Unit-2

Motherboard &
SMPS
• Motherboard :
1. Introduction: -
• A motherboard is the main circuit board inside a computer.
• It's like the central hub that connects all the different
components of the computer together, such as the CPU
(central processing unit), memory (RAM), storage devices
(like hard drives or SSDs), graphics card, and various other
peripherals.

2. Block Diagram : -

3. Components of motherboard
1. Mouse and keyboard connectors : -
• Computer motherboards must have two separate connectors
that allow users to connect their external mouse and keyboard.
• These connectors are responsible for sending instructions and
receiving responses from the computer.
• There are two keyboard and mouse connectors, the PS/2 and
the USB.
2. Universal Serial Bus : -
• The USB is a computer interface that connects computers to
other devices, such as phones.
• The USB port is a significant part of a motherboard that allows
users to connect external peripheral devices such as printers,
scanners, and pen drives to the computer.
• Types of USB include USB-A, USB-B, USB-mini, micro-USB,
USB-C, and USB-3.
3. CPU : -
• The central processing unit (CPU) is commonly referred to as
the computer’s brain.
• The CPU controls all the functions of a computer.
• CPUs are available in different form factors, each requiring a
particular slot on the motherboard.
• A CPU can contain one or multiple cores.
• A CPU with a single core can only perform a single task at a
time, while those with multiple cores can execute multiple
tasks simultaneously.
4. RAM Memory : -
• RAM slots connect the random access memory (RAM) to the
motherboard.
• RAM allows the computer to temporarily store files and
programs that are being accessed by the CPU.
5. BIOS – Basic Input Output System : -
• The BIOS contains the firmware of the motherboard.
• It consists of instructions about what to do when the
computer is turned on.
• It is responsible for initializing the hardware components and
loading the computer’s operating system.
• The BIOS also allows the computer’s operating system to
interact and respond with input and output devices such as a
mouse and keyboard.
6. CMOS Battery: -
• The CMOS battery is a small round battery found on the
motherboard of every computer.
• It provides power to the complementary metal oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) chip.
• The CMOS chip stores BIOS information and computer settings,
even when powered down.
7. Chipsets : -
• The chipsets of a computer control how the computer hardware
and buses interact with the CPU and other components.
4. Functions of a Motherboard : -

I. Manage Data Flow : -

• The motherboard's BIOS ensures smooth interaction
between the operating system and input/output devices,
like keyboards and mice, to process instructions and
manage data flow.

II. Enhances Performance : -

• The motherboard enhances computer performance by
incorporating features like built-in sound and video
capabilities, and facilitating connectivity with peripheral
devices for additional tasks like printing.
III. Conserves Resources : -
• Themotherboard saves consumers time, energy, and
money by connecting all the computer connects.
IV. Improves Reliability: -
• A good motherboard boosts the overall reliability of the
computer. A high-quality motherboard provides a stable
foundation for its components to operate on.
V. Optimizes Power Distribution : -
 • The motherboard provides and distributes power
optimally. Computers require electricity to function.
VI. Enables Productivity : -
• The motherboard reduces effort duplication and
simplifies work for computer users.
• While traditional computers came pre-installed with
BIOS, modern ones are pre-installed with EFI and UEFI.

• Types of Motherboards : -

1. Advanced Technology (AT) motherboard

• The Advanced Technology (AT) motherboard was a widely used form
factor for computer motherboards in the 1980s and early 1990s. It
was developed by IBM for their IBM PC AT (Advanced Technology)
released in 1984.
2. Standard ATX motherboard : -
• ATX is an enhanced version of the AT motherboard that Intel
created in the 1990s. Its name means “advanced technology
extended,” and its initials stand for “advanced technology.”
3. Micro ATX motherboard : -
• The length and width of these motherboards, measured in
millimeters, are also 244 mm .
• This motherboard may be installed in any case with enough
space to accommodate 244 mm by 244 mm. It can also be
installed in larger cases that are compatible with Standard
ATX or eXTENDED ATX motherboards.
4. eXtended ATX motherboard :-
• The dimensions of this motherboard are 344 millimeters by 330
millimeters (dimensions will differ with different
manufacturers). This motherboard supports a single or a twin
CPU configuration and has up to eight RAM slots.
• Workstations and servers are both able to use this software.

