GBA Service Manual

1. Introduction

Purpose

This document provides information and procedures for testing, disassembling, repairing
and assembling the Game Boy Advance.

Application
These procedures apply to Game Boy Advance devices produced in Brazil, but also serve
products produced in North America.

Index
Introduction..............................................................................................................................1
Theory of Operation ................................................................................................................2
Hardware Overview ................................................................................................................4
Block Diagram ........................................................................................................................5
Exploded Views ......................................................................................................................6
General Precautions ...............................................................................................................9
Disassembly and Maintenance ...............................................................................................9
Test Procedures ...................................................................................................................16
Electrical Schematics.............................................................................................................17
Accessories...........................................................................................................................20
Appendices ...........................................................................................................................22

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2. Theory of Operation

2.1 Description
The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a portable and compact video game system. It is
composed of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), Film Transistors, a Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) and related circuits. The device can be used with the 128 Bit Video Game, Game
Cube, as a discrete control, as well as being compatible with the Game Boy and Game Boy
Color games. Inputs from control are parallel and are read directly by the CPU. The L and R
buttons are new to the systems Nintendo's portable video games and have been added to
provide a wide variety of operations and gameplay.

2.2 Power
When the Power switch is set to the ON position, the 3 VDC voltage supplied by the 2 AA
batteries or through the AC adapter arrive at the device circuit. The input voltage is
converted by the U4 power IC to supply the system with 5 voltage operation that feed
various components, such as: CPU, LCD, Cartridge, Sound Amplifier and WRAM.

POWER VOLTAGE GBA MODE GBC MODE

CPU 3.3 VDC 5.0VDC
CPU PERIPHERAL CIRCUITS 2.5 VDC 2.5VDC
SOUND AMPLIFIER 3.0 VDC (VCC) 3.0 VDC (VCC)
REGULATOR 3.0 VDC (VCC) 3.0 VDC (VCC)
EXTERNAL WRAM 2.5 VDC 2.5 VDC
EXPANSION CONNECTOR 3.3 VDC 5.0 VDC
LCD 13.6 VDC, -15 VDC 13.6 VDC, -15 VDC
CARTRIDGE 3.3 VDC 5 VDC

The GBA has a bicolor LED that indicates the battery life. The green LED indicates that the
battery charge it is fine, but when the battery voltage drops below 2.35 VDC, the red LED is
activated. The GBA also has a shutdown function that is triggered when the battery voltage
is below 1.7 VDC.

2.3 CPU
The GBA CPU is basically composed of 2 processors in 1: A 32-bit RISC CPU, which
processes all GBA game functions and an 8-bit CISC CPU that processes the functions GB
and GBC games. The CPU searches and decodes the instructions recorded in the ROM,
reads the entries controls, generates priorities and controls the entire graph, decodes the
audio data and sends it to the audio amplifier.

2.4 System Timer

The system's timer section includes an oscillator and discrete components that provide a
4.194MHz master clock signal to the CPU. The CPU multiplies this signal by 4 to operate on
the GBA mode (16,776MHz), or multiplies by 2 for GB / GBC mode (8,388MHz).

2.5 Display section

The display section consists of a 2.9 inch (240x160 pixels) reflective LCD display, segments
that are mounted internally to the LCD and a regulating IC. Each pixel in the GBA can show
1 of the 32 levels of red, green or blue, making a total of 32,768 colors. The number total
colors that can be shown, depends on the number of objects and the screen background.

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2.6 Audio section

The audio section includes part of the CPU, an audio amplifier IC, speaker and headphone
jack heard. There are 4 channels for GB Color compatible audio, plus two DMA channels
used in the GB Advance mode to provide continuous playback.

Audio 1 (Sound 1): Allows the generation of rectangular waveforms with scanning functions
(frequency variation) and envelope (volume variation).
Audio 2 (Sound 2): Allows the generation of rectangular waveforms with envelope functions.
Audio 3 (Sound 3): It allows the reproduction of any waveform recorded in RAM.
Audio 4 (Sound 4): Can generate white noise with envelope functions.
Direct Audio A and B: Allows playback of 8-bit linear audio data.

2.7 Cartridge Interface

For the cartridge interface, a 32-pin connector is used. A key has been incorporated into this
connector to determine how the system should be started (GBA or GBC).

