TRAINING MODULE 2: POWER RAILS & POWER SEQUENCE & TROUBLSHOOTING

This module provides an in-depth understanding of laptop motherboard architecture and the systematic approach to diagnosing power-related issues. Key topics include:

• Motherboard Block Diagram: Identifying major components such as the CPU, PCH, VRMs, and power rails.
• Power Sequence Fundamentals: Understanding the step-by-step activation of power rails, from DCIN to CPU VCORE.
• Voltage Regulation & Power Rails: Analyzing 3V/5V standby power, SIO triggering, and buck converters.
• BIOS & Embedded Controller (EC) Role: How firmware influences power sequencing and system initialization.
• Troubleshooting Techniques: Using multimeters and oscilloscopes to diagnose missing voltages and faulty components.
• Common Faults & Solutions: Identifying symptoms of power failures, such as no power, no display, or random shutdowns.