PCI 4-Channel Ultra 3 SCSI RAID Adapter
Replacement and Firmware Update Procedure

REVISED:  Oct 30, 2003

Table of Contents:

1.0 Adapters Affected

2.0 Microcode Change History

3.0 Cautions and Important Notes

4.0 Determine Current Microcode Level

5.0.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from WEB
5.0.1 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from CORE
5.0.2 Downloading the RPM format to the Target Server
5.0.3 Downloading Files from the Microcode CD-ROM

6.0 Microcode Download Procedure

7.0 Restoring the Array Configuration on the New Adapter

8.0 References


1.0 Adapters Affected

The levels contained in this update are:  Adapter (FW): 4.50.01

Approx Installation Time:  30 Minutes


2.0 Microcode Change History

Adapter Firmware Level Description of Code
4.50.01
Reverts back to 4.50.01 to fix an "onboard Fast/Write Cache disabled" performance problem introduced in 4.70.11.  The other fixes in 4.70.11 and 4.84.01 have no benefit for pSeries boxes as they were introduced for another IBM division that shared this card.
4.84.01 Large Sequential Write Enhancements, Spin Down Defunct Drives
4.70.11 Further Command Timeout Fixes
4.50.01 Fixes Command Timeout Issue
4.20.18 First Customer Ship Level


3.0 Cautions and Important Notes

Adapter MUST BE IDLE!

This update will disrupt adapter operations. The update should be done with no user activity on the system.

MOVING EXISTING BATTERY BACKED-UP CACHE CARD TO NEW BASE CARD FRU 37L6892:

Before updating firmware on the new base card the battery backed-up cache card must be removed from the failing base card and installed on the new base card using the following procedure.

Remove cables from the adapter noting which cable goes to which  connector so they can be reconnected in exactly the same positions

Remove the battery backed-up cache card from the base card by removing the 8 screws visible when looking at the battery side  of the adapter

Carefully separate the 2 cards by rocking the cache card near the connectors joining the 2 cards.  Do not disconnect the battery wires because there may be valid data in the the battery backed-up cache card

Install the battery backed-up cache card on the replacement base card being careful to position the battery wires so they do not  interfere with the mounting screws or the PCI connector

Reinstall the adapter and cables in the system

4.0 Determine Current Firmware Level

Before you install the microcode, it is important to determine the Microcode level of the adapter when you install it in the target system. Use the following instructions to  read the Loadable Microcode Level stored in the adapter's non-volatile memory
1)  List the PCI Raid adapters installed in the system by typing:
lsdev -C | grep scraid
Note the device names of all PCI 4-Channel PCI Ultra3  SCSI Raid Adapters installed. The adapter device name will be scraidX,where X is 0,1, or some other number
Identify the name of the card you just installed
2) To check the current microcode level for the adapter enter the following command
lscfg -vl scraidX
Where X is the number of the card you just installed
The Command will produce output similar to
DEVICE       LOCATION       DESCRIPTION
Scraid0         20-58                  PCI 4-Channel Ultra3 SCSI RAID Adapter
Part Number.................09P1521
EC Level....................0H10522
Serial Number...............00000001
FRU Number..................37L6892
Manufacturer................IBM000
Displayable Message.........UL3RAID
Diagnostic Level............03
Device Driver Level.........03
Loadable Microcode Level....4.84.01
ROS Level and ID............4.00.26
Device Specific.(YL)........P2-I9
If the FRU Number is 37L6892 and Loadable Microcode Level is different than 4.50.01 as it is in the above case (4.20.18) then you should update the microcode


5.0.0 Downloading and Installing the Firmware Update Package from WEB

The WEB package is found under the Adapter Microcode section.   The filename is tr45001.bin. It is a self expanding executable which will   create a directory containing the download code and these instructions for  replacing the adapter base card FRU:

* readme (these instructions as text)

* 2e1014C.4.50.01 (update code)

You must read and agree to the license agreement to  obtain the password (case sensitive) for unpacking the firmware packages.

In the table for Adapter Microcode, find PCI 4-Channel  Ultra SCSI RAID Adapter In the Files to read/download column, you will find:   Description (this instructions document), AIX Format file (for downloading to an AIX system or workstation) You will want a copy of the description  (instructions document) and AIX format file. Detailed download/unpacking instructions is as follows for AIX format files:

A) Make a directory on an AIX system to receive the  AIX format file.  Enter:

Note: if the directory /tmp/raidtemp already exists,  make sure it is empty before proceeding.
B) Transfer the AIX format file to the /tmp/raidtemp  directory (using "Save as..."). You'll see the filename is tr45001.bin
C) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.  You will be asked for the password from the license agreement. Enter the commands : (don't overlook the periods (.) In the above command)  The directory pci4raid with these files will be added to /tmp/raidtemp: 2e1014C.4.50.01  and rdmeweb_4_50_01.
Enter the following command to copy the microcode file to "etc/microcode" directory:

5.0.1 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from CORE

NOTE: CORE can be only accessed by an IBM CE.

CORE Package

The CORE package is found under IBM RS/6000-Microcode-Adapter.  The filename is 4_50_01.exe. It is a self expanding executable which will  create a diskette containing the download code in backup format and these  instructions for replacing the adapter base card FRU.

