NEC VERSA 6000 Series User manual

First Printing — June 1996
Copyright 1996 Copyright 1996
NEC Technologies, Inc. NEC Corporation
1414 Massachusetts Avenue 7-1 Shiba 5-Chome, Minato-Ku
Boxborough, MA 01719 Tokyo 108-01, Japan
All Rights Reserved 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 Corporation (NEC) and/or its licensors. NEC and/or its licen-
sors, as appropriate, reserve all patent, copyright and other proprietary rights to this docu-
ment, 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.

xi
Preface
This service and reference manual contains the technical information necessary to set up,
and maintain the NEC Versa®6000 Series notebook computer. It also provides hardware
and interface information for users who need an overview of the system’s design. The man-
ual is written for NEC-trained customer engineers, system analysts, service center person-
nel, 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 computer dimensions, weight, envi-
ronment, safety compliance, power consumption, and system memory specifications.
Section 2  Setup and Operation,takes the authorized service technician or dealer 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  Troubleshooting and Repair, includes troubleshooting procedures.
Section 4  Field Service Guidelines,provides disassembly and assembly procedures,
and an exploded-view diagram of the NEC Versa 6000 series system with 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.
Appendix B  Video Modes,lists NEC Versa 6000 supported video modes.
An Index is included for convenience.

iii
Contents
Preface........................................................................................................................ xi
Abbreviations .............................................................................................................. xiii
Section 1 Technical Information
Hardware Overview—Front ........................................................................................ 1-2
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)............................................................................... 1-2
Power Button....................................................................................................... 1-3
Status Bar and Power Indicator............................................................................1-4
Status Icons................................................................................................... 1-4
Keyboard.............................................................................................................. 1-5
NEC VersaGlide................................................................................................... 1-6
Diskette Drive and the NEC VersaBay II.............................................................. 1-7
Infrared (IR) Front Assembly................................................................................ 1-7
Hardware Overview—Right Side................................................................................. 1-9
Hardware Overview—Left Side................................................................................... 1-10
PC Card Slots....................................................................................................... 1-10
Battery Compartment ........................................................................................... 1-11
Hardware Overview—Rear Side.................................................................................. 1-11
Keyboard/Mouse Port .......................................................................................... 1-11
Parallel Port (LPT1)............................................................................................. 1-11
Rear Infrared Port ................................................................................................1-12
Expansion Port..................................................................................................... 1-12
Monitor (Video) Port ...........................................................................................1-12
Serial Port (COM 1)............................................................................................. 1-12
Hardware Overview—Internal Components................................................................. 1-12
Battery Pack......................................................................................................... 1-12
Hard Disk Drive ................................................................................................... 1-12
Diskette Drive ...................................................................................................... 1-13
6x CD-ROM Reader............................................................................................. 1-13
CPU Board........................................................................................................... 1-13
Sound Board ........................................................................................................ 1-14
I/O Board............................................................................................................. 1-15
Modem Board ...................................................................................................... 1-15
CMOS Battery ..................................................................................................... 1-16
Bridge Battery...................................................................................................... 1-16

