................ 1-12
Flash ROM............................................................................................................... 1-12
ROM BIOS........................................................................................................ 1-12
Peripheral Controller................................................................................................ 1-13
VGA Controller........................................................................................................ 1-13
Video Controller Architecture........................................................................... 1-13
Diskette Controller, Serial Interface, Parallel Interface ........................................... 1-14
Keyboard Controller................................................................................................. 1-14
PCMCIA Controller................................................................................................. 1-14
I/O Addressing ......................................................................................................... 1-15
Interrupt Controllers................................................................................................. 1-16
Power Management Overview ........................................................................................ 1-17
System Power Management..................................................................................... 1-17
Local Power Management........................................................................................ 1-17
Plug and Play................................................................................................................... 1-18
Specifications .................................................................................................................. 1-19
Section 2 Setup and Operation

Unpacking the System..................................................................................................... 2-1
Setup................................................................................................................................ 2-1
Cable Connections.................................................................................................... 2-2
Operating Controls .......................................................................................................... 2-3
LEDs......................................................................................................................... 2-4
Function Keys (Fn Keys).......................................................................................... 2-5
CMOS Clear Switch and Keyboard Switch............................................................. 2-6
Smart Power Switch................................................................................................. 2-7
Power-on Self-Test (Post) ............................................................................................... 2-7
POST Errors............................................................................................................. 2-8
System Parameters........................................................................................................... 2-9
Auto Setup................................................................................................................ 2-9
Accessing Auto Setup .............................................................................................. 2-9
Auto Setup Keys ............................................................................................... 2-10
Auto Setup Parameter Options........................................................................................ 2-11
Parameter Descriptions ............................................................................................ 2-12
Comms.............................................................................................................. 2-12
Drives................................................................................................................ 2-12
Keyboard........................................................................................................... 2-12
Power ................................................................................................................ 2-13
System............................................................................................................... 2-13
Time/Date.......................................................................................................... 2-14
Using Auto Setup to Select Parameters........................................................................... 2-14
Security Options.............................................................................................................. 2-15
System Password...................................................................................................... 2-15
Using the System Password.............................................................................. 2-15
Keyboard Lock Hotkey ............................................................................................ 2-16
NEC Utilities................................................................................................................... 2-17
BIOS Update Utility (BUU)..................................................................................... 2-17
Precautions........................................................................................................ 2-17
Downloading the Update Utility....................................................................... 2-18
Using the Update Utility................................................................................... 2-18
Menu Functions................................................................................................. 2-20
Power Sources................................................................................................................. 2-24
AC Adapter .............................................................................................................. 2-24
Battery Power........................................................................................................... 2-25
Recharging the Battery Pack............................................................................. 2-26

Replacing the Battery Pack.............................................................................................. 2-26
Saving Battery Power............................................................................................... 2-27
Automatic Power-Saving Features.................................................................................. 2-28
Power Saving Levels................................................................................................ 2-28
Active Mode...................................................................................................... 2-28
Suspend Mode................................................................................................... 2-28
Section 3 Illustrated Parts Breakdown
Appendix A Connector Locations and Pin Assignments
List of Figures
1-1 Versa 2000 Series (Right Side View) ............................................................... 1-1
1-2 Versa 2000 Series (Left Side View).................................................................. 1-2
1-3 Versa 2000 Series (Rear View)......................................................................... 1-3
2-1 Power and I/O Connector Locations................................................................. 2-2
2-2 Control and Switch Locations........................................................................... 2-3
2-3 CMOS Clear and Keyboard Switch Locations ................................................. 2-6
2-4 Connecting the AC Adapter.............................................................................. 2-25
2-5 Battery Release Latch Location......................................................................... 2-26
2-6 Battery Pack Replacement ................................................................................ 2-27
3-1 Illustrated Parts Breakdown.............................................................................. 3-4
A-1 System Board Connector Locations.................................................................. A-1
List of Tables
1-1 Versa 2000 Series Memory Map....................................................................... 1-6
1-2 CRT Display Mode (CRT only)........................................................................ 1-7
1-3 LCD Display Modes (640 x 480 TFT, Simultaneous CRT)............................. 1-9
1-4 LCD Display Modes (640 x 480 DSTN, Simultaneous CRT).......................... 1-10
1-5 Versa 2000 Series Chip Types and Technologies............................................. 1-11
1-6 Versa 2000 Series I/O Address Map................................................................. 1-15
1-7 Versa 2000 Series Interrupt Level Assignments............................................... 1-16
1-8 Specifications.................................................................................................... 1-19

