F/C 4959 PCI Token-Ring Adapter
Microcode Update

REVISED: May 9, 2003

Table of Contents

1.0 Microcode Change History
2.0 General Information

3.0.0 Determine Adapter Part Numbers and Microcode Level
3.0.1 Determine Dependencies

4.0.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from WEB
4.0.1 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package From CORE
4.0.2 Downloading File from the Microcode CD-ROM

5.0.0 Downloading Directly to the Target System
5.0.1 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using FTP
5.0.2 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using a Diskette
5.0.3 Downloading to a DOS, OS/2 or Windows Workstation and Using a Diskette

6.0.0 Updating the Adapter's Microcode
6.0.1 Updating the Machine Records


1.0 Microcode Change History

Microcode Level - Controls normal adapter operations

Level Description
HSS3BJ2
  • Added appropriate files to allow flash updates on AIX 5 in addition to AIX 4 systems. Also, added files and updated program to allow flashing cards with AMD and ST modules.
HSS2B4
  • Fixed problem  that  prevented adapter from being recognized by certain systems at boot time.
HSS1AE
  • Original (GA) Adapter Microcode level.

Open Firmware Level - Used only during NIM install

PXHL01
  • Added 64 bit Open Firmware (NIM Boot) capability. Fixed NIM PUSH problem when adapter attribute is set to something other than autosense.
PXHL00
  • Original (GA) Open Firmware level.

The levels contained in this update are:

Both are contained within the files provided and are flashed concurrently onto the same component on the adapter.

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2.0 General Information

******* Please read this entire notice *********

Customers are encouraged to install the latest microcode level themselves. The microcode and instructions are available for customers at the IBM external web site:

download.html

This package provides new microcode for the PCI Token-Ring Adapter, Feature Code 4959. To perform this update, please read these instructions completely. It is also recommended that you print them for quick reference.

The typical time to install this microcode is .2 hrs; the microcode becomes active when installed and does not require a system reboot to become active. For multiple adapters in a system, each additional adapter will require about one minute per adapter to update.

NOTE:    Before attempting this update, please ensure that you satisfy the dependencies listed in this document.

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3.0.0 Determine Adapter Part Numbers and Microcode Level

It is not necessary to physically remove the adapter from the system to determine its part number. Please follow the instructions below to electronically read it from its nonvolatile memory.

Step 1. Reading Adapter's Part Number and Microcode Level from AIX

The adapter part number resides in its Vital Product Data (VPD) area. These instructions will also read the adapter's microcode level, but not the revision of Open Firmware. If the microcode is at a previous version, it is not necessary to proceed to Step 2, since the Firmware Level will also be downlevel.

1) List the PCI Token-Ring adapters installed in the system by typing:

lsdev -C | grep 14103e00

The output should look like:

tok0       Available 00-03        PCI Token-Ring Adapter (14103e00)
tok1       Available 00-04        PCI Token-Ring Adapter (14103e00)

The PCI Token-Ring Adapter(s), if present,  will be identified as tok0, tok1, ...tok(x).

2) To read the VPD, execute the following command, where (x) corresponds the adapter's identifier:

lscfg -l tok(x) -v

The output should be similar to the example below:

  DEVICE            LOCATION          DESCRIPTION

  tok1              04-02            IBM PCI Tokenring Adapter (14103e00)

        Loadable Microcode Level....00AHSS1AE    NOTE: Only HSS1AE is relevant!!
        Part Number.................003N5554
       EC Level....................00F71294
        Serial Number...............09526002
        FRU Number..................003N5554
        Manufacturer................IBM9RI
        Network Address.............0020357AEDEF
        Displayable Message.........IBM PCI Token-Ri


Step 2. Verifying Adapter's Microcode and Firmware Levels from AIX

Since the flash program tests, then flashes the adapter, and retests it, it is not necessary to verify the adapter's microcode/firmware levels after updating. Instructions are provided here for future reference.

