AIM104-ETHER
16-bit Ethernet Interface
Module
Technical Manual
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual
ISO 9001
FM12961
Disclaimer
The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate. Eurotech Ltd assumes no
responsibility for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties, which may result from its use.
Eurotech Ltd assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies that may be contained in this document. Eurotech Ltd makes
no commitment to update or keep current the information contained in this manual.
Eurotech Ltd reserves the right to make improvements to this document and/or product at any time and without notice.
Warranty
This product is supplied with a 3 year limited warranty. The product warranty covers failure of any Eurotech Ltd
manufactured product caused by manufacturing defects. The warranty on all third party manufactured products utilised by
Eurotech Ltd is limited to 1 year. Eurotech Ltd will make all reasonable effort to repair the product or replace it with an
identical variant. Eurotech Ltd reserves the right to replace the returned product with an alternative variant or an equivalent
fit, form and functional product. Delivery charges will apply to all returned products. Please check www.eurotech-ltd.co.uk for
information about Product Return Forms.
Trademarks
Windows NT, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks recognised.
Revision History
Manual PCB Date Comments
Issue A V1 Iss 1 May 19
th
, 1998 First full release of manual.
Issue B V1 Iss 2 June 24
th
, 1999 [ECO 2821] minor edits.
Issue C V1 Iss 2 December 7
th
, 2000 [ECO 2679] minor edits.
Issue D V1 Iss 2 January 22
nd
, 2008 Minor edits and reformatting.
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd.
For contact details, see page
14.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Contents
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 3
Contents
Introduction........................................................................................................................................4
Handling your board safely....................................................................................................5
About this manual..............................................................................................................................6
Conventions...........................................................................................................................6
What items are provided?..................................................................................................................6
Getting started ...................................................................................................................................7
Unpacking and connecting up................................................................................................7
Initial configuration.................................................................................................................7
Overview............................................................................................................................................8
REALTEK RTL8019AS Ethernet controller............................................................................8
PnP and jumperless modes...................................................................................................8
I/O addressing .......................................................................................................................9
Interrupts................................................................................................................................9
EMC chassis point...............................................................................................................10
Power connections ..............................................................................................................10
Boot ROM............................................................................................................................10
PC/104.................................................................................................................................10
Status LED’s ........................................................................................................................10
Links.................................................................................................................................................11
Software utilities disk .......................................................................................................................13
Configuration software.........................................................................................................13
Drivers .................................................................................................................................13
Boot ROM utilities................................................................................................................13
Appendix A – Contacting Eurotech Ltd ............................................................................................14
Appendix B – Connectors................................................................................................................15
10-Base-T RJ-45..................................................................................................................15
AUI 16-way ..........................................................................................................................15
LED header - how to connect LED .....................................................................................16
External +12v.......................................................................................................................16
Index................................................................................................................................................17
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Introduction
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 4
Introduction
The AIM104-ETHER is a high performance 16-bit Ethernet interface module. The
module is compliant to Ethernet II and IEEE8002.3 10-Base-T and is compatible with
Novell NE2000 in both 8-bit and 16-bit operation. The module includes a built-in 10-
Base-T transceiver and RJ-45 connector. An AUI connector supports external
transceivers for 10-Base-2, 10-Base-5 and 10-Base-FOIRL, etc.
The AIM104-ETHER is supplied with a utilities disk that contains drivers for a wide
variety of networks and operating systems. An optional boot ROM lets you boot a
remote PC/104 station automatically from a server making floppy and hard drives
unnecessary.
Features
• Software compatible with NE2000 on both 8-bit and 16-bit PC/104 slots.
• Compliant to Ethernet II and IEEE802.3 10-Base-T.
• 16-way Attachment Unit Interface (AUI) boxed header.
• Jumperless Ethernet operation.
• Supports Microsoft’s Plug and Play configuration for jumperless mode.
• Full duplex Ethernet functionality.
• Eight software configurable IRQs.
• 16 software configurable I/O address options.
• 28-pin socket for remote boot ROM.
