User manual

Important Information on Hardware Compatibility
ComTec GmbH III
Important Information on Hardware Compatibility
The MPA-3 Multiparameter Systems are PCI Local Bus compliant devices. As such the board
contains the configuration space register organization as defined by the PCI Local Bus
Specification. Among the functions of the configuration registers is the storage of unique
identification values for our devices as well as storage of base address size requirements for
correct operation specific to each of our products.
The host computer that our products are installed in is responsible for reading and writing to/from
the PCI configuration registers to enable proper operation. This functionality is referred to as 'Plug
and Play' (PnP). As such, the host computer PnP BIOS must be capable of automatically
identifying a PCI compliant device, determining the system resources required by the device, and
assigning the necessary resources to the device. Failure of the host computer to execute any of
these operations will prohibit the use of the MPA-3 systems in such a host computer system.
It has been determined that systems that implement PnP BIOS, and contain only fully compliant
PnP boards and drivers, operate properly. However, systems that do not have a PnP BIOS
installed, or contain hardware or software drivers which are not PnP compatible, may not
successfully execute PnP initialization. This can render the MPA-3 system inoperable. It is
beyond the ability of FAST ComTec's hardware or software to force a non-PnP system to operate
MPA-3 Multiparameter systems.