User Guide CC9-SAMBA •
CompactPCI®
Pentium M CPU Board
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Graphics Subsystem
The graphics subsystem is part of the Intel i855GME Graphics/Memory Controller Hub (GMCH). The
CC9-SAMBA is provided with the DVI-I graphics connector. This is both a digital and analog interface.
Recent digital input flat-panel displays are widely available with this connector style. For classic
monitors, adapters or adapter cables can be used for converting from DVI-I to the 15-pin HD D-SUB
connector.
A special display transmitter chip is used for serializing/deserializing the differential DVI signals. The SiI
164 (Silicon Image) transmitter uses PanelLink® Digital technology to support displays ranging from
VGA to UXGA resolutions (25 - 165Mpps) in a single link interface.
The GMCH supports several video resolutions and refresh rates. A partial list is contained in the table
below. Please note, that flat-panel displays should be operated with their maximum resolution at
60Hz refresh rate.
Partial List of i855GME GMCH Video Modes (analog / digital)
Resolution
60Hz
70Hz
72Hz
75Hz
85Hz
640x480
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
800x600
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
1024x768
T
/
T
1)
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
1280x1024
T
/
T
1)
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
T
/
T
1600x1200
T
/
T
1)
T
/ -
T
/ -
T
/ -
T
/ -
2048x1536
T
/ -
T
/ -
T
/ -
T
/ -
- / -
1)
This video mode is suitable for popular flat-panel displays.
As an option, the CC9-SAMBA can be equipped with an ordinary HD D-Sub 15-lead connector (VGA
style). This connector is suitable for analog signals only, so the PanelLink transmitter is not stuffed
with this option. Nevertheless also flat-panel displays can be attached to the D-Sub connector with
only minor impact on the image quality.
Independent from the video connector actually in use, DVI or VGA, the VESA DDC 2B standard is
supported. This is a two-wire serial bus (clock, data), which is controlled by the GMCH and allows to
read out important parameters, e.g. the maximum allowable resolution, from the attached monitor.
In addition, DDC Power (+5V) is delivered to either connector. A resettable fuse is stuffed to protect
the board from an external short-circuit condition (0.75A).
Graphics drivers for the i855GME can be downloaded from the Intel website.
Real-Time Clock
The CC9-SAMBA has a time-of-day clock and 100-year calendar, integrated into the ICH4. A battery
on the board keeps the clock current when the computer is turned off. The CC9 uses a Vanadium-
Pentoxide-Lithium rechargeable battery, giving an autonomy of more than 80 days when fully loaded
after 24 hours. The cell is free of memory effects and withstands deep discharging.
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