pSeries 615 and IntelliStation POWER 275 Firmware Update


Applies to:  pSeries 615 Model 6C3 (7029-6C3) and Model 6E3 (7029-6E3) and IBM IntelliStation POWER 275 (9114-275)

This document describes the installation of Licensed Machine Code, which is sometimes referred to generically as microcode or firmware.


Contents


1.0 Systems Affected

This update provides firmware (FW) for pSeries 615 Model 6C3 (7029-6C3) and Model 6E3 (7029-6E3)  and IntelliStation POWER 275 (9114-275) Servers only.  Do not use on any other systems.

The firmware level contained in this update is:

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.


2.0 Firmware Description and Revision History

Table 2.1 lists the levels and descriptions for the firmware.
 
Table 2.1:  Firmware Update Descriptions and History
3F050715 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Added support for address request protocol (ARP).
  • A problem was fixed that was causing the firmware to report an error on an I/O slot when no I/O adapter card was present.
  • A problem was fixed that was causing the PCI bus to report an error when a PCI adapter with a bridge on it was hot-plugged.
  • An invalid error code callout for clock errors was fixed.
3F050607 IMPACT:   Function    SEVERITY:   Programming Error
  • Corrects boot failure problem when an AIX sinstallation CD-ROM is booted twice in optical drive P/N 97P6883 when installed as part of FC 2640.
  • Fixes a problem that causes the system to crash when AIX tries a reset on a slot which is already in the reset state.
3F050502 IMPACT:   Serviceability    SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Improved isolation for Remote I/O (RIO) loop failures.
  • Corrects systemTime of Day gains observed after reboot.
  • Resolves incorrect cooling fan FRU callout posted by diagnostics.
  • Changed cooling fan high speed transition point to reduce fan noise on 9114-275 systems.
3F050311 IMPACT:   Serviceability    SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Corrects intermittent boot failure at checkpoint E1A9.
  • Corrects intermittent boot failure with error 101100AC after AC power interruption when Unattentd Start Mode is enabled.
3F050131 IMPACT:   Function      SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Change made to collect hypervisor dump as part of snap command.
  • Change made to mask interrupts for a specific slot if a problem is encountered with and I/O adapter.
3F041029 IMPACT:   Function      SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Added support for network boot when target server provides preferred gateway information in bootp reply.
  • Added support for PCI adapters that require additional memory I/O space (Future OEM vendor requirement).
  • Corrects network boot problems with IBM Gigabit Ethernet adapters (FC 2969).
3F041021 IMPACT:  Function      SEVERITY:  Programming Error
  • Added support for AIX 5.3.
  • Resolves issue of excessive length of time required to collect AIX dump for partitions with Service Authority assigned.
  • Corrects potential cause for system hang with error 40670EA1 on systems with Linux Operating System.
3F040326
  • Added support for system boot from tape devices containing boot images larger than 12MB.  Must be used in conjunction with AIX 5.1 APAR IY54804 or AIX 5.2 APAR IY53546.  To create a boot image larger than 12MB on tape media, you must first apply the appropriate APAR.  The firmware must be at 3F040326 (or later) before the image can be restored.
  • Added support for system backplanes manufactured after April 2004.
3F040127
  • Added new power error codes to indicate that a 500W power supply has been accidentally installed into a 7029-6C3 or 7029-6E3 system.  500W supplies are supported only on  9114-275 workstation systems.
  • Added new FRU and location code information to system Vital Product Data.
3F031121
  • Increased volume of audible system attention indicator (beep) tone.
3F030829
  • Contains hardware initialization changes which improves system stability.
3F030815
  • Corrected Vital Product Data (VPD) output for systems equipped with 1.45GHz processors.
3F030801
  • Added support for 1.45 GHz processor.
3F030703
  • Added support for IBM eServer Intellistation POWER 275 Model 275 (9114-275).
3F030602
  • Added support for IBM eServer IntelliStation POWER 275 Model 275 (9114-275) - RPQ only.
3F030501
  • Original (GA) level.