• 93C46 serial EEPROM for storing resource configurations and ID parameters.
• Three diagnostic LEDs for TX, RX and LINK status.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Introduction
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 5
Handling your board safely
Anti-static handling
This board contains CMOS devices. These could be damaged in the event of static
electricity being discharged through them. Observe anti-static precautions at all times
when handling circuit boards. This includes storing boards in appropriate anti-static
packaging and wearing a wrist strap when handling them.
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
The AIM104-ETHER is classified as a component with regards to the European
Community EMC regulations and it is the user’s responsibility to ensure that systems
using the board are compliant with the appropriate EMC standards.
The opto-isolation provides a good barrier for noise emissions generated by the high
frequency host PC/104 system. The AIM104-ETHER includes additional filter
components on-board to minimise the emissions of high frequency noise. Because of
this, the earth tab supplied with the module must be connected to the chassis of the
system by a good earth wire.
If the electronic system requires input protection against high voltage transients (to
meet CE requirements), it is recommended that an external interface board is located
at the point where the external wiring enters the electronic system enclosure:
Packaging
Should a board need to be returned to Eurotech Ltd, please ensure that it is
adequately packed, preferably in the original packing material.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual About this manual
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 6
About this manual
This manual describes the operation and use of the AIM104-ETHER PC/104 module.
It is both a reference and user manual and includes information about all aspects of the
module.
Conventions
Symbols
The following symbols are used in this guide:
Symbol Explanation
Note - information that requires your attention.
Tip - a handy hint that may provide a useful alternative or save
time.
Caution – proceeding with a course of action may damage your
equipment or result in loss of data.
What items are provided?
The AIM104-ETHER is supplied with the following items:
• The AIM104-ETHER board.
• Mounting kit.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Getting started
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 7
Getting started
Unpacking and connecting up
To begin using the AIM104-ETHER board, follow these steps:
1 Power down your computer.
2 Install the board in a spare PC104 slot.
3 Power up your computer and install the appropriate driver. The driver is usually
supplied as part of the installed operating system.
Initial configuration
The board should be fitted to the PC/104 stack using the mounting kit provided. The
EMC chassis point should be connected to the system chassis using the connector tab
provided and a good piece of earth wire.
Once the board is connected to the host system the Ethernet connection should be
made.
There are a RJ45 connector and a standard AUI connector available.
The pin-out on the AUI connector is arranged so that a crimp connector can be
used. Please check the pinout to make sure that this connection is implemented
correctly. Incorrect connections may lead to damage of the module.
The AIM104-ETHER is supplied pre-configured in jumperless mode, with the I/O
address range of 300 - 31Fh, and interrupt assignments IRQ5. The AIM104-ETHER
configures itself back to Plug and Play mode if the module is to be fitted within a Plug
and Play system (for example Windows 95).
To reconfigure the I/O, IRQ and operating modes please refer to the Software Drivers
section.
The board is provided with a utilities disk containing drivers for a wide variety of
operating systems and netware packages. The disk also comes with a detailed help
utility that guides you through the installation procedure.
The software provided with the AIM104-ETHER is used to configure the board
and to integrate it to third party netware software packages such as Novell
Client32. For specific applications it may be necessary to implement the
Ethernet link in another manner that may require custom written software not
available from Eurotech Ltd.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Overview
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 8
Overview
The AIM104-ETHER is based around the Realtek RTL8019AS Full-Duplex Ethernet
controller with Plug and Play functionality. The RTL8019AS integrates the RTL8019
Ethernet controller core and 16 Kbyte SRAM in a single chip. A serial EEPROM is used
to store resource configurations and ID parameters.
REALTEK RTL8019AS Ethernet controller
The Realtek RTL8019AS is a highly integrated Ethernet controller that is used on the
AIM104-ETHER to implement Plug and Play NE2000 compatibility and full-duplex
operation. The full duplex function enables simultaneous transmission and reception
on the twisted pair link to a full duplex Ethernet switching hub. This feature increases
the channel bandwidth from 10 to 20 Mbps.
