VIA Technologies EPIA N-Series User manual

May 23, 2006 Version 1.1
Operating Guide
EPIA N-Series Nano-ITX Mainboard

EPIA N-Series Operating Guide
May 23, 2006 - i - Version 1.1
Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................................................I
VIA EPIA N-SERIES OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................................................. 1
VIA EPIA N-SERIES LAYOUT ................................................................................................................................................... 2
VIA EPIA N-SERIES SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................................................................... 3
VIA EPIA N PROCESSOR SKUS................................................................................................................................................ 4
VIA LUKE COREFUSION™ OVERVIEW................................................................................................................................ 5
VIA EPIA N-SERIES I/O BACK PANEL LAYOUT.................................................................................................................. 6
VIA EPIA N-SERIES LAYOUT DIAGRAM & HEIGHT DISTRIBUTION ........................................................................... 7
VIA EPIA NL-SERIES LAYOUT DIAGRAM & HEIGHT DISTRIBUTION (BOTTOM) ................................................... 8
VIA EPIA NL-SERIES THERMAL LAYOUT & HEIGHT DISTRIBUTION........................................................................ 9
NOISE LEVEL DATA ................................................................................................................................................................. 10
POWER CONSUMPTION .......................................................................................................................................................... 11
VIA EPIA N 5000E.................................................................................................................................................................... 11
VIA EPIA N 8000E.................................................................................................................................................................... 12
VIA EPIA N 10000 .................................................................................................................................................................... 13
POWER SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................................... 15
VIA EPIA N-SERIES MICROSOFT AND LINUX DRIVER SUPPORT............................................................................... 16
MICROSOFT DRIVER SUPPORT...................................................................................................................................................... 16
LINUX DRIVER SUPPORT .............................................................................................................................................................. 16
CONTACT .................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

EPIA N-Series Operating Guide
May 23, 2006 - 1 - Version 1.1
VIA EPIA N-Series Overview
The VIA EPIA N-Series Nano-ITX Mainboard is an ultra compact x86 motherboard design with
unprecedented expandability and versatility for today’s ever-growing need of embedded applications.
The mainboard is based on the VIA Luke CoreFusion™ processor featuring an embedded hardware
MPEG-2 decoder / MPEG-4 accelerator and integrated VIA UniChrome™ Pro 2D/3D graphics for rich
digital media performance. With the sizable memory bandwidth of DDR400 SDRAM SODIMM, the high
data transfer speeds of ATA-133 and Serial ATA and further enhanced by support of 6-Channel AC’97
codec for Smart 5.1 surround sound, the VIA EPIA N-Series delivers the increased performance levels
required of today’s embedded digital media applications.
The latest in high-bandwidth connectivity is supported with up to eight USB 2.0 ports, as well as an
10/100 Fast Ethernet port for extended broadband connectivity. The VIA EPIA N-Series also offers
support for a number of LVDS embedded LCD panels, TV-out, S-Video, Video interface port and has one
Mini-PCI slot for expandability options. The VIA EPIA N-Series is compatible with a full range of Nano-
ITX chassis as well as FlexATX and MicroATX enclosures and power supplies.
The VIA EPIA N-Series is fully compatible with Microsoft® and Linux operating systems and is available
in a variety of configurations, including the fanless VIA Luke CoreFusion™ processor for silent system
designs.