2-1 I/O Connector Descriptions............................................................................... 2-2
2-2 Control and Switch Functions........................................................................... 2-4
2-3 FnKey Operations ............................................................................................. 2-5
2-4 POST Error Messages....................................................................................... 2-8
2-5 Auto Setup Key Functions ................................................................................ 2-10
2-6 Auto Setup Parameter Options.......................................................................... 2-11
2-7 Automatic Power-Saving Features.................................................................... 2-28
3-1 Versa 2000 Series Field-Replaceable Parts....................................................... 3-1
3-2 Option and Documentation Part Numbers........................................................ 3-5
A-1 System Board Connectors................................................................................. A-1
A-2 Keyboard/Mouse Connector Pin Assignments ................................................. A-2
A-3 Serial Port Connector Pin Assignments............................................................ A-3
A-4 CRT Connector Pin Assignments..................................................................... A-3
A-5 Parallel Printer Pin Assignments....................................................................... A-4
A-6 Docking Connector Pin Assignments............................................................... A-5
A-7 Power Connector............................................................................................... A-9
A-8 Hard Disk Drive Connector ..............................................................................A-10

Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up,
and maintain the NEC Versa™ 2000 Series Notebook systems. It also provides hardware
and interface information for users who need an overview of the computer system design.
The manual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center
personnel, and dealers.
Please refer to the training module provided on CD-ROM for disassembly/assembly
procedures.
The manual is organized as follows:
Section 1 

Technical Information, provides an overview of the hardware and interface
components. System specifications are listed including computer dimensions, weight,
environment, safety compliance, power consumption, and system memory specifications.
Section 2 
 
 Setup and Operation,takes the user from unpacking to setup and operation.
The section includes a description of operating controls, setting parameters and accessing
the NEC bulletin board system (BBS).
Section 3 
 
 Illustrated Parts Breakdown (IPB),provides an exploded-view diagram of
the Versa 2000 series system and part numbers.
Appendix A 
 
 Connector Locations and Pin Assignments,provides a list of the main
board internal connector pin assignments and a list of external pin assignments.
An Index is included for convenience.

Abbreviations
A ampere
AC alternating current
AT advanced technology
(IBM PC)
BBS Bulletin Board System
BCD binary-coded decimal
BCU BIOS Customized Utility
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
CPGA ceramic pin grid array
CPU central processing unit
CRT cathode-ray tube
DAC digital-to-analog converter
DACK DMA acknowledge
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
EMS Expanded Memory Specification
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
ips inches per second
IRQ interrupt request

K kilo (1024)
k kilo (1000)
KB kilobyte
kg kilogram
kHz kilohertz
kV kilovolt
lb pound
LDTR local descriptor table register
LED light-emitting diode
LSB least-significant bit
LSI large-scale integration
M mega
mA milliamps
max maximum
MB megabyte
MDA Monochrome Display Adapter
MFM modified frequency modulation
Mhz megahertz
mm millimeter
ms millisecond
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
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
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
S slave
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
TAC Technical Assistance Center
TCP Thin chip package
TQFP Thin-quad flat package
TSC Technical Support Center
TTL transistor/transistor logic
tpi tracks per inch
UART universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter
V volt
Vdc volts, direct current
VESA video electronics standards association
VFO variable frequency oscillator
VGA Video Graphics Array
VLSI very large-scale integration
VRAM virtual RAM
W watt
W write

µf microfarad
µPD microprocessor
µs microsecond
Ωohm

Section 1
Technical Information
The NEC Versa 2000 series computers integrate the Intel®486 DX4-75 chip. The systems
offer a unique transportable unit in the following configurations:
!"
NEC Versa 2000C 75-MHz CPU, 350-MB hard disk drive, 9.5-inch thin-film
transistor (TFT) color LCD, 4-MB standard RAM, 1-MB video memory, 256-KB
ROM, no modem
!"
NEC Versa 2000C 75-MHz CPU, 350-MB hard disk drive, 9.5-inch thin-film
transistor (TFT) color LCD, 8-MB standard RAM, 1-MB video memory, 256-KB
ROM, 14.4K bps data fax/modem
!"
NEC Versa 2000C 75-MHz CPU, 540-MB hard disk drive, 9.5-inch thin-film
transistor (TFT) color LCD, 8-MB standard RAM, 1-MB video memory, 256-KB
ROM, 14.4K bps fax/modem
!"
NEC Versa 2000D 75-MHz CPU, 350-MB hard disk drive, 10.4-inch Dual-
scan Super Twisted Nematic (DSTN) color LCD, 4-MB standard RAM, 1-MB
video memory, 256-KB ROM, no modem
Figure Section 2-1 and Figure Section 2-2 show system features.
Figure Section 2-1 Versa 2000 Series (Right Side View)

