Description
Core Product Summary (Brand / Model / Key Attributes)
The NEC FC-9821Ke is an embedded factory computer in the FC-9800 series, designed for industrial and FA environments. It is based on the PC-9821Xe architecture and serves as a compact, installable industrial PC platform for control, monitoring, and automation applications requiring reliable PC-98 compatibility.
Equipped with a built-in 486DX2 processor at 66 MHz and standard 2 MB RAM (expandable to 64 MB), the unit provides six expansion slots, analog RGB display output with Cirrus Logic window accelerator support up to 1024 × 768, one RS-232C serial port, parallel printer interface, and optional storage options including floppy disk, hard disk via adapter, and ROM/RAM file modules. The chassis measures 345 × 200 × 250 mm and supports fanless operation under appropriate conditions.
Key Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product type | Embedded factory computer (FC-9800 / FC-98 series) |
| CPU | Built-in 486DX2 66 MHz (8 KB cache); Socket 3; OverDrive support equivalent to DX4 100 MHz |
| System memory | Standard 2 MB (user 1.6 MB); expandable to 64 MB with two 32 MB RAM sub-boards |
| ROM | 96 KB (BIOS + N88-BASIC(86)) + 24 KB system setup |
| Graphics | NEC EGC + Cirrus Logic GD5430 accelerator (1 MB VRAM); up to 1024 × 768 (256 colors) |
| Expansion slots | 6 slots standard |
| Serial interface | 1 × RS-232C (max 19 200 bps, D-Sub 25-pin); expandable |
| Parallel interface | Bidirectional (half-pitch 36-pin) |
| Display interface | Analog RGB (D-Sub 15-pin); digital RGB via optional adapter |
| Storage options | Optional 3.5-inch 3-mode FDD; optional HDD via adapter; optional ROM/RAM file modules |
| Power | AC 100/110 V (+10 % / −15 %); typical 25 W, max 114 W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 345 × 200 × 250 mm |
| Weight | 7.1 kg |
| Operating temperature | 5–45 °C (typical configuration without FDD/HDD) |
| Operating humidity | 20–80 % RH (non-condensing) |
Detailed Product Overview
The NEC FC-9821Ke belongs to the FC-9800 series of factory computers developed for industrial automation and embedded control applications. It combines the software and hardware compatibility of the PC-9821 architecture with a compact chassis intended for permanent installation in equipment or control cabinets.
At its core is a 486DX2 processor running at 66 MHz with integrated cache and support for an optional OverDrive processor. Standard system memory of 2 MB (later production units raised to 4 MB) can be expanded to 64 MB using dedicated RAM sub-boards. Graphics capability is provided by the standard NEC EGC plus a Cirrus Logic GD5430 window accelerator with 1 MB of dedicated VRAM, enabling higher-resolution and higher-color modes useful for operator interfaces of the period.
The unit offers six expansion slots, giving designers flexibility for additional interface boards, network adapters, or specialized I/O. Standard interfaces include one RS-232C serial channel (expandable), a bidirectional parallel port, analog RGB video output, keyboard and mouse connectors, and a built-in floppy-disk interface. Optional components allow addition of a 3.5-inch floppy drive, hard-disk storage via a dedicated adapter, and solid-state ROM or battery-backed RAM file modules that appear to the system as disk drives.
Physical design emphasizes industrial practicality: a 345 × 200 × 250 mm enclosure weighing 7.1 kg, support for fanless operation under suitable thermal conditions, optional wall-mounting brackets, and provisions for simple dust filtering when paired with a cooling fan. Power consumption remains modest at 25 W typical, with a maximum of 114 W under full load. The architecture retains compatibility with Japanese MS-DOS environments and the N88-BASIC language common to the PC-98 family, making it suitable for migration or continuation of existing FA applications.
Because the FC-9821Ke is an embedded industrial computer rather than a general-purpose office PC, selection and integration center on matching expansion requirements, storage strategy, environmental conditions, and any RAS (reliability, availability, serviceability) features needed for the target installation.
FC-9821Ke
FC-9821Ke
Engineering Selection Highlights
- Exact FC-9800 / FC-98 series membership and PC-9821Xe base architecture ensure software and peripheral compatibility within the established NEC factory-computer ecosystem.
- Six expansion slots provide capacity for additional I/O, communication, or specialty boards without requiring a larger chassis.