iv Contents
System Memory .......................................................................................................... 1-16
Memory Map........................................................................................................ 1-17
System Video.............................................................................................................. 1-17
Parallel Interface.......................................................................................................... 1-17
Serial Interface............................................................................................................ 1-18
NEC Versa 6000 Series Chip Set................................................................................. 1-18
Intel Pentium P54LM or P54CSLM...................................................................... 1-19
M-Triton System Controller ................................................................................. 1-19
256K X Flash ROM.............................................................................................. 1-19
ROM BIOS................................................................................................... 1-19
VGA Controller.................................................................................................... 1-20
Parallel Interface................................................................................................... 1-20
Keyboard Controller............................................................................................. 1-20
PCMCIA Controller............................................................................................. 1-20
Sound Integrated Circuit....................................................................................... 1-21
Interrupt Controllers............................................................................................. 1-21
Power Management Overview..................................................................................... 1-22
System Power Management.................................................................................. 1-23
Local Power Management.................................................................................... 1-23
Plug and Play............................................................................................................... 1-24
Specifications .............................................................................................................. 1-25
Section 2 Setup and Operation
Unpacking the System................................................................................................. 2-1
Hardware Setup .......................................................................................................... 2-1
Cable Connections................................................................................................ 2-2
Power Sources ............................................................................................................ 2-3
Using the AC Adapter .......................................................................................... 2-4
Using the Main Battery Pack ................................................................................ 2-4
Determining Battery Status............................................................................ 2-5
When to Change the Battery.......................................................................... 2-6
Battery Handling ........................................................................................... 2-6
Replacing the Battery Pack............................................................................ 2-6
Battery Precautions ....................................................................................... 2-9
Recharging Battery Precautions..................................................................... 2-9
NEC VersaBay II Battery and Adapter Kit .................................................... 2-10
Extending Battery Life................................................................................... 2-10

Contents v
Using the DC Car Adapter.................................................................................... 2-10
Operating Controls...................................................................................................... 2-11
Status Bar ............................................................................................................ 2-13
Status Icons................................................................................................... 2-13
Function Keys (Fn Keys) ...................................................................................... 2-14
Smart Power Switch............................................................................................. 2-14
Dip Switch ........................................................................................................... 2-14
Updating the System BIOS............................................................................ 2-15
Power-On Self-Test (POST)........................................................................................ 2-17
POST Errors ........................................................................................................ 2-18
Setup Utility................................................................................................................ 2-19
Accessing Setup ................................................................................................... 2-19
With an Error at POST.................................................................................. 2-19
With No Errors at POST ............................................................................... 2-19
Setup Screen ........................................................................................................ 2-20
Setup Keys.................................................................................................... 2-21
Changing/Setting Parameter Settings........................................................................... 2-21
Parameter Options....................................................................................................... 2-22
Parameter Descriptions......................................................................................... 2-24
Time/Date ..................................................................................................... 2-24
Drives............................................................................................................ 2-24
Peripherals..................................................................................................... 2-25
Power Savings............................................................................................... 2-25
Security......................................................................................................... 2-26
Security Options.......................................................................................................... 2-26
Setting an Initial Password.................................................................................... 2-26
Using the System Password........................................................................... 2-27
Keyboard Lock..................................................................................................... 2-27
PowerPanel Overview ................................................................................................. 2-27
Automatic Power-Saving Features............................................................................... 2-28
Section 3 Troubleshooting and Repair
Quick Troubleshooting................................................................................................ 3-1
Helpful Questions........................................................................................................ 3-4
Informational Messages............................................................................................... 3-4
Beep Codes................................................................................................................. 3-5
Explanation of Test Terms for Beep Code Table................................................... 3-5

vi Contents
Beep Codes for System Board Errors ................................................................... 3-5
Section 4 Field Service Guidelines
Preventive Maintenance............................................................................................... 4-1
Cleaning the Notebook’s Exterior......................................................................... 4-1
Cleaning the Notebook’s Interior.......................................................................... 4-2
Protecting the Disk Drives.................................................................................... 4-2
Handling the Battery Packs................................................................................... 4-3
Maintaining the LCD Quality................................................................................ 4-3
Required Tools and Equipment.................................................................................... 4-3
Disassembly and Reassembly ....................................................................................... 4-4
Hard Disk Drive ................................................................................................... 4-5
Diskette Drive ...................................................................................................... 4-7
Main Battery Pack (Li-Ion Type).......................................................................... 4-8
LCD and Top Cover............................................................................................. 4-10
Power Button, IR Board, Keyboard...................................................................... 4-12
LCD Status Bar, VersaGlide Assembly, Metal Keyboard Support......................... 4-14
Bridge Battery, CMOS Battery, Buzzer................................................................ 4-15
CPU Board, Modem Board .................................................................................. 4-16
Heat Shield, Sound Board, Microphone Assembly................................................ 4-17
I/O Board............................................................................................................. 4-18
Illustrated Parts Breakdown......................................................................................... 4-19
Service Information..................................................................................................... 4-23
Technical Support ....................................................................................................... 4-23
Product Information.................................................................................................... 4-24
Ordering Information from FastFacts.......................................................................... 4-24
Appendix A Connector Locations and Pin Assignments
Appendix B Video Modes
List of Figures
1-1 NEC Versa 6000 Series Notebook................................................................. 1-1
1-2 LCD Panel..................................................................................................... 1-2
1-3 Power Button Location ................................................................................. 1-3
1-4 LCD Status Bar............................................................................................. 1-4