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VIA EPIA N-Series Layout

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VIA EPIA N-Series Specifications
Core Logic - VIA Luke CoreFusion™ processor
- VIA VT8237R-series South Bridge
System Memory - 1 DDR400/333/266 SODIMM socket
- Up to 1GB memory size
VGA - Integrated VIA UniChrome™ Pro AGP Graphics with MPEG-2
Decoding / MPEG-4 Acceleration
Expansion Slot - 1 Mini-PCI
Onboard IDE - 2 UltraDMA 133/100 connectors (Secondary 2.0mm 44-pin
header)
Onboard S-ATA - 1 Serial ATA port
Onboard LAN - VIA VT6103 10/100 Base-T Ethernet PHY
Onboard Audio - VIA VT1617A 6 channel AC’97 Codec
Onboard TV Out - VIA VT1625 TV Encoder
Onboard I/O Connectors - 2 USB pin headers for 4 additional USB 2.0 ports
- 1 VIP pin header
- 1 SIO pin header (including SIR and LPC support)
- 1 YPbPr pin header (Component TV output connector)
- 1 Front-Panel pin header
- 1 KBMS pin header (Switchable for KB/MS connector)
- 1 FAN connector (CPU FAN)
- 1 LVDS / DVI connector (an add-on card is required)
- 1 +12V Nano-ITX power connector
Back Panel I/O - 1 RJ-45 LAN port
- 2 USB 2.0 ports
- 1 VGA port
- 1 RCA port (SPDIF or TV out)
- 1 S-Video port
- 3 Audio jacks: line-out, line-in and mic-in (Horizontal, Smart
5.1 support)
BIOS - Award BIOS
- 4/8Mbit flash memory
System Monitoring &
Management
- CPU temperature monitoring
- CPU voltage monitoring
- Fan control
- Wake-on-LAN, Keyboard-Power-on, Timer-Power-on
- System power management
- AC power failure recovery
Operating Temperature - 0°C up to 47°C ~ 50°C (by different product items)
Operating Humidity - 0% ~ 95%
Form Factor - Nano-ITX (8 Layer)
- 12 cm x 12 cm
* The specification is subject to change without prior notice.

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VIA EPIA N Processor SKUs
The VIA EPIA N-Series is available in 533MHz, 800MHz and 1.0GHz speed grades. The VIA EPIA N
utilizes VIA’s ultra low power VIA Luke Core Fusion™ processor.
PadLock ACE US government
approved Advanced Encryption
Standard (AES), performing
cryptographic functions for
securing e-mails, personal files,
online transactions, and networks.
PowerSaver 3.0 tech-
nology, extends battery life by
dynamically altering the voltage
and clock frequency to reduce
power consumption when the
processor is not required to run
at full speed.
The VIA FliteDeck™ Suite, an
advanced system management
suite that enables to user to
effortlessly track and monitors
mission critical system data and
enable seamless live Windows®-
based BIOS updates as well as
comprehensive BIOS status
information.

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VIA Luke CoreFusion™ Overview
The Luke CoreFusion™ Processor is a high performance, cost-effective and energy efficient processor
with integrated UniChrome Pro graphics / video controller. The Luke CoreFusion™ Processor integrates
VIA’s most advanced system controller with high-performance UniChrome Pro 3D / 2D graphics and
video controller, DVI monitor and TV-Out interfaces. And provides superior performance between the
DRAM, V-Link and internal or external AGP 8x graphics controller with pipelined, burst and concurrent
operation. The VT8237R-series is a highly integrated peripheral controller which includes Serial ATA,
Ultra DMA IDE, USB 2.0, 10/100 MB networking MAC, AC’97 and system power management controllers.
The complete system consists of the Luke CoreFusion™ Processor and the VT8237R-series V-Link
South Bridge on the EPIA N board.

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VIA EPIA N-Series I/O Back Panel Layout
The EPIA N’s ultra compact 12cm x 12cm, integrated design supports all the standard legacy x86
connectivity options as well as USB 2.0, VGA port, RJ45 LAN port and VIA 6 channel AC’97 audio.
VGA-out
RCA-out
Line-out Line-in
USB
Microphone
RJ45
S-video

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VIA EPIA N-Series Layout Diagram & Height Distribution

EPIA N-Series Operating Guide
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VIA EPIA NL-Series Layout Diagram & Height Distribution (Bottom)

EPIA N-Series Operating Guide
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VIA EPIA NL-Series Thermal Layout & Height Distribution

