Dell Latitude 5540 Owner's Manual
This manual provides important information regarding the use and maintenance of your Dell Latitude 5540 laptop.
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: Indicates important information that helps you make better use of your product.
CAUTION: Indicates potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the problem.
WARNING: Indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
Chapter 1: Views of Latitude 5540
Right View
The right side of the Latitude 5540 features the following ports and slots:
- 1. microSD-card slot: Reads from and writes to the microSD card.
- 2. Universal audio jack: Connects headphones or a headset (headphone and microphone combo).
- 3. USB 3.2 Gen 1 port: Connects devices like external storage and printers, offering data transfer speeds up to 5 Gbps.
- 4. USB 3.2 Gen 1 port with PowerShare: Connects devices and allows charging even when the computer is off. Note: Ensure the computer battery has at least 10% charge or is connected to the power adapter for charging USB devices when the computer is off or in sleep state.
- 5. HDMI 2.0 port: Connects to external displays or TVs for video and audio output.
- 6. Network port: Connects an Ethernet cable for network or Internet access (10/100/1000 Mbps).
- 7. Security-cable slot (wedge-shaped): Connects a security cable to prevent unauthorized movement.
Left View
The left side of the Latitude 5540 includes:
- 1. Thunderbolt 4.0 port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort: Supports USB4, DisplayPort 1.4, and Thunderbolt 4, enabling connection to external displays. Offers data transfer speeds up to 40 Gbps. Compatible with Dell Docking Stations. A USB Type-C to DisplayPort adapter may be required. USB4 is backward compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3. Supports two 4K displays or one 8K display.
- 2. Thunderbolt 4.0 port with Power Delivery and DisplayPort: (Identical to port 1).
- 3. Battery-status light: Indicates battery charge status. Solid yellow means low charge; blinking yellow means critical charge.
- 4. Smart-card reader slot (optional): For inserting smart cards.
Top View (Display Assembly)
The top of the display assembly includes:
- 1. Power button with optional fingerprint reader: Turns the computer on/off or puts it into sleep state. Press and hold for 10 seconds to force shutdown. If equipped with a fingerprint reader, place your finger on it to log in.
- 2. Keyboard: The primary input device.
- 3. Fingerprint reader (optional): Allows fingerprint login. Configure in system settings.
- 4. NFC/Contactless smart card reader (optional): For contactless smart card interactions.
- 5. Touchpad: Used for cursor movement and gestures.
Front View (Display Assembly)
The front of the display assembly contains:
- 1. Left microphone: Provides digital sound input.
- 2. Infrared emitter (optional): Enhances infrared camera functionality.
- 3. Infrared camera (optional): Used with Windows Hello face authentication.
- 4. Camera shutter: A physical slider to cover the camera lens for privacy.
- 5. Camera: For video calls, photos, and recordings.
- 6. Camera-status light: Illuminates when the camera is in use.
- 7. Ambient-light sensor: Automatically adjusts display brightness based on ambient light.
- 8. Right microphone: Provides digital sound input.
Bottom View
The bottom of the Latitude 5540 features:
- 1. Speakers: Provide audio output.
- 2. Service Tag label: A unique identifier for hardware identification and warranty information.
- 3. Fan vents: Allow for system cooling.
Service Tag
The Service Tag is a unique alphanumeric identifier that allows Dell service technicians to identify hardware components and access warranty information.
Battery charge and status light
The battery charge and status light indicates the battery's charge level:
| Power Source | LED Behavior | System Power State | Battery Charge Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Adapter | Off | S0 - S5 | Fully Charged |
| AC Adapter | Solid White | S0 - S5 | < Fully Charged |
| Battery | Off | S0 - S5 | 11%-100% |
| Battery | Solid Amber (590+/-3 nm) | S0 - S5 | <10% |
Power States: S0 (ON), S4 (Hibernate), S5 (OFF).
Chapter 2: Set up your Latitude 5540
Follow these steps to set up your Latitude 5540:
- Connect the power adapter and press the power button. The battery may be in power-saving mode; connecting the adapter and pressing the power button will turn it on.