The Open Firmware Level (as well as the microcode level) can be accessed with the following command:

tokstat -d tok(x)

A screenfull of information will flash before your eyes. However, the desired information is contained in the last four lines of  the last section of the Token-Ring Adapter Statistics which should look like the following:

IBM PCI Tokenring Adapter (14103e00) Specific Statistics:
---------------------------------------------------------
Media Speed Running: 16 Mbps Half Duplex
Media Speed Selected: Auto Sense / Half Duplex
Receive Overruns : 0
Transmit Underruns : 0
ARI/FCI errors : 0
Microcode level on the adapter :00IHSS2B4    NOTE: Only HSS2B4 is relevant!!
Num pkts in priority sw tx queue  : 0
Num pkts in priority hw tx queue  : 0
Open Firmware Level : 001PXHL00              NOTE: Only PXHL00 is relevant!!

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3.0.1 Dependencies

This new microcode can be installed only if the following dependencies are met:
Table 1. List of Supported Machine Types and Models
M/T
Models
7013 S70, S7A (upgrades)
7015 S70, S7A (upgrades)
7017 S70, S7A, S80, S85
7025 F40, F50, H70, F80
7026 B80, H50, H70, H80, M80
7043 140, 150, 260, 270
7044
170,270
7046
B50

Can Microcode/Firmware Be Installed Concurrently? Yes!

Yes, but the adapter must be available and must be detached from the network.
The update process will automatically detach the adapter from the network but you must use smitty to reconfigure the adapter on the network.

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4.0.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Microcode Update Package

Instructions for downloading and unpacking the firmware update package follow.
Note: AIX Instructions are CASE (lower and UPPER) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including the filenames. DOS commands are not.
This microcode update package, in AIX and DOS formats is located at web site:

http://www.rs6000.ibm.com/support/micro

NOTE: Once at the web site above, you must read and agree to the license agreement to obtain the password (case sensitive) for unpacking the microcode update package.

After obtaining the password, return to this web site,  locate the table of contents, and click on the entry labeled "RS/6000 Adapter Microcode." At the table labeled "RS/6000 Adapter Microcode," find the entry "F/C 4959 Token-Ring." You are presented with a choice of three files to download under column heading "Files to read/download." Your selection will depend on the type of system you're using to access and download these files.

To assist you making the correct choice, the next paragraph contains four sets of instructions for transferring the update files to your target system. Make this decision first and then download the description file and the appropriate self exploding file (described below).

The update files may be transferred to the target system in one of several ways. Please click on your preference below for a complete set of instructions.
  • Downloading the update files directly to the target AIX system
  • Downloading the update files to an intermediate AIX system and using ftp to transfer the files to the target system
  • Downloading the update files to an intermediate AIX system and using a diskette to transfer the files to the target system
  • Downloading the update files to a DOS, OS/2 or Windows PC and using a diskette to transfer the files to the target system
  • Downloading the update files from the Microcode CD-ROM
  •  Back to Contents

    4.0.1 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from CORE

    Note: CORE is a microcode repository that it designed to work with the tools used by IBM Customer Engineers and is only available to IBM Customer Engineers. All others must use the Internet download and installation instruction described above. The latest 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter Open Firmware level is available from:

    CORE (Current Object REpository)

    It is provided in AIX backup format in the package listed under the following structure:

    Producing the Firmware for installation from CORE

    The files contained in the CORE package are: CORE5701.HTM (these Instructions in HTML)
    FLSH5701.EXE (Diskette image of microcode files as AIX backups)

    Creating the diskettes

    It is recommended that you create the diskette from a 'local image'.

    If you do not have a local image or a copy of image on a CD press 'Make a local copy' on the Server line.
    Place a 1.44 Mbyte diskette into your 'A' Diskette drive
    Press 'Launch' on the line that represents the Firmware that you want to generate.
    Last, Label Diskette "AIX Backup: F/C 5701, 10/100/1000 Base-TX PCI-X Adapter Open Firmware Update."

    Transfer update files from this AIX backup diskette to the System or CWS or LPAR

    Login or su as "root" Enter the AIX commands:

            mkdir /tmp/flash5701 (skip this command if already done)

            cd /tmp/flash5701

            restore -xq

    Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.