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Noise Level Data
VIA and the EPIA series have been at the forefront of the quiet computing initiative. The VIA EPIA N-
Series has been designed to be totally non-obtrusive with noise levels equivalent to a person whispering.
With noise levels ranging from the totally silent VIA EPIA N10000, VIA EPIA N8000E, and VIA EPIA
N5000E, a new wave of system design innovation and exciting opportunities are being created in an
almost limitless number of emerging new market segments - ranging from fanless thin clients, flat panel
small form factor desktop replacement systems, LCD PCs and a host of other space and power saving
systems.
Common Sounds dBA Level
Threshold of hearing 0 dBA
VIA EPIA N5000E 0 dBA
VIA EPIA N8000E 0 dBA
VIA EPIA N10000 20 dBA
Normal breathing 10 dBA
Whispering at 1 meter 20 dBA
Conventional PC 35 – 50 dBA
Rainfall 50 dBA
Normal speech 60 dBA
The dBA scale is logarithmic, i.e. 10 dBA represents a doubling in volume. dBA values are measured at
a distance of one meter.

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Power Consumption
Power consumption tests were carried out comparing the VIA EPIA N5000E (running the 533MHz VIA
CoreFusion™ processor), VIA EPIA N8000E (running the 800MHz VIA CoreFusion™ processor) and VIA
EPIA N10000 (running the 1.0GHz VIA CoreFusion™ processor). The following tables are a
comprehensive breakdown of the EPIA platform’s voltage, amp and wattage values while running
common system applications.
VIA EPIA N 5000E
A. Playing DVD – Power DVD 5.0
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.222 2.992 9.640
Main Board +5V 5.044 0.928 4.681
Main Board 5VSB 4.915 0.058 0.285
Main Board +12V 11.993 0.095 1.139
15.745
Main Board Power Consumption
B. Playing MP3 – Media Player
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.238 2.820 9.131
Main Board +5V 5.055 0.783 3.958
Main Board 5VSB 4.924 0.058 0.286
Main Board +12V 12.005 0.096 1.152
14.527
Main Board Power Consumption
C. Running Network Application – File Copy
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.243 2.663 8.636
Main Board +5V 5.064 0.512 2.593
Main Board 5VSB 4.928 0.060 0.296
Main Board +12V 11.992 0.097 1.163
12.688
Main Board Power Consumption
D. Idle
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.252 2.589 8.419
Main Board +5V 5.066 0.439 2.224
Main Board 5VSB 4.930 0.060 0.296
Main Board +12V 11.992 0.099 1.187
12.126
Main Board Power Consumption

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E. Run C.C. Winstone 2001
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.234 2.750 8.894
Main Board +5V 5.051 0.897 4.531
Main Board 5VSB 4.922 0.059 0.290
Main Board +12V 12.004 0.097 0.000
13.715
Main Board Power Consumption
F. S3 Mode
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 0.000 0.000 0.000
Main Board +5V 0.000 0.000 0.000
Main Board 5VSB 4.963 0.160 0.794
Main Board +12V 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.794
Main Board Power Consumption
VIA EPIA N 8000E
A. Playing DVD – Power DVD 5.0
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.216 2.970 9.552
Main Board +5V 5.039 1.067 5.377
Main Board 5VSB 4.913 0.055 0.270
Main Board +12V 11.992 0.084 1.007
16.206
Main Board Power Consumption
B. Playing MP3 – Media Player
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.228 2.871 9.268
Main Board +5V 5.047 1.035 5.224
Main Board 5VSB 4.921 0.056 0.276
Main Board +12V 12.004 0.087 1.044
15.811
Main Board Power Consumption
C. Running Network Application – File Copy
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.240 2.626 8.508
Main Board +5V 5.063 0.579 2.931
Main Board 5VSB 4.928 0.059 0.291
Main Board +12V 11.990 0.093 1.115
12.846
Main Board Power Consumption