3.0 Cautions and Important Notes

The System, Service Processor (SvP) and System Power Control Network (SPCN) firmware are combined into a single file. This allows all the firmware to be updated together and assures they are compatible.

Before Beginning the Update

Go to mcodetools.html to determine if the tools can assist you with this update.

Native Linux Systems

To update firmware on a Linux system, you must first download and install the following service tools on your server: Platform Enablement Library, Service Aids, and Hardware Inventory. To obtain these service tools, go to https://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/lopdiags and follow the instructions on this web site for downloading and installing the service tools.

Firmware Update Installation Is Not Concurrent

Installation of the firmware will cause an unconditional reboot of the system. Therefore, all user operations should be gracefully terminated before firmware updates are to be applied.

Recovery Mode

If the service processor detects that its programming has been corrupted when it is powering up to standby mode, it will enter recovery mode.   In recovery mode, it will ask for the firmware update diskettes by putting eight-digit codes on the operator panel.  For more details, see the pSeries 615 Service Guide.

Never Power Off the System During the Firmware Update Process

The update will fail, and the process must be repeated.
 

AIX and Linux Instructions are CASE SENSITIVE

In the instructions that follow are specific AIX, Linux and DOS commands. AIX and Linux commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including the filenames.  DOS commands are not case sensitive, and may be entered without regard to the cases shown.
 

Replacement Parts May Require Updating

When a CEC backplane or service processor card is replaced, the firmware must be checked to ensure it is at the latest level. Table 3.1 lists levels of firmware.
 
Table 3.1: Firmware Levels, File Sizes and Checksums
   Firmware
Distribution Date Filename Size Checksum
August 2005 3F050715.img 4823823 22092
June 2005 3F050607.img 4823911 14146
May 2005 3F050502.img 4823919 07676
March 2005 3F050311.img 4819127 00893
February 2005 3F051031.img 4819007 10415
November 2004 3F041029.img 4816171 56050
October 2004 3F041021.img 4804903 42286 
April 2004 3F040326.img 4776039  07154
February 2004 3F040127.img 4771015 30668
December 2003 3F031121.img 4751579 04060
September 2003 3F030829.img 4706791 22662
August 2003 3F030815.img 4706731 50113
August 2003 3F030801.img 4680751 29617
July 2003
3F030703.img
4680115
37112
July 2003 3F030602.img 4648895 05407
May 2003 3F030501.img 4642491 29155


4.0 How to Determine Currently Installed Firmware Level

The firmware level can be checked in AIX, Linux or in the Service Processor Main Menu.

4.1 Using AIX to Read Currently Installed Firmware Levels

Use the following AIX command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            lscfg -vp | grep -p  Platform

       This command will produce a system configuration report similar to the following.

     Platform Firmware:
          ROM Level.(alterable).......3F041029
          Version.....................RS6K
          System Info Specific.(YL)...U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
        Physical Location: U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
The ROM Level line lists the level of the currently installed firmware. In the above example, the current firmware level is 3F041029.

If the right-most six characters (date) of the current firmware level are earlier than 050715,  you should consider installing the update.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.  If the firmware level is correct and no update is needed, installation is complete.

4.2 Using the Service Processor Main Menu

The second line of the title, Version: 3F041029 shows the currently installed firmware level.

If the right-most six characters (date) of firmware level is earlier than 050715,  you should consider installing the update.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.  If the firmware level is correct and no update is needed, installation is complete.

4.3 Using Linux to Read Currently Installed Firmware Levels

Use the following Linux command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            /sbin/lscfg -vp | grep -A 1  Platform

     This command will produce a system configuration report similar to the following.

     Platform Firmware:
          ROM Level.(alterable).......3F041029
The ROM Level line lists the level of the currently installed firmware. In the above example, the current firmware level is 3F041029.

If the right-most six characters (date) of the current firmware level are earlier than 050715,  you should consider installing the update.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.  If the firmware level is correct and no update is needed, installation is complete.


5.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package

Instructions for downloading and unpacking the firmware update package follow.