- Complete the operating system setup (Windows or Ubuntu) by following the on-screen instructions. For Windows, it's recommended to connect to a network, sign in with a Microsoft account if possible, and enter contact details on the Support and Protection screen.
- Locate and use Dell applications from the Windows Start menu for registration, help, support, updates, and software downloads. Key Dell applications include Dell Product Registration, Dell Help & Support, SupportAssist, Dell Update, and Dell Digital Delivery.
Chapter 3: Specifications of Latitude 5540
Dimensions and weight
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Height (Front) | 20.80 mm (0.82 in.) |
| Height (Rear) | 22.80 mm (0.90 in.) |
| Width | 357.80 mm (14.09 in.) |
| Depth | 233.30 mm (9.19 in.) |
| Weight | 1.613 kg (3.56 lb) |
Note: Weight varies based on configuration and manufacturing.
Processor
The Latitude 5540 supports various 13th Generation Intel Core processors (i3, i5, i7) with different core counts, thread counts, base frequencies, maximum turbo frequencies, and cache sizes. Integrated graphics include Intel UHD Graphics and Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics.
Chipset
The chipset is integrated into the processor, supporting 13th Generation Intel Core processors.
Operating system
Supported operating systems include Windows 11 Home/Pro (64-bit) and Ubuntu 22.04 LTS (64-bit).
Memory
| Description | Values |
|---|---|
| Memory slots | Two SODIMM slots |
| Memory type | Single-channel/Dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 |
| Memory speed | 3200 MT/s, 4800 MT/s, 5200 MT/s |
| Maximum memory | 64 GB |
| Minimum memory | 8 GB |
| Memory size per slot | 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB |
External ports
- Network port: One RJ-45
- USB ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 (USB4, DP 1.4), One USB 3.2 Gen 1 with PowerShare, One USB 3.2 Gen 1
- Audio port: One Universal audio jack
- Video port: One HDMI 2.0
- Media-card reader: One microSD-card slot
- Power-adapter port: USB Type-C
- Security-cable slot: One wedge-shaped
Internal slots
- M.2 slots: One for WiFi/Bluetooth combo card, one for SSD (2230/2280), one for SSD (2230), and one for WWAN card (3042/3052).
Ethernet
Model: Intel I219-V/Intel I219-LM
Transfer rate: 10/100/1000 Mbps
Wireless module
Supports Wi-Fi 6/6E and Bluetooth 5.3. Options include Realtek RTL8852BE or Intel AX211.
WWAN module
Supports LTE and 5G NR modules (DW5823, Intel XMM 7560 R, DW5931e, Intel 5G 5000). Supports SIM card and eSIM.
Audio
Controller: Realtek Waves, MaxxAudio 12.0
Speakers: 2 internal speakers, 2W each.
Microphones: Digital-array microphones.
Storage
Supports one M.2 2230/2280 solid-state drive (PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe) or optional dual storage. Also supports M.2 2230 self-encrypting drives.
Media-card reader
Supports Micro Secure Digital (mSD), mSDHC, and mSDXC cards up to microSD 4.0 specification.
Keyboard
Available in backlit or non-backlit versions with various language layouts. Keys have primary and secondary functions accessible via the Fn key.
Keyboard function keys
F1-F12 keys perform specific functions, with secondary tasks accessible by pressing Fn + F-key.
Camera
Features FHD RGB camera, optional FHD RGB + IR camera, and optional FHD RGB+IR camera with Ambient Light Sensor for enhanced security and presence detection.
Touchpad
Supports multi-touch gestures with a resolution of over 300 DPI.
Power adapter
Available in 60W (USB-C, 2-pin), 65W, and 100W (USB-C) configurations. Supports universal input voltage (100-240 VAC).
Battery
Offers 3-cell lithium-ion batteries with capacities of 42 WHr or 54 WHr. Supports ExpressCharge and ExpressCharge Boost for faster charging. Includes a coin-cell battery (CR2032).
Display
15-inch Full High Definition (FHD) displays with In-Plane Switching (IPS) technology. Options include standard FHD, FHD with touch, and FHD with ComfortView Plus (low blue light, battery saving). Luminance ranges from 250 to 400 nits.
Fingerprint reader (optional)
Capacitive fingerprint reader with 500 dpi resolution.