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D. Idle
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.244 2.575 8.353
Main Board +5V 5.062 0.491 2.485
Main Board 5VSB 4.927 0.059 0.291
Main Board +12V 11.996 0.093 1.116
12.245
Main Board Power Consumption
E. Run C.C. Winstone 2001
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.224 2.764 8.911
Main Board +5V 5.043 1.164 5.870
Main Board 5VSB 4.918 0.057 0.280
Main Board +12V 12.006 0.086 0.000
15.062
Main Board Power Consumption
F. S3 Mode
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 0.000 0.000 0.000
Main Board +5V 0.000 0.000 0.000
Main Board 5VSB 4.963 0.160 0.794
Main Board +12V 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.794
Main Board Power Consumption
VIA EPIA N 10000
A. Playing DVD – Power DVD 5.0
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.219 2.974 9.573
Main Board +5V 5.041 1.086 5.475
Main Board 5VSB 4.910 0.064 0.314
Main Board +12V 11.982 0.170 2.037
17.399
Main Board Power Consumption

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B. Playing MP3 – Media Player
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.232 2.877 9.298
Main Board +5V 5.049 1.045 5.276
Main Board 5VSB 4.918 0.063 0.310
Main Board +12V 11.994 0.170 2.039
16.923
Main Board Power Consumption
C. Running Network Application – File Copy
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.239 2.654 8.596
Main Board +5V 5.058 0.606 3.065
Main Board 5VSB 4.923 0.066 0.325
Main Board +12V 11.992 0.171 2.051
14.037
Main Board Power Consumption
D. Idle
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.249 2.594 8.428
Main Board +5V 5.064 0.508 2.573
Main Board 5VSB 4.925 0.064 0.315
Main Board +12V 11.983 0.170 2.037
13.353
Main Board Power Consumption
E. Run C.C. Winstone 2001
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 3.228 2.763 8.919
Main Board +5V 5.044 1.148 5.791
Main Board 5VSB 4.915 0.062 0.305
Main Board +12V 11.990 0.171 0.000
15.014
Main Board Power Consumption
F. S3 Mode
Measured Voltage Measured Amp. Watts
Main Board +3.3V 0.000 0.000 0.000
Main Board +5V 0.000 0.000 0.000
Main Board 5VSB 4.955 0.164 0.813
Main Board +12V 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.813
Main Board Power Consumption

EPIA N-Series Operating Guide
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Power Specifications
The EPIA N utilizes an industry standard 12-pin ATX main connector to the power supply. Due to the
EPIA N platform’s ultra low power requirements, a 90 – 120 Watt ATX power supply is ample for even the
heaviest of multimedia system applications.
1 +3.3V 7 -PSON
2 +3.3V 8 +5V
3 +3.3V 9 GND
4 +5VSUS 10 +5V
5 GND 11 GND
6 +12V 12 PWRGD
Nano-ITX PWR
11
2
12
1

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VIA EPIA N-Series Microsoft and Linux Driver Support
Microsoft Driver Support
VIA EPIA N-Series offer full support for the complete range of Microsoft operating systems.
For standard operating systems, Windows 98/Me/2000/XP latest drivers downloads can be found in the
VEPD website at www.viaembedded.com.
For embedded operating systems, Windows CE.NET and XP Embedded related driver supports can be
found in the VIA Arena website at www.viaarena.com.
Linux Driver Support
VIA EPIA N mainboards have a very high degree of support under Linux.
Support and drivers are provided through various methods including:
• Drivers provided by VIA
– Using a driver built into a distribution package
– Visiting VIA Arena website at www.viaarena.com for latest updates on a monthly basis
• Installing a third party driver (such as the ALSA driver from the Advanced Linux Sound
Architecture project for integrated audio)
For OEM clients and system integrators developing a product for long-term production, other code and
resources may also be made available. You can submit a request either through the Developers portal
on VIA Arena, or through your VEPD support contact. Alternatively, VIA can work further towards
providing additional drivers to suite your specific needs.

EPIA N-Series Operating Guide
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Contact
For more information on the VIA EPIA N-Series Nano-ITX Mainboard contact your sales representative or
visit our website at www.viaembedded.com
USA
440 Mission Court, Suite 220
Fremont, CA 94539
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Germany
Mottmann Strasse 12
53842 Troisdorf-Oberlar
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Taiwan
1F, 531, Chung Cheng Road
Hsin Tien, Taipei
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
China
6F, DAscom Tower
9 Shangdi East Road
Haidian District
Beijing, 100085
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]