Archimedes 300 Series Hardware Product Specification ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Name: 0310011 Version: 0.02 History: 0.01: Undated : started. 0.02: 14-Feb-89: updated for release on SID This specification is subject to change without notice. 1. Equipment ------------ Archimedes Computer system 2. Sales order code ------------------- Archimedes 305 Computer - 0.5 Mbyte - AKB10 Archimedes 310 Computer - 1.0 Mbyte - AKB15 12" Monitor - Mono - AKF01 14" Monitor - Colour - AKF11 3. Function ----------- A low cost, high performance, microcomputer system. It uses the Acorn ARM RISC chip set, comprising the ARM (2u) processor, the MEMC memory controller, the VIDC Video/Sound controller, and the IOC Input/Output controller. The system is expandable and comes with a choice of monitors. 4. Pre-requisites ----------------- None. 5. Similar equipment -------------------- Other microcomputers in the Archimedes series. This Archimedes series range supercedes the BBC Microcomputer System 6502 based technology. 6. Hardware System Components - standard ---------------------------------------- Archimedes consists of a "Three-box" system: Computer A metal cased unit with plastic front, front-sub and rear mouldings. The unit contains the main PCB, a 3.5" floppy disk drive, the PSU and provision for expansion Peripheral Modules (Podules) when the optional backplane and fan is fitted. Keyboard A 103 key keyboard unit in a plastic case. The layout is very similar to the IBM-PC "Enhanced" or "101" style. Connection to the computer is via a coiled serial cable which plugs into the lower front of the computer unit. Function keystrips can be accomodated on the keyboard. A microcontroller (+EPROM) or an ASIC is contained within the keyboard. The keyboard electronics includes an identitiy code which enables the computer to establish the keyboard type. Foreign language variants can have different keycaps together with a unique electronic identification code. Monitor The 300 Series can be supplied with four different monitor "options": 1) None. 2) Monochrome. Analogue with 256 display lines at 50Hz (TV format). 3) Colour. Analogue RGB. For 256 display lines at 50Hz (TV format). 4) Colour. Analogue RGB Multi-sync type. Multi-sync monitors automatically lock onto one of the two or more display frequencies generated by the 300 Series: TV format, 256 display lines, 50Hz non-interlaced. High resolution mode, 512 display lines, 50Hz non-interlaced. etc. Colour composite Video and UHF/VHF TV output are not available. Mouse A three button pointing device with 9-pin miniature circular connector. Approximately 64mm movement to traverse the display (8 {200} edges per mm {inch}). Welcome Guide (AKJ10) An introduction to the computer system that assumes virtually no prior knowledge of computing. Approximately 50 pages. 2/3rds A4 size. User Guide (AKJ15) A Manual covering all versions of BBC BASIC up to, and including, the version supplied with the system, BBC BASIC V. All of the syntax is defined and simple program examples are included. An introduction to the Operating and ADFS/ANFS Filing Systems is also given. Welcome Disk This disk is an introduction to the machine, and is intended to be used in conjunction with the Welcome Guide. Specific items on the disk include: * Tutorials - ADFS, Keyboard, Screens. * Applications/Demos - Music, Font designer, Painting. * Games - Lander * Utilities - SpriteEdit * Library - BBC BASIC V. Version for RAM use. Extended Help features. - Floating point emulator - 6502 emulator. * Fonts - A range of fonts in various alphabets. 7. Hardware System Components - Optional ---------------------------------------- Podule backplane and fan (AKA01) A prerequisite for Podules to be fitted. The backplane will normally be fitted with two DIN 41612 connectors in which rows a & c are loaded (i.e. 64W total for each connector). The fan supports the extra cooling required when several Podules are fitted. (For a full specification see the separate document "Archimedes Series Podules") Econet Interface A Master Series plug-in module can be fitted onto the main PCB. The Econet 5 pin DIN socket is fitted as standard to the machine. (The socket will normally be fitted with a blanking plug in production). The EPROM supplied with the Master Econet module is not used. Podules Up to two Podules can be fitted. Without an Econet module fitted, the machine can have up to two single or double width Podules fitted. These are mechanically similar to single or double width Eurocards. The Podules are fitted one above the other at the