    Back to Contents


    4.0.2 Downloading File from the Microcode CD-ROM

    Copy microcode updates from the CD-ROM to standard locations on your local disk:

    1. RPM packaged microcode files will be copied to "/tmp/microcode/RPM"
    2. Microcode files will be copied to "/tmp/flash4959"

    Notes:
      - If permission does not allow the copy to the above stated directory
                      or file then the user will be prompted for a new location.

    Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


    5.0.0 Downloading Directly to the Target System

    To download directly to the system in which the adapter you intend to update resides.

    1) Provide a directory on your AIX system to receive the download.

          Enter:

    mkdir /tmp/flash4959
    2) Transfer the AIX format file to the /tmp/flash4959 directory (using "Save as ..."). The name of the file is flash4959.bin.

    3) Unpack the microcode package by executing the flash4959.bin file as shown below. You'll be asked for the password from the license agreement.

          Enter the commands:

    cd   /tmp/flash4959
    chmod   +x flash4959.bin
    ./flash4959.bin
    [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

    These files are unpacked into the working directory  /tmp/flash4959.

    flash4959.txt     Instructions for working w/files from the web
    core4959.txt      Instructions for working w/files from CORE
    flash             script file for walking the bus, testing, and flashing the adapter
    hxeshenandoah_43  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 4
    hxeshenandoah_51  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 5
    loadkernext       system function to load kernel extension
    microcode.hstr    actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (SST modules)
    microcode.amd     actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (ST and AMD modules)
    shen_intr_43      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 4
    shen_intr_51      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 5
    rule.load         test case sequencer
    unloadkernext     system function to unload kernel extension

    Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


    5.0.1 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using FTP

    1) Provide a directory on your intermediate AIX system to receive the download.

          Enter:

    mkdir /tmp/flash4959
    2) Transfer the AIX format file to the /tmp/flash4959 directory (using "Save as ..."). The name of the file is flash4959.bin.

    3) Transfer this file to the target system via ftp, provided you have access to the target system. From your intermediate AIX system, enter the following commands:

    ftp  {name of target system}
    {Login with a valid userid and password}
    bin
    lcd  /tmp/flash4959
    mkdir /tmp/flash4959
    cd  /tmp/flash4959
    put  flash4959.bin
    quit
    4) On the target system, unpack the update file by executing the flash4959.bin file as shown below. You'll be asked for the password from the license agreement.

          Enter the commands:

    cd   /tmp/flash4959
    chmod   +x flash4959.bin
    ./flash4959.bin
    [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

    These files are unpacked into the working directory  /tmp/flash4959.

    flash4959.txt     Instructions for working w/files from the web
    core4959.txt      Instructions for working w/files from CORE
    flash             script file for walking the bus, testing, and flashing the adapter
    hxeshenandoah_43  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 4
    hxeshenandoah_51  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 5
    loadkernext       system function to load kernel extension
    microcode.hstr    actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (SST modules)
    microcode.amd     actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (ST and AMD modules)
    shen_intr_43      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 4
    shen_intr_51      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 5
    rule.load         test case sequencer
    unloadkernext     system function to unload kernel extension

    Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


    5.0.2 Downloading to an Intermediate AIX System and Using a Diskette

    1) Provide a directory on your intermediate AIX system to receive the download.

          Enter:

    mkdir /tmp/flash4959
    2) Transfer the AIX format file to the /tmp/flash4959 directory (using "Save as ..."). The name of the file is flash4959.bin.

    3) Create a diskette to transfer this file to your target system. Insert a blank, 2MB (HD) diskette in your intermediate AIX system diskette drive and enter the following commands:

    cd  /tmp/flash4959
    ls flash4959.bin | backup -ivr
    Label the resulting diskette " F/C 4959 PCI Token-Ring Adapter Microcode Update."

    4) Place the "F/C 4959 PCI Token-Ring Adapter Microcode Update" diskette in diskette drive of target machine and enter the following commands:

    mkdir /tmp/flash4959
    cd /tmp/flash4959
    restore -xq
    5) Unpack the update file by executing the flash4959.bin file as shown below. You'll be asked for the password from the license agreement.