5.1  Downloading from the Microcode Update Files and Discovery Tool CD

Follow the instructions that come with the Microcode Update Files and Discovery Tool CD.  Information about severity and impact is also available. The file, 3F050715.rpm, you download from the CD is in the /tmp/microcode/RPM directory.  You will need to move the 3F050715.rpm file to the /tmp/fwupdate directory.

     Enter the commands:
        mkdir /tmp/fwupdate

        Note:  If the directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
                    make sure it is empty before proceeding.

        cd /tmp/microcode/RPM
        mv 3F050715.rpm  /tmp/fwupdate
        cd /tmp/fwupdate
        rpm -ihv --ignoreos 3F050715.rpm

The 3F050715.img file will be added to  /tmp/fwupdate.

The file size and checksum will be verified.

 If you are installing the code manually:

      Enter:
        mkdir /tmp/fwupdate

        Note:  If the directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
                    make sure it is empty before proceeding.

       Copy the 3F050715.img file to the /tmp/fwupate directory.

        Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

If you are updating using the Service Processor Menus, or need diskettes for recovery mode,  you will need to make diskettes on a system running AIX as follows:

        Four 2MB (HD) new or freshly formatted diskettes are required.

        With a diskette loaded in the drive,

       Enter the AIX commands (this process will request additional diskettes as each is filled):

               cd /tmp/fwupdate
               ls 3F050715.img | backup -i -v -f/dev/rfd0

      This will produce AIX backup diskettes.  Label these diskettes, respectively,

     "Volume 1:  Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                            and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

     "Volume 2:  Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                            and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

     "Volume 3:  Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                            and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

     "Volume 4:  Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                            and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

       Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.2 Remote Installation of Firmware

 To install firmware on a remote system, login to the remote system as root. Copy (in binary format) the firmware file, 3F050715.img to the /tmp/fwupdate directory on the remote system.  Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.


6.0 Updating the Firmware

The System, Service Processor (SvP) and System Power Control Network (SPCN) firmware are combined into a single file. This allows all the firmware to be updated together and assures they are compatible.

Once the System and Service Processor firmware had been updated, the server will reboot. The  System Power Control Network (SPCN) update will continue to run in the background.

NOTE:  See Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes for information on required files for updating firmware on a native Linux system.
 

***

WARNING:

Do not  power off the server at any time before the update process completes.  Be sure the system is NOT running any user applications when you begin the update process.

***


NOTE:  Checksums should be used to verify files have not been corrupted or altered during transmission.

                At the AIX command line, enter:
                         sum 3F050715.img

               The output will look like this ------>  22092  4711    3F050715.img
               The checksum is -------------->  22092

6.1 Update Methods

Updating firmware must be initiated either directly from the Service Processor Menus, from the AIX Update Flash Diagnostic Service Aids, from the AIX command line, or the Linux command line.

6.1.1  Using the Service Processor Menus Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

Service Processor Menus allow updating from AIX backup diskettes only.

You must have privileged user authority on the target server to update its firmware.

Note:   All firmware (System, Service Processor and SPCN) will be updated when using this method.

    a. Shutdown the server from the console or ASCII terminal window.

    b. When the operator panel on the server says OK, press Enter, to bring up the Service Processor
         Menu.

    c. Choose 1 for Service Processor Setup Menu.  <Enter>

    d. Choose 7 for Reprogram Flash EPROM Menu. <Enter>

    e. Type y to continue.  <Enter>

    f. Follow on-screen update steps as they are presented.

    g.  The 'Rebooting Service Processor ' message appears on the screen.

          The target server will reboot.  This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration
          of the target server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is
           important to protect the server from interruptions.

    h. Begin watching the operator panel.

    i.  When the panel says 'OK', press Enter.

          The Service Processor Menu appears on the screen.

         The second line of the title, Version: 3F050715, should match the firmware level you just
          installed.

Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the system's diskette drive.  A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.

The firmware update is complete.

6.1.2 Using the Service Aids Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.

Note: Review "Update System or Service Processor Flash" in the Service Aids
section of the eserver pSeries 615 User's Guide for more information about using this utility.

