AXPvme Single-Board Computer

This document is an Installation/User Guide for the AXPvme single-board computer, a 6U-sized Versa Module Eurocard bus (VMEbus) device powered by a high-performance Alpha AXP processor. It features built-in network and SCSI device controllers (the AXPvme 64LC model being an exception for SCSI) and supports an optional Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) mezzanine card. The module requires a memory daughterboard, available in capacities ranging from 8MB to 128MB.

The guide provides comprehensive instructions for:

• Installation: Covering unpacking, physical and environmental specifications (including critical airflow and temperature requirements), setting configuration switches, installing the memory and optional PCI modules, properly seating the AXPvme module and its corresponding Breakout module into the VME chassis (with explicit cautions regarding static electricity, correct slot alignment, and power application without the Breakout module), and connecting necessary network and console terminal cables.
• Operation: Explaining the front panel controls and indicators (Power LED, VME Slave Activity/Watchdog Timeout LED, Status Display, RESET/HALT switch), detailing console mode entry and exit, and summarizing an extensive list of console commands for system control, diagnostics, and configuration of environmental variables.
• Hardware Overview: Describing the system's architecture, including the Alpha AXP processor, memory subsystem (main memory with ECC and optional secondary cache), PCI bus interfaces (VMEbus, IEEE 802.3 Ethernet, SCSI, PCI option module), and various I/O bus devices such as Flash ROM, NVRAM, Time-of-Year clock, interval timers, watchdog timer, serial lines, LED display, and SROM.
• Diagnostics: Outlining the power-up self-test (POST) process, which runs SROM-based diagnostics (numeric codes) and Flash ROM-based console code diagnostics (alphabetic codes), with status indicated on the LED display and console terminal to aid troubleshooting.
• Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Offering a table of symptoms and corrective actions for common issues, and providing information on repair and warranty services, as well as instructions for managing the replaceable Network Address ROM.