Contents vii
1-5 Keyboard Layout........................................................................................... 1-5
1-6 VersaGlide Location...................................................................................... 1-6
1-7 NEC VersaBay II Location............................................................................ 1-7
1-8 Front I/R Assembly Location......................................................................... 1-8
1-9 Rear I/R Assembly Location.......................................................................... 1-9
1-10 Right Side Features........................................................................................ 1-10
1-11 Left Side Features.......................................................................................... 1-11
1-12 Rear Features ................................................................................................ 1-12
1-13 CPU Board Layout........................................................................................ 1-13
1-14 Sound Board Layout ..................................................................................... 1-14
1-15 I/O Board Layout.......................................................................................... 1-15
2-1 Connecting the AC Adapter........................................................................... 2-1
2-2 Powering on the System ................................................................................ 2-2
2-3 Power and I/O Connector Locations.............................................................. 2-3
2-4 NEC Versa 6000 AC Adapter........................................................................ 2-4
2-5 Removing the Cover...................................................................................... 2-7
2-6 Removing the Battery.................................................................................... 2-7
2-7 Inserting the Battery Pack.............................................................................. 2-8
2-8 Replacing the Cover ...................................................................................... 2-8
2-9 Connecting the Car DC Adapter .................................................................... 2-10
2-10 Keyboard Panel LEDs and Controls............................................................... 2-11
2-11 Right Side Panel Controls/Ports..................................................................... 2-11
2-12 Status Bar Location....................................................................................... 2-13
2-13 Locating the Switch Settings.......................................................................... 2-16
4-1 Removing the Drive Bay Cover ..................................................................... 4-5
4-2 Removing the Hard Disk Drive...................................................................... 4-6
4-3 VersaBay II Release Latches.......................................................................... 4-7
4-4 Removing the Standard Diskette Drive .......................................................... 4-8
4-5 Removing the Battery Compartment Cover.................................................... 4-9
4-6 Removing the Battery.................................................................................... 4-9
4-7 Removing the Bottom Base Screws............................................................... 4-10
4-8 Disconnecting the LCD Connectors............................................................... 4-11
4-9 Removing the Power Button, IR Board ......................................................... 4-12
4-10 Disconnecting the Keyboard Cables............................................................... 4-13
4-11 LCD Status Bar, VersaGlide Assembly, Metal Keyboard Support.................. 4-14