Sensor
Includes Ambient Light Sensor and Accelerometer.
GPU—Integrated
Intel UHD Graphics or Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics, supporting external displays via HDMI 2.0.
GPU—Discrete
Optional NVIDIA GeForce MX550 with 2 GB GDDR6 memory.
External display support
Supports up to 3 external displays with the laptop display enabled, and up to 4 with the laptop display disabled, depending on the graphics card.
Hardware security
Features Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, optional fingerprint reader integrated into the power button, ControlVault 3 Advanced Authentication, Smart Card readers (contacted and contactless), and SED SSDs.
Smart-card reader
Contactless smart-card reader
Supports various contactless card standards (ISO 14443 Type A/B, ISO/IEC 21481, ISO/IEC 18092, ISO 15693) and NFC technologies. Compatible with Dell ControlVault 3. Does not support 125 Khz proximity cards.
Contacted smart-card reader
Supports ISO 7816-3 Class A, B, and C cards (5V, 3V, 1.8V powered). Compliant with T=0, T=1, and EMVCo standards. Integrates with Dell ControlVault 3.
Chapter 4: Working inside your computer
This chapter details safety instructions, precautions for working inside the computer, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, recommended tools, and a screw list.
Safety instructions: Always follow safety precautions before and after working inside the computer.
ESD protection: Use an ESD field service kit and take precautions when handling sensitive components to prevent damage.
Recommended tools: Includes Phillips head screwdriver, spudger, and anti-static wrist strap.
Screw list: A list of screws used for various components.
Major components: Overview of the main internal parts of the Latitude 5540.
Chapter 5: Removing and installing Customer Replaceable Units (CRUs)
This chapter provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing CRUs:
- SIM card tray (Optional)
- Base cover
- Wireless card (WLAN)
- WWAN card (Optional - 4G/5G)
- Memory modules
- Solid-state drives (M.2 2230/2280)
- Fan
Chapter 6: Removing and installing Field Replaceable Units (FRUs)
This chapter details the removal and installation of FRUs:
- Battery (Rechargeable Li-ion)
- Assembly inner frame
- Speakers
- Coin-cell battery
- Heat sink (Discrete and Integrated GPU)
- System board
- Power button (with or without fingerprint reader)
- Keyboard
- Display assembly
- Display bezel
- Display panel
- Camera module
- Display hinges
- Display back cover
- Display cable
- Sensor board
- Fingerprint reader (Optional)
- Smart-card reader
- Dummy SIM-card slot filler
- Palm-rest assembly
Chapter 7: Software
Information on the operating system and driver downloads is provided.
- Operating system: Details on supported OS versions.
- Drivers and downloads: Instructions on obtaining necessary drivers and software from Dell's support website.
Chapter 8: BIOS Setup
This chapter covers accessing and navigating the BIOS setup program, system setup options, updating the BIOS, and managing system and setup passwords.
- Entering BIOS setup: Accessing the BIOS via F2 or F12.
- Navigation keys: Standard keys for BIOS navigation.
- F12 One Time Boot menu: Booting from various devices.
- System setup options: Configuration settings for hardware and system behavior.
- Updating the BIOS: Methods for updating BIOS in Windows, Linux, or via USB drive.
- System and setup password: Setting, changing, or clearing passwords.
- Clearing CMOS settings: Resetting BIOS settings to default.
Chapter 9: Troubleshooting
This chapter provides guidance on troubleshooting common issues:
- Handling swollen batteries: Safety precautions for swollen Li-ion batteries.
- Locate Service Tag: Finding the Service Tag for support.
- Dell SupportAssist Pre-boot System Performance Check: Running diagnostics.
- Built-in self-test (BIST): M-BIST and L-BIST for component testing.
- System-diagnostic lights: Interpreting diagnostic light codes.
- Recovering the operating system: Options for OS recovery.
- Real-Time Clock (RTC Reset): Resetting the system clock.
- Backup media and recovery options: Information on creating backups.
- Wi-Fi power cycle: Troubleshooting wireless connectivity.
- Drain residual flea power: Performing a hard reset.
Chapter 10: Getting help and contacting Dell
Information on how to obtain further assistance from Dell support.