- Built-in 486DX2 66 MHz with OverDrive support allows performance scaling within the Socket 3 platform when higher processing demand is identified.
- Memory expandable from 2 MB (or 4 MB in later units) to 64 MB accommodates larger application or data requirements.
- Optional HDD adapter, FDD, and ROM/RAM file modules enable flexible storage configurations suited to boot-from-ROM or diskless industrial designs.
- Compact 345 × 200 × 250 mm form factor and optional mounting hardware support permanent equipment or cabinet installation.
- Fanless capability under appropriate thermal conditions reduces moving parts for environments where dust or maintenance access is limited.
Dimensions, Mounting & Connection Notes
- External dimensions: 345 mm (W) × 200 mm (D) × 250 mm (H)
- Weight: 7.1 kg
- Mounting: Optional wall-mounting bracket (FC-9821KE-E04) available for fixed installation
- Dust protection: Optional simple dust-filter set (FC-9821KE-E03) requires accompanying cooling fan (FC-9821KE-E05)
- Power connector and voltage range: AC 100/110 V (+10 % / −15 %)
- Standard external connectors: D-Sub 25-pin RS-232C, half-pitch 36-pin parallel, D-Sub 15-pin analog RGB, mini-DIN keyboard and mouse, 50-pin FDD interface
System Compatibility & Integration Requirements
| Item / Dependency | Verified Compatibility or Requirement | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| System family | FC-9800 / FC-98 series (PC-9821Xe base) | Maintains PC-98 software and hardware conventions |
| Expansion | 6 slots standard | Includes dedicated positions for certain optional boards |
| Serial interface | 1 × RS-232C standard (D-Sub 25-pin) | Expandable via optional board |
| Display | Analog RGB standard | Digital RGB requires optional FC-9816 adapter |
| Storage | Optional FDD (FC-9801-FD4 series), HDD via FC-9821KE-E01 adapter, ROM/RAM files (FC-9821KE-FR1/FR2/RF) | HDD and certain file modules require specific adapters; mutual exclusions apply between some options |
| Keyboard | Optional FC-9801-KB8 | Separate or integrated connection possible |
| RAS options | Optional FC-9801-06K or FC-9821KE-E06 | Certain functions exclusive between board types |
| Power | AC 100/110 V | Standard industrial single-phase supply |
FAQ
What is the NEC FC-9821Ke?
The NEC FC-9821Ke is an embedded factory computer belonging to the FC-9800 series, based on the PC-9821Xe platform and intended for industrial automation and equipment-mounted applications.
Which processor does the FC-9821Ke use?
It uses a built-in 486DX2 processor running at 66 MHz with 8 KB cache and supports an optional OverDrive processor equivalent to a DX4 at 100 MHz.
How much memory does it have and can it be expanded?
Standard memory is 2 MB (user-accessible 1.6 MB); later production units raised the standard capacity to 4 MB. Memory can be expanded to a maximum of 64 MB using two 32 MB RAM sub-boards.
How many expansion slots are provided?
The unit is equipped with six expansion slots as standard.
What display resolutions are supported?
With the built-in Cirrus Logic GD5430 accelerator, resolutions up to 1024 × 768 at 256 colors are available, in addition to the standard PC-98 graphics modes.
What storage options are available?
Optional components include a 3.5-inch three-mode floppy drive, hard-disk storage via a dedicated adapter, and solid-state ROM or battery-backed RAM file modules.
What are the physical dimensions and weight?
The chassis measures 345 × 200 × 250 mm and weighs 7.1 kg.
Can the unit operate without a cooling fan?
Fanless operation is supported under appropriate thermal and environmental conditions.
Verification & Troubleshooting Notes
- Confirm the exact model marking (FC-9821Ke or FC-9821KE) on the chassis label, as the series includes multiple related but distinct models.
- Verify installed memory capacity; production units from approximately September 1999 onward shipped with 4 MB standard instead of 2 MB.
- When adding optional storage or RAS boards, check mutual-exclusion rules (certain ROM/RAM file modules and RAS boards cannot be installed together).
- Ensure the power supply matches the AC 100/110 V specification and that ambient temperature and humidity remain within the documented operating range for the configured storage options.
- For display issues, confirm whether an analog or digital RGB monitor is connected and whether the optional digital adapter is required.
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