Sony VAIO VPCEA Series

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document is a service manual for the Sony VPCEA Series of personal computers, providing comprehensive information for maintenance, repair, and understanding of the device's internal components and functionalities.

Function Description

The Sony VPCEA Series are personal computers designed for general-purpose computing. They are equipped with various components to support typical user activities such as web browsing, document editing, multimedia consumption, and other applications. The series includes models with both external and internal graphic capabilities, catering to different performance needs.

Important Technical Specifications

The VPCEA Series utilizes an Arrandale Processor, which is a Micro-FCBGA-988 (988-pin rPGA socket) CPU. The processor operates at a bus speed of 800/1066/1333 MHz. Memory support includes DDR3 SDRAM, with options for 800/1066 MHz and 1066/1333 MHz, depending on the configuration. The system incorporates a PCH Ibex Peak-M (HM55) chipset, providing 4 USB ports, 2 SATA ports, and 676 MB/s of bandwidth.

For graphics, models are available with either GFX (External Graphic Models) or integrated graphics (Internal Graphic Models). External graphic models feature an AMD Madison-LP M2 or M3 GPU with GDDR3 VRAM. Display output is handled via HDMI, LVDS, and CRT interfaces.

Connectivity options include Ethernet GbE (Realtek RTL8111E or Marvell Yukon 88E8059/8057), Wi-Fi (Mini-PCIe Card WLAN), and Bluetooth. Audio is managed by a Realtek ALC269 codec with Class D Amp, supporting internal speakers and external microphone/headphone jacks with S/PDIF. Storage includes an HDD and an ODD (Optical Disc Drive).

The system also features a Winbond NPCE783L (LQFP-128) embedded controller, which manages various system functions including fan control, battery ID, and power management. Other components include a camera module, digital mic, and an Express Card 34mm slot.

Usage Features

The VPCEA Series offers a standard laptop form factor with a keyboard, touchpad, and display. The display can be either AUO, SAMSUNG, or LGD, with specific part numbers provided for different resolutions and manufacturers (e.g., AUO LCD (A-1772-814-A), SAMSUNG LCD (A-1784-210-A), LGD LCD (A-1755-119-A)). The display assembly includes a protector sheet that needs to be removed before installation.

The device includes a DIP Switch for various configurations, with six distinct switches. The manual provides detailed tables showing the DIP switch settings for different LCD types (AUO, SAMSUNG, LGD) and their corresponding part numbers (e.g., 14WXGA_HDARREEBR_FwLED (AUO) (A-1772-814-A)). Users can adjust these settings based on the specific display installed.

Maintenance Features

The service manual provides detailed instructions for various maintenance and repair procedures:

CPU Replacement: Instructions are given for both removing and installing the CPU. This involves using a flat-blade screwdriver to unlock/lock the CPU socket and carefully lifting/inserting the CPU. Proper alignment of the triangle reference mark on the CPU with the socket is crucial.
Motherboard Handling: Emphasizes the importance of handling the motherboard with both hands, holding it by the middle of the board edge to prevent damage. It specifies holding the board level or vertically.
LCD Handling: Detailed steps are provided for handling the LCD panel. This includes taking the LCD panel out of its packing box without pressing the PCB, holding the opposite side of the PCB with one hand while taking off the tape of the shielding bag with the other hand, and holding one side of the LCD panel with one hand while taking off the shielding bag with the other hand.
Component Identification: The manual includes exploded views and parts lists for various components such as the palmrest, main board (for both external and internal graphic models), bottom case, ODD, HDD, LCD, and accessories. Each component is assigned a number for easy identification.
Screw List: A comprehensive list of screws (S-1. Screws) is provided with their dimensions (e.g., M2L2, M2L2.5) and color (Silver, Black), which is essential for proper reassembly.
Revision History: The manual includes a revision history table, detailing changes made across different versions of the document. This helps technicians ensure they are using the most up-to-date information for repairs.
Safety Precautions: The manual outlines important safety precautions, including warnings about battery handling (danger of explosion, fire, or chemical burn), proper disposal of used batteries, and handling of original internal wiring and parts. It also notes that design and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Confidentiality: The document is marked as "Sony Confidential," indicating that its contents are proprietary and should be handled with care.

The manual also provides specific notes regarding parts lists, such as how to identify components by mark (triangle or dotted line) and the meaning of various symbols (e.g., "★" for service, "◎" for common parts, "△" for critical for safety). It also clarifies the meaning of short names for components like Bluetooth (BT), Felica, Wireless LAN (WLAN), and Security Chip (TPM).