rear of the computer. If an Econet module is fitted, only a single width Podule can be fitted in the lower position, unless the module is specifically designed to fit around the Econet module. (e.g. the I/O Podule). Planned Podules include: ROM - AKA05 I/O - AKA10 Midi - AKA15 The 300 Series can be fitted with three of the four categories of Podule i.e. simple, MEMC, and External. Co-processor Podules which need access to the main system data bus are not supported. (see 400 Series). Floppy-disk (AKD50) A second 3.5" Floppy-disk drive can be added internally as a Dealer upgrade to the 300 Series machine. The upgrade consists of a drive unit, new cable assembly and new front sub-moulding. Hard Disk (AKD52) A 20 Mbyte (unformatted) 3.5" Hard Disk can be fitted. This is normally supplied as a Dealer upgrade kit with a mounting plate and Winchester Podule. The Podule backplane and fan must also have been fitted. RAM (AKA51) A 0.5 Mbyte RAM upgrade can be fitted to the 0.5 Mbyte product (Archimedes 305) by plugging suitable additional RAM chips into the unpopulated sockets. 8. Software system components - standard ---------------------------------------- Arthur Operating System For a full specification, see the "Reference Manual". Summary of extensions to the 6502 based BBC Micro MOS: Screen modes Eighteen standard screen modes are supported, with three additional ones to take advantage of Multi-sync higher definition monitors. The first eight modes provide compatibility with the BBC 6502 based range MOS. MODE PIXEL RESOLUTION LOGICAL COLOURS TEXT 0 640 x 256 2 80 x 32 1 320 x 256 4 40 x 32 2 160 x 256 16 20 x 32 3 N/A 2 80 x 25 4 320 x 256 2 40 x 32 5 160 x 256 4 20 x 32 6 N/A 2 40 x 25 7 TELETEXT TELETEXT 40 x 25 8 640 x 256 4 80 x 32 9 320 x 256 16 40 x 32 10 160 x 256 256 20 x 32 11 N/A 4 80 x 25 12 640 x 256 16 80 x 32 13 320 x 256 256 40 x 32 14 N/A 16 80 x 25 15 640 x 256 256 80 x 32 16 N/A 16 132 x 32 17 N/A 16 132 x 25 Also proposed for use with Multi-sync monitors: 18 640 x 512 2 80 x 64 19 640 x 512 4 80 x 64 20 640 x 512 16 80 x 64 In all modes except Teletext, the colours can be chosen from a palette of 4096 colours. There are some restrictions in the 256 colour modes. Graphics extensions Modes 16 & 17, together with graphics extensions, enable VT 100 & VT 220 Emulations to be implemented. The GCOL primitive has been extended to cover: - Transparency - Additional raster operations The GXR Sprite function has been extended to support WIMPS more fully and to provide BLITTER functions for animation. Hardware cursor This now has a user definable 3-colour shape (a sprite). It can be linked to mouse movement. Window Manager This provides a ROM/Operating System based WIMP manager that can be used by Applications programs. It manages up to 32 Windows and provides a common user interface with the mouse across applications. Alphabets Five 8-bit (7 bit ASCII + extensions) alphabets are included in the ROM. These are based on ISO 8859 Parts 1,2,3,4,7. Parts 1 thru 4 support concurrent wordprocessing etc in country groupings. Part 7 supports Greek and English. Optional alphabets based on Cyrillic, Arabic and Hebrew will be available. Fonts Fancy fonts are now supported. They are defined in a file, and cached as required in memory. The fonts are proportionally spaced and can cover a wide range of Point sizes. Options for text justification are provided for use by Application programs. Typically two fonts based on the Latin1 alphabet will be provided on the Welcome disc. Other fonts in other alphabets will be available seperately. Command Line Interpreter This has been considerably extended. It now allows parameters, conditionals, aliasing of commands, system variables and expressions. Debug facilities A Monitor program is provided that allows for debugging i.e. Breakpoints, Disassembler etc. Sound Extended features are provided to support the greatly enhanced hardware capability. The Operating System sound code is split into three levels: Level 0 - Sound DMA Buffer handler: Number of channels, Sample Rate, Channel length Program number of channels (max of 8 - default 1) Enable/disable local speaker Enable/disable sound system Program stereo position (max of 7 positions) Level 1 - Sound Channel Controller: Sets loudness amongst many other characteristics Level 2 - Event Queue manager: Schedules events related to screen display etc. (See "ARM Sound System Interface" for more information) BBC BASIC V Contains extended functions, including: WHILE ------- ENDWHILE CASE --- WHEN ---- OTHERWISE ------ ENDCASE IF ----- THEN ---- ELSE ------ ENDIF Function & Procedure libraries Enhanced error handling Whole array operations Many new keywords (statements) New functions New binary & unary operators New assignment operators New commands Enhanced TRACE Improved PRINT accuracy Re-written string storage More line numbers & better tabulation Full ARM assembler BASIC Editor An extended version of the earlier Acornsoft 6502 based product. 