Figure Section 2-2 Versa 2000 Series (Left Side View)
HARDWARE OVERVIEW
The base unit includes a color LCD panel, a 2 1/2-inch 350-MB, or 540-MB hard disk
drive, a 3 1/2-inch, 1.44-MB diskette drive, a battery pack, and a PS/2 compatible 83-key
keyboard. A 79-key keyboard is used for U.K. and Germany.
Two memory cards slot are available for the addition of a 4-, 8- or 16-MB capacity
memory card. Two Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA)
card slots, supported by the Cirrus Logic CL-PD6720 PCMCIA controller, allow for the
addition of either two PCMCIA Type 1/Type II cards or one PCMCIA Type III card.
Figure Section 2-3 shows the standard I/O interface ports on the system's rear panel. These
include one 6-pin shared PS/2-style keyboard/mouse port, one 9-pin (RS-232C) serial port,
one 25-pin enhanced printer (parallel) port, one docking connector, one 15-pin Super VGA
CRT port, and one 3-pin power connector port.

Figure Section 2-3 Versa 2000 Series (Rear View)
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
The system integrates a built-in LCD. The LCD supports VESA Local (VL) bus video. The
LCD operates with the Chips & Technologies 65545B1-5 VGA controller. The controller
supports Super VGA. For more information on the 65545B1-5 VGA controller, read the
description provided in the Versa 2000 Series Chip Set subsection.
The Versa 2000 series system features the following types of LCDs.
!"
TFT — 9.5-inch thin-film transistor backlit color LCD, 0.3 mm dot pitch, 12-bit
digital interface, 640 x 480 resolution, 4,096 colors, (64K colors on an external
CRT).
!"
DSTN — 10.4-inch dual-scan super twisted nematic color LCD, 0.3 mm dot
pitch, 12-bit digital interface, 600 x 480 resolution, (64K colors on an external
CRT).
In addition, the CRT port on the system's rear panel allows the user to connect an optional
monochrome or color external display to the system. The computer supports the LCD and
external display simultaneously.
Power-saving features for controlling the LCD's backlighting include the ROM-based hot
key Fn F5, and Auto Setup power management settings. See Section 2, Setup and
Operation, for information on using these settings. In addition, the automatic LCD status
sense feature conserves the backlight. When the LCD is closed the backlight shuts off,
saving battery power.

System Board
The system board (G8TZL) is the primary component in the system. It contains I/O
subsystems and houses the Intel®486 DX4-75 chip (75 Mhz internal, 50 Mhz external).
The chip controls important functions including power management, direct drive bus
interface and memory management.
System board specifications are listed in Table Section 2-8 at the end of this section.
Battery Pack
The system uses a rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ION) battery as its transient power source.
The battery pack installs in the compartment next to the diskette drive assembly. The
battery uses 14.4 volts with a 2700 mAh capacity.
The battery pack powers the Versa 2000 for up to approximately four hours under power
management, and two hours without power management. In addition, the battery pack lets
the user know how much battery power is available via the LEDs on the front of the
system, or the battery gas gauge in Windows.
When battery power is getting low, connect the AC adapter to a wall outlet and recharge
the battery. It takes 1.6 hours to recharge the battery pack when the system is powered off.
It takes 6 to 9 hours to recharge the battery while the system is powered on.
CMOS Battery
The lithium battery (3.6 Volts, 1000 mAh capacity) is connected to CN17A on the system
board. It provides battery backup and prevents data loss in the system’s complementary
metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) RAM. This memory area contains information on the
system’s configuration like date, time, drives, and memory. The CMOS battery lasts
approximately two years.
Bridge Battery
The bridge battery saves the memory contents and system status for up to 5 minutes while
in Suspend mode. It is connected to the system board via CN 13. The AC adapter maintains
voltage in the bridge battery when the system is powered on or off. The bridge battery
provides 10 Volts, 30 mAH.
PCMCIA Slots
The Versa 2000 provides a 3.3 volt interface for either two Type I/Type II PCMCIA cards,
or one Type III PCMCIA card.

Keyboard
The built-in, 83-key keyboard (U.S) or 79-key keyboard (UK and Germany) uses the
standard QWERTY format. The keyboard provides 12 function keys and 8 cursor control
keys, with an Fn key for ROM-based key functions. The numeric keypad is embedded in
the standard key layout.
NEC VersaGlide
The NEC VersaGlide is a built-in mechanism that functions as the system’s mouse. It
controls the on-screen pointer (cursor). To use the VersaGlide, glide your finger across the
NEC VersaGlide pad, and the cursor follows. The buttons on either side of the NEC
VersaGlide allow the user to select or deselect menu items. Double-tap is also supported on
the VersaGlide pad.
The NEC VersaGlide is the system's default pointing device unless a PS/2 mouse is
installed. If an external mouse is installed, then the NEC VersaGlide is deactivated. A
serial mouse is not supported.
SYSTEM MEMORY
The system board provides either 4- or 8-MB of standard random access memory (RAM).
Base memory is 640 KB and extended memory is 3072 or 7168 KB (interleaved),
depending on the system model.
Optional memory cards with a value of 4-, 8-, or 16-MB can be added to increase system
memory up to a maximum of 36- or 40-MB. In addition, 256 KB of read-only memory
(ROM), 1 x 28F020, enables the system BIOS to be flashed.