* rdmecore_4_50_01.htm (these instructions as text)

* update code
 

Creating the diskettes

The diskettes that are produced with this procedure are  in a format that the SSR can use directly with a computer that is using AIX  as it's operating system. These diskettes once produced on the most platform cannot be read using normal platform tools or command line operations.

1. Place a 1.44 Mbyte diskette into your 'A' Diskette  drive.
2. Press 'Launch' on the line that represents the Firmware  that you want to generate.
3. Label Diskette "IBM PCI 4-Channel Ultra3 SCSI RAID Adapter Firmware-Version 4.50.01"

Transfer update files from this AIX backup diskette onto the workstation that you are going to use this firmware.

4. Insert the diskette in the floppy diskette reader (rfd0).
5. Login as su or "root" on the workstation.
6. Enter the AIX command:

restore
This command will extract the binary image of the microcode  to the system /etc/microcode directory.


5.0.2 Downloading the RPM format from the Target Server

Use this method to download to an AIX system:

Note: The instructions that follow are specific AIX commands. AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including filenames.

a) Make a directory on an AIX system to receive the RPM format file.
    Enter:      mkdir /tmp/microcode/RPM

b) Transfer the RPM format file to the /etc/microcode directory (using "Save as ...").
    You'll see the filename is adapter.scraid.4.50.01.rpm

c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below:
    Enter the commands:
        rpm -ihv --ignoreos adapter.scraid.4.50.01.rpm

The microcode files will be added to /etc/microcode/


5.0.3 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. Unpack the file by executing the instructions below:
    Enter the commands:
        rpm -ihv --ignoreos adapter.scraid.4.50.01.rpm
3. Microcode files will be copied to "/etc/microcode".  

Notes:
 - "/etc/microcode" is a symbolic link to "/usr/lib/microcode".
 - If permission does not allow the copy to the above stated directory
                  or file then the user will be prompted for a new location.


6.0 Updating the Firmware on  the Target Adapter

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

This section describes the method for transferring the new firmware into the target adapter. Each flash update should complete within one minute.

WARNING: Do not power off the target server at any time before the flash process completes. If power is removed or the system is reset while flash_update is being run, irrecoverable failures may occur. This could require return of the adapter for exchange.

Please verify the filesize and checksum of the raw microcode file in the /etc/microcode/ directory.
Filesize:  524456
Checksum:  28646

FLASH the adapter EEPROM using one of the 2  following commands:
A) If the loadable microcode level listed previously is below 4.50.01 then type

diag -c -d scraidX -T"download"
Where X is the numerical character denoting the logical ID of the SCSI RAID adapter you identified previously.
B) If the loadable microcode level listed previously is above 4.50.01 then type
diag -c -d scraidX -T"download -P"
This will cause 4.50.01 load even if a higher level from some other application is on the card. You should  receive a confirmation  that microcode has been updated.  If you  do not then make sure the adapter  is NOT in use and repeat step 7 above.

Verifying the Update
To verify that the correct level of microcode, 4.50.01, is on the adapter type:

lscfg -vl scraidX
Where X is the numeric  character denoting the logical ID of the SCSI RAID adapter you identified  previously.
The Loadable Microcode Level should be 4.50.01.


7.0 Restoring the Array Configuration on the New Adapter

After downloading the adapter follow the procedure in the chapter:

"Replacing the PCI 4-Channel Ultra3 SCSI RAID Adapter" in the adapter REFERENCE GUIDE, SA23-1239-00 which is summarized below:

Attention:
If the adapter being replaced experienced an abrupt failure, there may be valid data in the adapter's non volatile write cache.
If an existing disk array configuration will be imported from the attached drives, then the write cache card from the adapter being replaced should be used with the new adapter. This will ensure any data which may exist in the non-volatile write cache module is correctly written to the attached disk drives.

A configuration conflict may result when a PCI 4-Channel Ultra3 SCSI   RAID Adapter within a configured system is replaced (possibly due to a defective adapter). The configuration  stored on the adapter may be out of sync with the configuration stored on the drives. The configuration can be restored  by synchronizing the adapter configuration with the drive configuration. This can beaccomplished using the ACCEPT CONFIGURATION ON DRIVES option under PDAM RECOVERY OPTIONS.  PDAM is the PCI SCSI Disk Array Manager under SMIT.
Use the following to do this:

1. Start PDAM by entering the following command
    smit pdam
2. Select the RECOVERY OPTIONS option.
3. Select RESOLVE PCI SCSI RAID ADAPTER CONFIGURATION option.
4. Select ACCEPT CONFIGURATION ON DRIVES option.
5. Select the adapter that was replaced.
NOTE: following an Accept Configuration on Drives option, the PCI 4-Channel Ultra3 SCSI RAID Adapter will automatically perform a Consistency Check with Auto-Repair on all redundant level RAID arrays. Progress of the Consistency Check can be monitored using the list PCI SCSI Disk Arays option of PDAM.


8.0 References

 
  • SA23-1239-00 PCI 4-Channel Ultra3 SCSI RAID Adapter - REFERENCE GUIDE
  • SA23-2597-00 PCI 4-Channel Ultra3 SCSI RAID Adapter - INSTALLATION & USER'S GUIDE