6.1.2.1 File on Diskettes

     Enter the commands:

        mkdir /tmp/fwupdate

     Note: If the directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
                make sure it is empty before proceeding.

        cd /tmp/fwupdate

     Enter :
        restore

You will be prompted to mount volume 1 on /dev/rfd0

In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

    "Volume 1: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                          and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

When prompted for volume 2,

In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

    "Volume 2: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                          and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

When prompted for volume 3,

In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

    "Volume 3: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                          and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

When prompted for volume 4,

In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

    "Volume 4: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                          and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

The file is now located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory. Continue to paragraph 6.1.2.2.

6.1.2.2 Updating with the AIX Diagnostics Service Aids

  a) Invoke the Service Aids from on-line diagnostics.

  b) Choose Update System or Service Processor Flash.

  c) Select 'File System' as the source of the flash update image file.

      The fully qualified path name of the update file is /tmp/fwupdate/3F050715.img

  d) Press 'F7' key to 'Commit' the update.

   e) Choose Yes to continue.

You will be asked for confirmation to proceed with the firmware update and the required reboot.  If you confirm, the server automatically performs the update and reboots.   The checkpoints 99FF and 99FD alternately appear while the update is in progress. This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration of the server. Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the server's diskette drive. A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.

The update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.2.

6.1.3 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.

This method allows updating either from files already loaded into the target server or from diskettes.

6.1.3.1 File on Diskettes

 On the target server,

        Enter the commands:

           mkdir /tmp/fwupdate

      Note: If the directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
                make sure it is empty before proceeding.

         cd /tmp/fwupdate

     Enter :
        restore

   You will be prompted to mount volume 1 on /dev/rfd0

    In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

        "Volume 1: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                              and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

    When prompted for volume 2,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 2: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                                and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

     When prompted for volume 3,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 3: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                                and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

     When prompted for volume 4,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 4: Firmware (3F050715) for pSeries 615 (7029-6C3) and (7029-6E3)
                               and POWER 275 (9114-275)"

The file is now located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.  Continue to paragraph 6.1.3.2.

6.1.3.2 Updating With Files Already Loaded in the Target Server

With the files located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.

     Enter the commands:

        cd /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
        ./update_flash -f /tmp/fwupdate/3F050715.img

    [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

You will be asked for confirmation to proceed with the firmware update and the required reboot.  If you confirm, the server automatically performs the update and reboots.   The checkpoints 99FF and 99FD alternately appear while the update is in progress. This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration of the server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

The firmware update is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.2.

6.1.4 Using the Linux Command-Line Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.

This method allows updating from files already loaded onto the target server.

With the files located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory,

     Enter the commands:

         cd /tmp/fwupdate
        /usr/sbin/update_flash -f  3F050715.img

The server automatically performs the update and reboots.  The checkpoints 99FF and 99FD alternately appear while the update is in progress. This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration of the server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

The update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.2.

6.2 Verifying the Update

To verify the update was successful, the firmware level can be check in AIX, Linux, or in the Service Processor Main Menu.

6.2.1 Using AIX

Use the following AIX command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            lscfg -vp | grep -p  Platform

This command will produce a system configuration report containing sections similar to the following.

   Platform Firmware:
        ROM Level.(alterable).......3F050715
        Version.....................RS6K
        System Info Specific.(YL)...U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
      Physical Location: U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
The ROM Level line should match the level you just installed, namely, 3F050715.

6.2.2 Using the Service Processor Main Menu

The second line of the title, Version: 3F050715, shows the currently installed firmware level.

6.2.3 Using Linux

Use the following Linux command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            /sbin/lscfg -vp | grep -A 1  Platform

     This command will produce a system configuration report similar to the following.

     Platform Firmware:
          ROM Level.(alterable).......3F050715
The ROM Level line should match the level of the you just installed, namely, 3F050715.

6.3 Archiving the Update Files

In the event it becomes necessary to restore the server to a certain firmware level, it is suggested you identify and archive the materials for each update you install.

If the download process produced diskettes, label and store them in a safe place.

If the download process produced files, archive and identify the files for convenient retrieval.


End of Installation Instructions