Memory Map
The system supports system and video shadowing, both controlled through complementary
metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). The system supports BIOS as a cacheable area with
write protection. Table Section 2-1 lists the system's memory map.
To view a more complete breakdown, and to determine available space for the addition of
drivers etc., type MSD at the DOS prompt and press Enter.
Table Section 2-1 Versa 2000 Series System Memory Map
Memory Space Size Function
017FFFFFh-
01400000h 24 MB Reserved for Extended Memory
017FFFFFh-
01000000h 20 MB Reserved for Extended Memory
00FFFFFFh-
00C0000h 16 MB Reserved for Extended Memory
00BFFFFFh-
00400000h 8 MB Base Memory
003FFFFFh-
00100000h 4 MB Base Memory
000FFFFFh-
000E0000h 128KB ROM BIOS Low System & Video
000DFFFFh-
000D0000h 
000BFFFFh-
000A0000h 128 KB Video Memory
0009FFFFh-
000C0000h 

SYSTEM VIDEO
The system's LCD operates using the Chips and Technologies 65545B1-5 VGA Controller.
Video signals travel from the controller through the system's 15-pin D-SUB connector
using 5 volts.
System video integrates a 32-bit VL-bus interface using local bus video. The system ships
with 1 MB Video RAM (VRAM). It also supports video modes up to 1024 x 768 with 256
colors in CRT mode.
Table Section 2-2 lists CRT display modes..
NOTE: Interlaced video modes are represented
with the letter I in the table below.
Table Section 2-2 CRT Display Mode (CRT only)
Mode
(Hex) Display Mode Colors Text Display Resolution Font Refresh Rate
0, 1 Text 16 40x25 320x200 8x8 70
0*, 1* Text 16 40x25 320x200 8x14 70
0**, 1** Text 16 40x25 360x400 9x16 70
2*, 3* Text 16 80x25 640x200 8x8 70
2**, 3** Text 16 80x25 720x400 9x16 70
4,5* Graphics 4 40x25 320x200 8x8 70
6 Graphics 2 80x25 640x200 8x8 70
7* Text Mono 80x25 720x350 9x14 70
7** Text Mono 80x25 720x400 9x16 70
D Planar 16 40x25 320x200 8x8 70
E Planar 16 80x25 640x200 8x8 70
F Planar Mono 80x25 640x350 8x14 70
10 Planar 16 80x25 640x350 8x14 70
11 Planar 2 80x30 6400x480 8x16 60
12 Planar 16 80x30 640x480 8x16 60
12*** Planar 16 80x30 640x480 8x16 75
13 Packed
Pixel 256 40x25 320x200 8x8 70
20 4-bit linear 16 80x30 640x480 8x16 60
22 4-bit linear 16 100x37 800x600 8x16 60

Table Section 2-2 CRT Display Mode (CRT only)
Mode
(Hex) Display Mode Colors Text Display Resolution Font Refresh Rate
24 4-bit linear 16 128x48 1024x768 8x16 60
24I 4-bit linear 16 128x48 1024x768 8x16 43
30 8-bit linear 256 80x30 640x480 8x16 60
30*** 8-bit linear 256 80x30 640x480 8x16 75
32 8-bit linear 256 100x37 800x600 8x16 60
32*** 8-bit linear 256 100x37 800x600 8x16 75
34 8-bit linear 256 128x48 1024x768 8x16 60
34I 8-bit linear 256 128x48 1024x768 8x16 43
40 15-bit
linear 32K 80x30 640x480 8x16 60
41 16-bit
linear 64K 80x30 640x480 8x16 60
60 Text 16 132x25 1056x400 8x16 68
61 Text 16 132x50 1056x400 8x16 68
6A, 70 Planar 16 100x37 800x600 8x16 60
6A*** 70*** Planar 16 100x37 800x600 8x16 74
72, 75 Planar 16 128x48 1024x768 8x16 60
72I, 75I Planar 16 128x48 1024x768 8x16 43
78 Packed
Pixel 256 80x25 640x400 8x16 70
79 Packed
Pixel 256 80x30 640x480 8x16 60
79*** Packed
Pixel 256 80x30 640x480 8x16 74
7C Packed
Pixel 256 100x37 800x600 8x16 60
7C*** Packed
Pixel 256 100x37 800x600 8x16 75
*EGA Extension
**VGAExtension
***High Refresh Modes
Table Section 2-3 lists 640 x 480, TFT simultaneous LCD/CRT display modes.
Table Section 2-3 LCD Display Modes (640 x 480 TFT, Simultaneous CRT)