5. Low-Profile EXtended (LPX) motherboard : -

• The Low-Profile Extended (LPX) motherboard was a compact
form factor introduced in the 1990s, featuring a horizontally
mounted CPU socket and integrated I/O ports on a riser card.
• It aimed to reduce the overall size of desktop computers while
maintaining compatibility with standard components.

6. BTX motherboard : -
• The Balanced Technology eXtended (BTX) motherboard was
a form factor introduced as a successor to ATX, aiming to
improve system cooling and airflow by rearranging
component placement and introducing a standardized
airflow direction.

7. New Low Profile eXtended(NLX) :-

• The New Low Profile eXtended (NLX) motherboard was a
form factor developed in the late 1990s, featuring a compact
design with a riser card for expansion slots and connectors,
aiming to reduce the overall size of desktop computers
❖ Difference between North bridge and South bridge : -
❖ Expansion BUS : -
An expansion bus is a pathway or interface that allows
peripheral devices to connect to the computer's motherboard
and communicate with the central processing unit (CPU) and
other components of the computer system.

▪ Types of Buses : -
1. ISA : -
• ISA stands for Industry Standard Architecture.
• It was a widely used expansion bus standard for
connecting peripheral devices to a computer's
motherboard in the early days of personal computing.
2. PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect):
• A standard for connecting expansion cards to a
computer's motherboard, providing a high-speed
data path between devices.
3. PCI-E (Peripheral Component Interconnect
Express):
• An updated version of PCI, offering faster data
transfer rates and improved performance for
modern graphics cards, network adapters, and
other high-speed peripherals.
4. PCI-X (PCI eXtended):
• An extension of the PCI standard, designed to
provide higher bandwidth for server and
workstation applications by increasing the bus
speed and improving performance.
5. AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port):
• A specialized interface designed specifically for
connecting graphics cards to the motherboard,
offering faster data transfer rates and improved
performance for 3D graphics rendering.
6. USB (Universal Serial Bus):
• A widely used standard for connecting peripherals
such as keyboards, mice, printers, and storage
devices to computers, offering plug-and-play
functionality and hot-swapping capabilities.
7. PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card
International Association):
• A standard for connecting external devices such as
network adapters, modems, and storage cards to
laptops and other portable computers via credit
card-sized expansion cards.
8. VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association):
• An organization that develops standards for video
and display technologies, including the VESA
standard for mounting monitors and flat panel
displays on stands and wall mounts.
9. VESA Local Bus (VLB):
• A short-lived expansion bus standard developed by
VESA, providing faster data transfer rates than ISA
for connecting video cards and other high-speed
peripherals directly to the motherboard.
10. IEEE 1394 (FireWire):
• A high-speed serial bus standard used for
connecting devices such as digital cameras,
external hard drives, and audio interfaces to
computers, offering fast data transfer rates and
daisy-chaining capabilities.
❖ SMPS

▪ What is Switch Mode Power Supply?

A switching regulator is included in an electronic power
supply called a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) to
facilitate effective electrical power conversion.
An SMPS converts voltage and current while transferring
power to DC loads via a DC or AC source, just like other
suppliers.
▪ Block Diagram ?
▪ Advantages of SMPS
✓ The SMPS weighs relatively little.
✓ The production spectrum of SMPS is broad.
✓ The switch-mode power supply has a compact size.
✓ Strongly anti-interference.
✓ It is recommended to use SMPS power consumption, which is
normally between 60 – 70 percent.

▪ Disadvantages of SMPS
▪ The SMPS has a very high level of complexity.
▪ There is only one voltage output in an SMPS.
▪ SMPS control is poorer and its output ripple is higher.
▪ In the case of SMPS, the production reflect is substantial and
its control is inadequate.
▪ SMPS usage is limited to step-down regulation.

➢ Application of SMPS : -
• Their main applications are in power stations, refrigerators,
ovens, and personal computers.
• A frequency converter can be used to convert D.C. voltages to
D.C. and A.C. voltages to A.C.
• They are utilized to supply variable power and voltages in
factories and manufacturing facilities.
• They are also utilized in power plants, servers, airports, railroads,
security systems, and railroads.
• These are found in contemporary smartphones.
• Uncontrolled DV input voltage balancing is another application
for the SMPS.
• They are employed in electrical machinery.
• The auto industry also makes use of SMPS devices.
• The purpose of the SMPS is to balance the excess current and
stabilize the electric current.
• They are compatible with electromagnetic fields.