2.8 Controls Input

The CPU processes the parallel data, directly from the controls. Each control is connected to
the ground through an open contact on the PCI. When the key is pressed, a conductive
blanket is pressed against the open contact, closing the circuit.

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3.0 Hardware Overview

3.1 Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Custom 32-bit RISC CPU (GBA)
8-bit CISC CPU (GBC)
Generation of stereo sound plus 2 PCM channels for wave data
16K System ROM (+ 2K for GBC system ROM)
32K internal working RAM
96K video ram
64x128 Object Attribute Memory (OAM)
16x512 RAM Pallete (256 colors per object; 256 colors per background)

3.2 Memory
256K external working memory

3.3 Display
2.9 inch color reflective LCD
240x160 RGB dots
32768 colors shown simultaneously
Segment and grid drivers
Buffer amplifier for LCD

3.4 Audio
4 Audio signals (corresponding to the GBC sound) plus 2 audio signals generated directly
by the CPU (PCM format).
Audio amplifier IC (U6) to reinforce the outputs.

3.5 Controls
Parallel inputs connected directly to the CPU
L and R buttons (first used on the Nintendo handheld system)

3.6 External Communications

6-pin I / O port that can communicate in 5 different modes:

A. Normal mode, for normal GBC and GBA system functions.

B. Normal 8/32 bit communication mode
C. 16-bit Multi-Player Mode
D. General mode
E. Joy bus mode for communication with the Game Cube

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4.0 Block Diagram

Figure 1

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5.0 Exploded View

Reference point

Figure 2

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5.1 Mounting the Front Panel

Figure 3

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5.3 Front part

Reference point

Figure 4

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6.0 General Precautions

All of the following precautions must be followed when maintaining the Game Boy
Advance.

6.1 ESD control

Use a good electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention and control system during
Maintaining the LCD Unit and Main PCI

6.2 Non-Reusable Parts

As a rule, the parts described below should not be reused even if they appear to be in good
state.
Screen Protector
If the screen protector is placed in a front case and then removed, do not reuse it as it
may not stick properly.
Battery Contact
If contact W battery (position “a” in the exploded view) was installed in the rear case and
then removed, do not reuse it as the material may have suffered fatigue and cause bad
contact.
LCD foam
If the LCD backing foam needs to be removed, do not reuse it.

6.3 Use of Solvent

The use of alcohol (e.g., methanol, ethanol, IPA) is prohibited. To clean the appliance, use a
small amount of glass cleaner.

6.4 Torque Value

The torque value for the screws used during product assembly must be 14.7 ± 2.0 N-cm
(1.5 ± 0.2kgf-cm).

6.5 Beware of the Carbon Pile

Do not use carbon batteries in the AGB. Carbon batteries have a higher internal resistance
than alkaline batteries. The higher resistance causes a sudden voltage drop in the system
which may result in the following problems:

1. Sudden shutdown of the system during the game. In games that use flash
memory this can cause loss of recorded data.
2. Audio noise on the speaker (especially on headphones).

7.0 Disassembly and Maintenance

7.1 Changing the screen protector

These steps are only used when the AGB is not being disassembled.

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1. Insert a thin, flat tool (e.g., stylus) between the upper left corners of the screen protector
and the front case, carefully making a lever.
Caution: Carefully leverage to prevent damage to the front case and the LCD.
2. Remove any remaining adhesive from the front case
3. Remove dust or other foreign material using an air jet before applying the new protector
of screen. Check that the LCD is perfectly aligned before applying the new screen protector.
4. Check that the front screen trim does not appear in the visible area of the screen.
5. Install the screen protector in the case without removing the protective film. Press it firmly
to low pressing all over the area to ensure good fixation.
6. Remove the protective film from the installed screen.

7.2 Disassembling the Unit

1. Remove the battery cover and all batteries.
2. Using the proper key, remove the six security screws Y.

Y Screw

Phillips Screw

Figure 5

3. Remove the Phillips screw, located under the battery cover.

4. Remove the rear case, taking care not to damage the battery contacts.
5. Release the flat cable from the display, from its connector on the Main PCI, releasing the
2 black locks, pushing them up.
Caution: Pay attention to avoid breaking the locks.

Figure 6

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6. Remove the three Phillips screws that secure the PCI.