viii Contents
4-12 Removing Bridge Battery, CMOS Battery and Buzzer................................... 4-15
4-13 Removing the CPU Board ............................................................................. 4-16
4-14 Heat Shield, Sound Board, Microphone Assembly......................................... 4-18
4-15 Removing the I/O Board................................................................................ 4-19
4-16 NEC Versa 6000 Illustrated Parts Breakdown ............................................... 4-20
A-1 CPU Board Layout........................................................................................ A-1
List of Tables
1-1 Model Configurations.................................................................................... 1-1
1-2 Memory Map................................................................................................. 1-17
1-3 NEC Versa 6000 Series Chip Types and Technologies................................... 1-18
1-4 Interrupt Controllers...................................................................................... 1-21
1-5 Automatic Power-Saving Features................................................................. 1-22
1-6 Maximum Performance Default Settings........................................................ 1-24
1-7 Specifications ................................................................................................ 1-25
2-1 I/O Connector Descriptions ........................................................................... 2-3
2-2 Control and Switch Functions........................................................................ 2-12
2-3 FnKey Operations.......................................................................................... 2-14
2-4 POST Error Messages................................................................................... 2-18
2-5 Setup Key Functions...................................................................................... 2-21
2-6 Setup Parameters........................................................................................... 2-22
2-7 Automatic Power-Saving Features................................................................. 2-28
3-1 Quick Troubleshooting.................................................................................. 3-1
3-2 BIOS Informational Messages ....................................................................... 3-4
3-3 BIOS Beep Codes ......................................................................................... 3-6
4-1 NEC Versa 6000 Series Disassembly Sequence.............................................. 4-4
4-2 NEC Versa 6000 Series Field-Replaceable Parts............................................ 4-21
4-3 NEC Service and Information Telephone Numbers........................................ 4-23
A-1 CPU Board Connectors................................................................................. A-2
A-2 Keyboard/Mouse Connectors......................................................................... A-2
A-3 Serial Port Connector Pin Assignments.......................................................... A-3
A-4 CRT Connector Pin Assignments................................................................... A-3

Contents ix
A-5 Parallel Printer Pin Assignments..................................................................... A-4
A-6 Power Connector........................................................................................... A-4
A-7 Hard Disk Drive Connector ........................................................................... A-5
B-1 LCD Display Mode Setting (800x600 TFT Color LCD
& Simultaneous CRT Display ........................................................................ B-1
B-2 CRT Display Mode (CRT Only) .................................................................... B-3
B-3 Panning Video Mode (800x600 TFT Color LCD and
Simultaneous CRT Display............................................................................ B-4

xiii
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

xiv Abbreviations
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
SOIC small outline integrated circuit
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

Abbreviations xv
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
µf microfarad
µPD microprocessor
µs microsecond
Ωohm

Section 1
Technical Information
The NEC Versa 6000 Series notebook computers are lightweight, compact, and fully IBM
compatible. This section focuses on system features. Refer to theNEC Versa 6000 Series
User’s Guide for additional user information.
The NEC Versa 6000 Series notebook computers are available in the following models:
Table 1-1 Model Configurations
Configuration NEC Versa 6000H NEC Versa 6030H NEC Versa 6030X
CPU Pentium
P54LM,100 MHz Pentium P54CSLM,133 MHz Pentium P54CSLM,133 MHz
On-Board DRAM 16 MB 16 MB 16 MB
Video Memory 2 MB 2 MB 2 MB
Hard Disk Drive 1.08 GB 1.35 GB 1.44 GB
Color LCD 11.3” SVGA TFT
Color Display 12.1” SVGA TFT Color Display 12.1” XGA TFT Color Display
Figure 1-1 NEC Versa 6000 Series Notebook

1-2 Technical Information
HARDWARE OVERVIEW—FRONT
Take a moment to become familiar with the location and function of controls located on the
front of the system.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
The LCD operates with the Chips & Technologies 65550 VGA controller. The controller
supports Super VGA, uses a 64 bit accelerator and a PCI interface. The LCD also supports
VESA timing.
Additional LCD panel features include built-in stereo speakers and a slide switch that ad-
justs screen brightness.
Figure 1-2 LCD Panel
The NEC Versa 6000 series computer features the following LCD types.
■11.3-inch SVGA TFT — active matrix Thin Film Transistor (TFT), Cold Cathode
Flourescent Tube (CCFT), Super VGA (SVGA) backlit color LCD, 0.29 mm dot
pitch, 18-bit digital interface, 800 x 600 resolution and 256,000 colors.
■12.1-inch SVGA TFT — high resolution active matrix TFT, CCFT, SVGA,
backlit color LCD, 0.306 mm dot pitch, 18-bit digital interface, 800 x 600 resolu-
tion, 256,000 colors.
■12.1-inch Extended Graphics Array (XGA) TFT — high resolution active matrix
XGA color LCD, 0.24 mm dot pitch, 18-bit digital interface, 1024 x 768 resolu-
tion, 256,000 colors.