          Enter the commands:

    cd   /tmp/flash4959
    chmod   +x flash4959.bin
    ./flash4959.bin
    [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

    These files are unpacked into the working directory  /tmp/flash4959.

    flash4959.txt     Instructions for working w/files from the web
    core4959.txt      Instructions for working w/files from CORE
    flash             script file for walking the bus, testing, and flashing the adapter
    hxeshenandoah_43  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 4
    hxeshenandoah_51  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 5
    loadkernext       system function to load kernel extension
    microcode.hstr    actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (SST modules)
    microcode.amd     actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (ST and AMD modules)
    shen_intr_43      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 4
    shen_intr_51      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 5
    rule.load         test case sequencer
    unloadkernext     system function to unload kernel extension

    Proceed directly to Updating the Adapter's Microcode.


    5.0.3 Downloading to a DOS, OS/2 or Windows Workstation and Using a Diskette

    1) Prepare a directory for receiving the DOS format file.

    Enter:

    md  c:\temp\flsh4959
    Note: c:\temp\flsh4959 is an example, you can choose any name you want as long as you remember the name of the directory into which you are downloading the files. Also, in this example, you might have to create the temp directory first if it doesn't already exists.

    2) Transfer the DOS format file to the c:\temp\flsh4959 directory (using "Save as ..."). The name of the file is make4959.exe.

    3) Unpack the file by executing the following instructions. You'll need the password from the license agreement.

           Enter the commands:

    cd  c:\temp\flsh4959
    make4959.exe
    These files are unpacked to your sub directory:

    README.TXT          These instructions
    FLSH4959.EXE         Self-exploding image of AIX microcode update diskette

    4) Reconstruct the AIX microcode diskette by executing the self exploding file.  Insert a blank, 2MB (HD) diskette in your diskette drive and type:

    FLSH4959.EXE
    Label the resulting diskette "F/C 4959 PCI Token-Ring Adapter Microcode Update."

    5) Place resulting diskette in diskette drive of target machine and enter the following commands:

    mkdir /tmp/flash4959
    cd /tmp/flash4959
    restore -xq
    These files are copied into the working directory  /tmp/flash4959.

    flash4959.txt     Instructions for working w/files from the web
    core4959.txt      Instructions for working w/files from CORE
    flash             script file for walking the bus, testing, and flashing the adapter
    hxeshenandoah_43  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 4
    hxeshenandoah_51  test case used to flash code onto adapter on AIX 5
    loadkernext       system function to load kernel extension
    microcode.hstr    actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (SST modules)
    microcode.amd     actual microcode image that gets FLASHed onto adapter (ST and AMD modules)
    shen_intr_43      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 4
    shen_intr_51      adapter interrupt handler for AIX 5
    rule.load         test case sequencer
    unloadkernext     system function to unload kernel extension

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    6.0.0 Updating the Adapter's Microcode

    NOTE: Please save current and older versions of the microcode update files in case you need to restore your system.

    Please Note:

    With the machine powered ON and AIX operational, perform the following steps to install the FLASH code into your adapter.

    1) Ensure you're logged in as root, if not issue the following command and enter the password

    su
    PLEASE NOTE:  The language environment must be set to US-English before executing the flash-script.
             smitty
             System Environments
             Manage Language Environment
             Change / Show Primary Language Environment
             Change / Show Cultural Convention, Language, or Keyboard

    2) If you haven't already done so, cd to the temporary directory by typing:

    cd \tmp\flash4959
    3) Change file permissions to allow their execution:
    chmod 777  *
    4) You are now ready to FLASH the EEPROM in the token ring adapter using the single command:
    ./flash
    The update procedure should take less than 2 minutes per adapter. Also, since the utility tests, flashes the adapter, and retests it, it is not necessary to verify the microcode level. However, if you would like to do so, follow this link for instructions.

    5) Reset the language environment to the original settings.

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    6.0.1 Updating the Machine Records

    This is a "Use As Required" microcode change. No ECA available.

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