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Introduction 1–5
Software Support
1.1.6 Miscellaneous Logic
The AlphaPC 164SX contains the following miscellaneous components:
• Operating system support — through a 1MB flash ROM that contains supporting
firmware.
• Synthesizer for clocks:
– A clock synthesizer (MC12439) provides a programmable 400- and
533-MHz clock source to the 21164PC microprocessor. The microproces-
sor supplies a clock to the system PLL/clock buffer for the 21174.
– The 21174 core logic chip provides the SDRAM and PCI clocks.
– A 14.318-MHz crystal and frequency generator provide a clock source for
the combination controller (FDC37C669) and the PCI-to-ISA bridge
(CY82C693U-NC). The controller’s onchip generator then provides other
clocks as needed.
– A 32-kHz crystal provides the TOY clock source.
• Flash ROM:
– Fail-safe booter
– Boot code
– BIOS: Windows NT or Alpha SRM console
• Altera EPM7064LC44-7 for DMA boundary issue.
1.2 Software Support
The support elements described in this section are either included with the
AlphaPC 164SX or are available separately.
1.2.1 AlphaBIOS Windows NT Firmware
The AlphaPC 164SX motherboard ships with AlphaBIOS firmware and online docu-
mentation that describes how to configure the firmware for Windows NT. This firmware
initializes the system and enables you to install and boot the Windows NT operating
system. The AlphaBIOS firmware resides in the flash ROM on the 21A05-A0 variation
of the AlphaPC 164SX motherboard. Binary images of the AlphaBIOS firmware are
included in the motherboard Software Developer’s Kit (SDK), along with a license
describing the terms for use and distribution.