6502 Emulation Code This code emulates the 6502 microprocessor, not specifically the Model B or Master 128 environment. It is supplied on the Welcome Disk. Advanced Disk Filing System An improved version of the 6502 based ADFS. User disk handling has been both extended and at the same time simplified. An additional 800K disk format is added which also provides a faster access. A RAM disk will be added in later versions of the Operating System. Advanced Network Filing System An improved version of the 6502 based ANFS. It has been generalised to support a broader Networking base. It contains three code modules: Econet, NetFS and NetPrint. Floating Point Emulator The FPE code is supplied on the Welcome Disk. Programs using this code will be compatible with the optional Hardware Floating Point Podule when used on the 400 Series. Printer Drivers A range of printer support drivers will be provided as the Operating System is developed. Initially support will be limited to FX80 (i.e. EPSON) dot matrix printers. 9. Software system components - optional ---------------------------------------- Reference Manual A Manual for the more experienced user. It covers features of the Operating System, the 6502 Emulator, the ADFS and the ANFS. 10. Hardware features - functional ---------------------------------- Memory RAM Memory: 512K standard, upgradeable to 1 Mbyte total 120 nS access speed 16 off 64K x 4 RAM fitted as standard. 16 off 64K x 4 RAM optional upgrade. ROM Memory: Four 32 pin sockets are fitted. The options are: 64K - 4 off 16K x 8bit ROM/EPROM (e.g. 27128) 128K - 4 off 32K x 8bit ROM/EPROM (e.g. 27256) 256K - 4 off 64K x 8bit ROM/EPROM (e.g. 27512) 512K - 4 off 128K x 8bit ROM/EPROM only (e.g. 62301) The 300 Series is supplied with 512K of ROM. Access requirements are 200nS for maximum system speed. Slower devices may be used, but need different initialisation code to select the correct setting in MEMC. Processor 24 Mhz main system clock. 4/8 Mhz ARM (2u) processor. System performance is typically 4 MIPS. Real-time clock The real-time clock is powered from the internal batteries while the computer is switched off. Non-volatile RAM 256 bytes of static RAM. 16 bytes are reserved for use by the clock, and the remaining 240 bytes are for Arthur or the User. Powered from internal batteries while the computer is off. Internal batteries Two LR06 (AA size) 1.5V Manganese Alkaline cells, replaced once per year, are contained in holders fixed within the metal cased computer unit. Controls A mains ON/OFF switch at the rear of the Computer unit. This switch is integral with the PSU. Floppy-disk eject button(s) protrude through the front sub-panel from the disk drives. The keyboard contains a system Reset button on its rear face. Indicators A green LED at the front of the Computer unit indicates Mains power ON and an amber LED on the Floppy-drive indicates motor ON. Connectors Power inlet IEC 320/CEE 22 power inlet connector. Min Nominal Max Operating voltage range 198 220/240 264 Vac Frequency 47 50/60 64 Hz Rating (without monitor) 0.4 A Rating (with monitor) 0.9 A The PSU is fitted with an internal link, so that it can be set to 110 Vac. The link change is a workshop modification. Power outlet IEC 320/CEE 22 power outlet connector. This outlet is not controlled by the PSU unit switch i.e. it is live whenever power is supplied to the power inlet. The rating is 3A continuous, 80A surge. Peripheral Module (Podule) bus - internal This backplane can be fitted as an option via a 64-Way DIN 41612 connector to the main PCB. The backplane is fitted with two 64-Way DIN 41612 connectors into which Podules can be plugged. Rows a & c of the DIN connectors are loaded with connector pins. Parallel Printer 25 Way D-type socket. Can be used with an IBM PC printer lead, but does not have identical pin compatibility with the IBM PC. Serial RS 423 Port 9 Way D-type plug. Can be used with an IBM PC Serial lead. Colour Analogue RGB Video 9 Way D-type socket. Can be used with an IBM PGA card lead. Monochrome Composite Video Phono (RCA) plug Keyboard The computer unit contains a 6 way miniature circular socket into which the keyboard cable is plugged. Mouse Three button mechanical mouse with resolution of 8 edges/mm connects via a 9 way circular connector on the keyboard. Audio 3.5 mm 32 ohm stereo jack socket. Sony Walkman headphones are suitable in addition to a Hi-Fi system. 