PnP and jumperless modes
The Microsoft Plug and Play function frees the user from setting the AIM104-ETHER
configurations such as I/O and memory address and IRQ, etc. For certain applications
Plug and Play cannot be used (i.e. use with the Eurotech Ltd TARGET processor
range). For cases such as these the RTL8019AS also supports jumperless operation.
In jumperless mode the configuration parameters can be configured using the
RSET8019.EXE utility provided on the utilities disk.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Overview
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 9
I/O addressing
The AIM104-ETHER supports 16 base I/O addresses. The I/O address is automatically
configured in a Plug and Play environment. In a jumperless system the module can be
configured to any of the available address ranges shown below:
I/O address range - 200 - 21Fh
220 - 23Fh
240 - 25Fh
260 - 27Fh
280 - 29Fh
2A0 - 2BFh
2C0 - 2DFh
2E0 - 2FFh
300 - 31Fh *
320 - 33Fh
340 - 35Fh
360 - 37Fh
380 - 39Fh
3A0 - 3BFh
3C0 - 3DFh
3E0 - 3FFh
* The AIM104-ETHER is supplied pre-configured in jumperless mode with a default I/O
address of 300h.
Interrupts
The AIM104-ETHER can be software configured to generate interrupts on one of eight
PC/104 interrupts. With Plug and Play systems this is done automatically. With
jumperless operation the IRQ number can be set using RSET8019.EXE.
Available IRQ’s : IRQ2/9, IRQ3, IRQ4, IRQ5 *, IRQ10, IRQ11, IRQ12 and IRQ15
* The AIM104-ETHER is supplied pre-configured in jumperless mode with the default
IRQ setting IRQ5.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Overview
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 10
EMC chassis point
Two EMC chassis points are provided on the module using the PC/104 mounting
holes. To minimise high frequency noise transfer the earth tab supplied with the
module must be connected by a good earth wire to the chassis of the system.
Power connections
The AIM104-ETHER needs +5v and GND to operate. It also needs +12v if the 10-
BASE-T connection is being used. These should be supplied to the board via the
PC/104 connector. Ensure that the connections for all necessary voltages are made to
the baseboard or processor module (for example SBC104, ELAN104).
Boot ROM
A boot ROM can be fitted to the AIM104-ETHER so that it can boot directly from the
network instead of from floppy or hard drive. The socket allows 27C256 parts or
equivalent to be fitted.
The utilities disk contains sample ROM files and accessories that can be used to
generate a customised ROM file that can be blown into the boot ROM part. These
accessories contain a ROMSUM utility that can be used to adjust the size of the ROM
file to suit the boot ROM fitted.
PC/104
The AIM104-ETHER module can be attached to either an 8-bit or 16-bit PC/104 bus.
The module automatically detects whether it is connected to an 8-bit or 16-bit system.
Status LED’s
There are three LED’s on the module. These provide a visual indication of the status of
the module include TX, RX and LINK. The red LINK LED flashs if there are any
collisions on with the transmission network. If this happens the connections to the
AIM104-ETHER should be checked. The corresponding colors for the LEDs are as
below:
• GREEN - TX
• YELLOW - RX
• RED - LINK
The header PL2 allows external LEDs to be connected to the board. Please refer to the
appendix for connection details.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Links
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 11
Links
The following diagrams illustrate the link positions:
+12v voltage source
Link Position Function
A External +12V source via PL4 header
LK1
B* Internal +12V source via PC/104 connection
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Links
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 12
Status LEDs
Link Position Function
Fitted* On-board Status LEDs
LK2
Not fitted External LEDs to be connected via PL2
* Default link settings
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Software utilities disk
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 13
Software utilities disk
The utilities disk provided with AIM104-ETHER contains:
• Drivers for a wide range of Netware packages and OS’s.
• Ethernet Controller and EEPROM configuration utilities.
• Boot ROM utilities.
