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I/O Connectors: Dell Latitude CPx H-Series/J-Series User's Guide
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I/O Connectors: Dell™ Latitude™ CPx
H-Series/J-Series User's Guide
You can connect external devices to the input/output (I/O)
connectors. The computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) detects the presence of
external devices when you boot (start) or reboot your computer. Figure 1 shows the
connectors on the back of your computer.
| NOTICE: When disconnecting
external devices from the back of the computer, wait 5 seconds after turning off the
computer before you disconnect a device to avoid possible damage to the system board. |
Figure 1. I/O Connectors
1 |
Video connector |
2 |
Parallel connector |
3 |
Docking connector |
4 |
USB connector |
5 |
PS/2 connector |
6 |
Serial connector |
7 |
AC power connector |
8 |
Infrared port |
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NOTE: Some external devices require
you to load software called device drivers into system memory before the devices will
work. These device drivers help your computer recognize the external device and direct its
operation. Instructions for installing this software are usually included in the upgrade
kits. |
Use the 15-hole video connector to attach an external monitor to the
computer. See "Connecting an
External Monitor" for more information about connecting an external monitor.
Use the 25-hole parallel connector to attach a parallel device to
the computer. The parallel connector is used primarily for printers. You can also connect
the diskette drive to the parallel connector.
The parallel port sends and receives data in parallel format, where
eight data bits (one byte) are sent simultaneously over eight separate lines. The port can
be configured as a unidirectional (output-only) port for devices such as a printer or as a
bidirectional port for devices such as a network adapter.
The computer's integrated parallel port is designated as LPT1. The
Microsoft® Windows® operating systems automatically recognize the parallel device and
configure it correctly. The parallel port can also be configured for compatibility with
the PS/2 standard.
The docking connector supports Dell's C/Port Family APR and C/Dock
Family Expansion Station docking solutions.
The USB connector supports the use of a USB hub device to attach
multiple devices. USB devices are typically low-speed peripherals such as mice, keyboards,
printers, and computer speakers. The C/Port APR Family and the C/Dock Expansion Station
Family docking solutions have two USB connectors.
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NOTE: If you are using a USB external
keyboard, do not enter the System Setup program by using a keyboard command on the
external keyboard. Instead, press <Fn><F1> on the computer's keyboard. |
Use the mini-Deutsche Industrie Norm (DIN) PS/2 connector to attach
PS/2-compatible devices such as a mouse, keyboard, or external numeric keypad.
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NOTE: If the computer is in suspend
mode when you attach a mouse, you can use the mouse when the computer resumes normal
operation. Otherwise, you must reboot the computer to use the mouse. While the mouse is
attached to the computer, the DualPoint integrated pointing device is disabled. |
To attach a serial device to the computer, use the 9-pin serial
connector.
The serial port passes data in serial format (one bit at a time over
one line). This port supports a variety of devices that require serial data transmission,
including a serial mouse, serial printer, plotter, or external modem.
Use the AC power connector to attach the AC
adapter to the computer. The AC adapter converts AC power to the DC power required by
the computer.
You can connect the AC adapter with your computer either turned on
or off.
The AC adapter works with electrical outlets worldwide. However,
power connectors vary among countries. Before using AC power in a foreign country, you may
need to obtain a new power cable designed for use in that country.
The computer’s infrared (IR) port is compatible with Infrared
Data Association (IrDA) 1.1 (Fast IR) and 1.0 (Slow IR) standards. An infrared port lets
you transfer files from your computer to another infrared-compatible device without using
cable connections. An infrared data stream is transmitted through a lens in the computer
up to a distance of 1 meter (m) (3.3 feet [ft]). This light is received by a compatible
computer, printer, mouse, or remote control.
The default address of the infrared port is COM3. To avoid resource
conflicts with other devices, remap the address of the infrared port.
When the computer is being used with the C/Port APR Family or C/Dock
Expansion Station Family docking solution, the infrared port on the computer is
automatically disabled.
Point the computer’s infrared port directly at the compatible
device’s infrared port. Infrared devices transmit data in a 30-degree cone of
infrared light. Start the data communications software on both devices, and then begin to
transfer files. Read the documentation that came with your compatible device to make sure
that you operate it correctly.
For more information about using an infrared device, see the
documentation that came with your operating system. The Microsoft Windows NT® 4.0
operating system does not support the use of infrared devices.
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NOTES: Make sure that no books,
papers, or other objects come between the two infrared devices and that the two devices
are within the 30-degree cone.
If the infrared device does not work, the computer and device may be misaligned. Move the
device and computer to bring them into the 30-degree cone. |
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