Figure 7
7. Lift and remove the PCI.
Note: If the rear case needs to be replaced, remember to keep the metal shield and install it
in the new rear case.

7.3 Replacing the LCD

To perform the replacement of the LCD, the procedure “7.2 Disassembling the Unit” must be
performed previously.
Note: When the LCD is replaced, the flicker adjustment must be performed as described in
the section
"8.3 Flicker Adjustment".

1. Gently insert a flat screwdriver or other flat-tipped tool between the trim of the front screen
and the opening of the LCD unit in the area under the flat cable, and then pry gently use the
key to separate the LCD from the front case.

Figure 8

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2. Push the screen protector from the inside of the front case to eject it. Apply pressure
simultaneously on the four corners of the protector, or until one of the corners of the screen
protector get up and it is possible to hold and pull the protector until it is completely
removed.
3. Remove any old adhesive from the front case.
4. Reset the front screen trim. Gently press all the way around so they don't occur fold or
wrinkle problems.
Note: Prevent foreign materials from sticking to the trim before installation.

Trim

Figure 9

5.0 Use the lower right corner, seen from the rear as a reference, (see reference point in
section “5.3 Mounting the Front Panel” on page 6) when installing the LCD so that it is
correctly assembled.

Caution: The bottom frame on the LCD unit's installation frame is lower than the other three
sides. Be careful to prevent incorrect installation. The LCD can slide up the frame bottom. In
addition, the select / start buttons may be stuck in the unit's installation frame LCD. That is
why it is recommended to install the select / start buttons after the LCD and the backing
foam have been installed.

6. Carefully install LCD foam support, so that it is perfectly aligned with the LCD.
Note: When installing the LCD foam holder, completely cover the exposed glass part the
LCD.

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Figure 10
7. Remove dust and other foreign material using an air jet before applying the protector of
the screen. Check the alignment of the LCD unit before applying the screen protector.
8. Check that no part of the front screen trim appears on the visible part of the screen.
9. Install the screen protector without removing its protective film. Press down firmly on the
entire area of the adhesive, to ensure perfect bonding.
10. Mount the unit using the steps in section “7.5 Reassembling the Unit” on the next page,
or perform other repair procedures as necessary.
11. Remove the protective film from the screen protector.

7.4 Replacing Actuators and Contact Blankets

To perform these steps, you must first perform the steps in section “7.2 Disassembling the
unit” on page 9.

1. Change actuators and contact pads as needed. All actuators and contact blankets are
designed to be mounted in one direction.

Figure 11

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2. Visually check that the blankets are correctly fitted.

3. Visually inspect the Led guide to ensure it is still in good condition and it has no mark.

4. Install the spring (metal section) of the L / R buttons between the front case and the PCI,
after the PCI Main have been installed in the front cabinet. Check that the rubber contact
on the push switch is correctly in place.

Note: Make sure the L and R buttons are not inverted.

Figure 12
5. Mount the unit using the steps in section “7.5 Reassembling the Unit” on this page or
carry out any other necessary repair procedures.

7.5 Reassembling the Unit

1. Check that the actuators and contact pads are correctly aligned and positioned before
installing the PCI.

2. Check that there are no foreign metal materials attached to the speaker magnet.

3. Insert the PCI.

Caution: Make sure that the speaker is properly positioned in the front cabinet.

4. Tighten the screws that secure the PCI to the front case, taking care to use the correct
screws.
5. Pull the speaker cables (as shown in the figure), so that they are not crushed when fitting
the front and rear cabinets.

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Figure 13
6. Insert the Flat Cable into the connector and lock it by sliding its latches down.
7. If the LCD has been replaced, perform the flicker test as per section 8.3 Flicker
adjustment and adjustment if required.
8. Install the rear case, taking care not to damage the battery contacts. Replace the six Y
screws and the single Phillips screw.
Caution: Do not place the security screw Y in the screw hole of the battery compartment.
Y screws are longer and can cause damage to the front case.

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8.0 Test Procedures

8.1 General Notes on Test Procedures
When test cartridges are used, they generate several different graphics tests. Some of these
tests are completed the instant Button A is pressed, others will take a while. While the test is
running, pressing Button A will have no effect and will not will cause the test to be skipped.