Configuration software
There are two main utilities provided. RSET8019.EXE is used to configure the Realtek
RTL8019 Ethernet Controller. This can be used to set the I/O address, IRQ, select
jumperless or PnP mode, and perform several function tests. PG8019.EXE is used to
program the EEPROM device on the board. This is done before dispatch from
Eurotech Ltd and should not be done unless the EEPROM becomes corrupted.
Drivers
Drivers are provided for a wide range of Netware packages and OS’s. To install the
drivers refer to the documentation for the Netware/OS and to the help utility
HELP8019.EXE. There is a detailed description on how to install all drivers within this
file.
Boot ROM utilities
The utilities disk contains complete documentation, sample ROM files and build utilities
on how to generate and implement the Boot ROM. This allows the system to boot from
the remote Ethernet host instead of the local floppy or hard drive.
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Appendix A – Contacting Eurotech Ltd
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 14
Appendix A – Contacting Eurotech Ltd
Eurotech Ltd sales
Eurotech Ltd’s sales team is always available to assist you in choosing the board that
best meets your requirements.
Eurotech Ltd
3 Clifton Court
Cambridge
CB1 7BN
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1223 403410
Fax: +44 (0)1223 410457
Email:
Comprehensive information about our products is also available at our web site:
www.eurotech-ltd.co.uk.
While Eurotech Ltd’s sales team can assist you in making your decision, the
final choice of boards or systems is solely and wholly the responsibility of the
buyer. Eurotech Ltd’s entire liability in respect of the boards or systems is as set
out in Eurotech Ltd’s standard terms and conditions of sale. If you intend to
write your own low level software, you can start with the source code on the
disk supplied. This is example code only to illustrate use on Eurotech Ltd’s
products. It has not been commercially tested. No warranty is made in respect
of this code and Eurotech Ltd shall incur no liability whatsoever or howsoever
arising from any use made of the code.
Eurotech Ltd technical support
Eurotech Ltd has a team of dedicated technical support engineers available to provide
a quick response to your technical queries.
Tel: +44 (0)1223 412428
Fax: +44 (0)1223 410457
Email:
Eurotech Group
Eurotech Ltd is a subsidiary of Eurotech Group. For further details see
www.eurotech.com
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Appendix B – Connectors
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 15
Appendix B – Connectors
10-Base-T RJ-45
Pin Signal name
1 TPTX+
2 TPTX-
3 TPRX+
4 NC
5 NC
6 TPRX-
7 NC
8 NC
AUI 16-way
Pin Signal name Pin Signal name
1 FGND 2 CD-
3 CD+ 4 TX-
5 TX+ 6 FGND
7 FGND 8 RX-
9 RX+ 10 +12V
11 FGND 12 FGND
13 NC 14 NC
15 FGND 16 FGND
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Appendix B – Connectors
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 16
LED header - how to connect LED
External +12v
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Index
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 17
Index
+
+12v voltage source · 11
1
10-Base-T RJ-45 · 15
A
anti-static · 5
AUI 16-way · 15
B
board · 5, 6
boot ROM · 10
boot ROM utilities · 13
C
configuration · 7, 13
connecting up · 7
connectors · 15
contact details · 14
copyright · 2
D
drivers · 13
E
earth wire · 5
electromagnetic compatibility · See EMC
EMC · 5
EMC chassis point · 10
Ethernet controller · 8
external +12v · 16
external interface board · 5
F
features · 4
H
handling · 5
high voltage transients · 5
I
I/O addressing · 9
interrupts · 9
J
jumperless modes · 8
L
LED header · 16
links · 11
M
mounting kit · 6
N
noise emissions · 5
O
opto-isolation · 5
P
PC/104 · 10
PnP · 8
power connections · 10
R
REALTEK · 8
RTL8019AS · 8
S
safety · 5
software · 13
source code · 14
static · 5
status LEDs · 10, 12
storage · 5
support, technical · 14
switch
voltage selector · 7
symbols · 6
AIM104-ETHER Technical Manual Index
© 2008 Eurotech Ltd Issue D 18
T
technical support · 14
trademarks · 2
U
utilities disk · 13
V
voltage · 7
high voltage transients · 5
/