Technical Information 1-3
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 Opera-
tion, 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.
Power Button
Slide the power button to the right to power on and power off the computer. The power
button is a “smart” switch, meaning that it recognizes when the system is in Suspend mode.
If in Suspend mode, you cannot power off until you press the suspend button again to bring
it out of Suspend mode.
Figure 1-3 Power Button Location

1-4 Technical Information
Status Bar and Power Indicator
The status bar is situated right below the LCD. It provides an easy way to detect system
status. Different graphic icons will appear on the LCD bar indicating that a device is ac-
cessed, an operation performed, or a power mode is activated. The graphic icons displayed
on the LCD bar resembles either their physical characteristics or their primary function.
Also found just on the upper rightmost of the LCD Status Bar is the Power LED Indicator
which activates (green color) whenever the computer’s power is on.
Figure 1-4 LCD Status Bar
Status Icons
The following list defines the status icons displayed in the system status bar.
■Suspend — appears when the system is in Suspend mode. Suspend mode con-
serves system power by shutting down devices in the system while retaining data
and system status.
■Power Management — shows the current power management mode in use, in-
cluding Off, Low, High or Custom.
■Diskette — appears when the NEC Versa writes data to or retrieves data from a
diskette.
■Hard Disk — shows when the NEC Versa writes data to or retrieves data.
■Caps Lock — appears when caps lock is in effect.
■Scroll Lock — shows that scroll lock is in effect.
■Num Lock — appears when Num Lock mode is active.

Technical Information 1-5
■Battery Status — displays the percentage of battery power available.
 Battery 1 appears when you have one or more batteries installed.
 Battery 2 appears when you have an optional battery installed in the VersaBay
II.
Keyboard
The built-in, 83-key keyboard (U.S) or 79-key keyboard (UK and Germany) uses the stan-
dard 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 stan-
dard key layout.
Figure 1-5 Keyboard Layout

1-6 Technical Information
NEC VersaGlide
The NEC VersaGlide is a built-in mechanism that functions as the system’s mouse. It con-
trols the on-screen pointer (cursor). To use the VersaGlide, move your finger across the
NEC VersaGlide pad, and the cursor follows. The buttons on either side of the NEC Ver-
saGlide allow the user to select or deselect menu items. Tap and double-tap are supported
on the VersaGlide pad.
The NEC VersaGlide is the system's default pointing device unless a PS/2 mouse is in-
stalled. If an external mouse is installed, then the NEC VersaGlide is deactivated. A serial
mouse is not supported.
Figure 1-6 VersaGlide Location

Technical Information 1-7
Diskette Drive and the NEC VersaBay II
A standard 1.44-MB diskette drive comes installed in the VersaBay II slot on the front of
the system. The VersaBay II expansion slot allows the user to replace the standard diskette
drive with a number of different NEC options including a CD-ROM reader, a second bat-
tery pack, or an additional hard disk drive using the release latches on the bottom of the
unit.
Figure 1-7 NEC VersaBay II Location
Infrared (IR) Front Assembly
The front IR assembly is connected to the I/O board via connectors P7. The rear IR assem-
bly is discussed later in this section.
The front IR assembly consists of a small board with infrared LEDs. The board allows the
NEC Versa 6000 series computer to communicate with other infrared-ready computers. For
example, the infrared ports allow the user to transfer files between the NEC Versa and an
IR-equipped desktop, or print to an IR-equipped printer without using cables.

1-8 Technical Information
The computer ships with the rear IR assembly selected in Setup. If you need to use the front
IR assembly, go into Setup to change the default setting to the front IR assembly. When the
NEC Versa 6000 is docked to the optional NEC Versa Docking Station 6000, the rear IR
assembly is automatically disabled, and the front enabled.
Figure 1-8 Front IR Assembly Location
Figure 1-9 Rear IR Assembly Location