8.2 GBA mode test cartridge

1. Use 2 AA alkaline batteries, or AGB AC Adapter and Power Connector.
2. Insert the GBA test cartridge.
3. Turn on the device.
4. Confirm that the power led lights up.
5. The “Self-test” should be performed automatically.
Note: If the program does not automatically start in Self-test mode, turn off the GBA and
restart the device, while simultaneously pressing the L and R buttons for the test program
menu appear on the GBA screen. Select and run the Self-test option.
6. There are about 50 different graphic tests in the first part of the Self-Test (see Appendix B
for details). Press Button A to advance through the graph test, or press Button B to return
to the previous test. Confirm that there is no defective image on the LCD, as well as no
image is frozen on the screen, scrambled graphics, missing lines, wrong colors, or pixel
defects.
7. Music will play during the Self-Test, listen and confirm that there are no sound defects
such as low volume, “pops,” or garbled sound.
8. After all graphic tests, the memory, LCD drivers, timer and DMA.
9. Test the functions of the controller by pressing the buttons in the order indicated on the
screen.
10. The test will be completed and a PASS (passed) or FAIL (failed) message will be shown
on the screen.

8.3 Flicker adjustment

To make this adjustment, you will need to use a fluorescent lamp with a brightness of 2,000
~ 3,000 lux (roughly equivalent to a 23 watt, 50/60 hertz fluorescent lamp) and a ceramic
slit.
1. Turn on the lamp and place the GBA under the light.
2. Place the test cartridge in the GBA.
3. Power on the GBA.
Note: To use the AC adapter or batteries, you must mount the rear case.
4. Hold Buttons L and R, and turn on the device.
5. Use the Control Pad to select the “Flicker Test” option from the menu, and press Button
A to start the test. The flicker adjustment pattern (shown below) will appear on the screen.
Note: The flicker adjustment can be done using the first screen of the self-test (see section
8.2, step 6).

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Figure 14

6. Using a ceramic screwdriver, turn the adjustment pot so that the flicker (flicker) is
minimized on the GBA screen.
Note: The flicker adjustment pot is covered by the product data label when the cabinet is
completely assembled.

Figure 15
8.4 GBC Mode Test Cartridge
1. Use two AA batteries or the GBA AC Adapter and Power Connector.
2. Insert the GBC mode test cartridge.
3. Power on the GBA.
4. Confirm that the power led lights up.
5. There are five different test charts in the first part of the Self Test (see Appendix C for
specifications). Press Button A to proceed to the next test. Confirm that there are no LCD
image defects, such as missing image, frozen screen, scrambled graphics, lines missing,
wrong colors, or pixel defects.
6. Music will play during the Self-Test, listen and confirm that there are no sound defects
such as low volume, “pops,” or garbled sound.
7. After all graphic tests, the memory, LCD drivers, timer and DMA.
8. The test will be completed and a PASS (passed) or FAIL (failed) message will be shown
on the screen.

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9.0 Electrical Schematics

9.1 CPU

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9.2 Power

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10.0 Accessories

10.1 GBA AC adapter / Power connector

Figure 16
The GBA AC Adapter and power connector are maintenance-free parts. Do not
maintenance these parts as there will be no replacement components and they should be
exchanged for a new product. For out-of-warranty items, an accessory must be budgeted
new.
If the AC Adapter is not supplying power to the GBA, turn it off, disconnect the AC Adapter
from the outlet and leave without power for two minutes. After this time, plug the AC adapter
into the power outlet and turn on the GBA. If it does not turn on and is a unit known to be in
good working order, then the AC Adapter is defective and needs to be replaced.

10.2 GBA Game Link Cable

Figure 17
GBA Game Link Cable does not accept maintenance. Do not maintain this part as there will
be no replacement components and they must be replaced with a new product. To those out
of warranty a new accessory budget must be made.
Multiplayer gaming at GBA is possible using the Game Link Cable. Multiplayer mode can be
done in 2 ways, depending on how the game was designed.
Method 1 - Player 1 has a game cartridge in his GBA and players 2, 3, and / or 4 can
download the game to their respective GBAs.
Method 2 - All players have the same game cartridge in their GBA.

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Note: The Cartridge Manual, as well as its packaging, provides information on how to
proceed to use multiplayer mode.
Multiple Game Link Cables can be connected together to allow a maximum of four players
playing simultaneously (See diagram below).

Figure 16

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