11. Hardware features - Physical -------------------------------- 11.1 Computer unit Dimensions Overall height - 97 mm (excluding feet) Overall width - 362 mm approx. Overall depth - 406 mm approx. Colour Two-tone cream/warm-grey. Colour codes - RAL 1013 - Pantone Warm-grey 3 Finish Fine texture (spark finish) Materials Painted metal Plastic - ABS (flame retardent in some machine variants) Weight TBA 11.2 Keyboard unit Dimensions Overall height - 46 mm (excluding feet) Overall width - 485 mm Overall depth - 205 mm Colour Case Cream - RAL 1013 Buttons Main QWERTY area - Pantone Warm-grey 3 Remaining keys (except function ) - Pantone Warm-grey 6 Function keys - Red Finish Fine-texture (spark finish) Materials Case plastic - ABS (flame retardent option) Function keystrip holder - Methyl-methacrylate (Perspex) Weight TBA 12. Hardware features - Environmental ------------------------------------- 12.1 Operating Temperature 0 to 35 deg C. Humidity 10% to 95% RH at 35 deg C non-condensing. Altitude 0 to 2500 metres above sea level. 12.2 Non-operating Mechanical Shock Designed to withstand: a) Being tilted about each of the bottom edges to a height of 100mm or 30 degrees with the horizontal (whichever is least severe) and then dropped 3 times from each corner. b) 3 parallel falls from a height of 100mm. c) 3 impacts of 0.5N on each accessible face. Vibration Designed to withstand: Randon vibration to BS 2011 Pt 2.1 Test Fd with the following parameters: 20 - 2000 Hz 0.005 g (squared)/Hz 6 Hours total, 2 hours in each perpendicular plane. Thermal Shock +70 degC to -30 degC (repeated 3 times to Acorn Procedure 0980,530). 12.3 Shipment & storage Temperature -40 to 70 deg C Humidity 10 to 95% RH. Non-condensing. Altitude Up to 10,000 metres. Mechanical Shock Capable of withstanding one drop from 1 metre on any face, corner or edge without damage to the equipment or undue damage to the packaging. 12.4 Electrical Safety Designed and manufactured to comply with: The EEC Low Voltage Directive. When fitted with a PSU intended for 220/240V markets: BS 415 (IEC 65) BS 5850 (IEC 380) [BS xxxx (IEC 950) when flame retardent plastics used] VDE xxxx When fitted with a PSU intended for 110V markets, and flame retardent plastic used: CSA 22.2 220 - 1984 (Canada) UL 478 (5th edition) (USA) 12.5 Interference generation Design intent: -Agency- -Country- -Standard- -Comment- 220/240V BSI UK BS 6527 Class B 220/240V VDE GERMANY VDE 0871 Class B 110V FCC USA FCC Pt 15 Class B Sub-pt J 12.6 Interference susceptibility The equipment functions to specification with the following interference: Mains borne: Spikes of peak amplitude 1000V, positive & negative polarity, with a rise time of 5nS and duration 100nS. Spikes shall be non-synchronous with the mains input and have a frequency of 0.2 times the mains frequency. They shall be both symetrically and asymetrically coupled. When the supply has voltage reductions as follows: -Voltage- -Duration- -Repetition Rate- 0V 20mS 2 secs 50% 50mS 2 secs Static Discharge: Discharge voltage levels: Soft error self-recoverable - 5kV Soft error recoverable at keyboard - 7kV Catastrophic failure - 15kV The test is carried out using a discharge originating from a 150pF capacitor charged to the appropriate voltage and discharged via a 150 ohm resistor between any two user accessible points. 12.7 Packaging Material: White faced cardboard carton - 300/300 Printed 2 colour Overall dimensions: Height: 250mm Length: 560mm Width: 530mm Gross weight: TBA Stackability: Designed for 60" maximum stack height on pallette 13. Reliability - hardware -------------------------- The equipment is designed for an operational life of: 50,000 hrs. The MTBF is anticipated to be 10,000 Powered-on hrs. 13.1 Floppy-disk The soft read error (i.e. detectable and correctable on retry) rate is less than one bit error per 10 E9 bits. The hard error rate (i.e. detectable but not correctable) is less than one bit error per 10 E12 bits. The seek error rate is less than one seek error per 10 E6 seeks. 13.2 Keyboard Rated for 5 million operations per keyswitch. 13.3 Supply power switch Rated for 10,000 cycles. 14. Maintenance --------------- Replacement of batteries every year to maintain configuration and clock. Cleaning of mouse rollers as necessary. Cleaning of fan filter approximately once per year. 15. Warranty ------------ 1 Year