AlphaServer GS80/160/320 Firmware Reference Manual

This document, the "AlphaServer GS80/160/320 Firmware Reference Manual," is intended for users and field service engineers. It comprehensively describes the firmware interface for Compaq AlphaServer GS80, GS160, and GS320 systems.

The manual covers the six primary functions of the firmware:

• System Access: Managing the system from both local and remote consoles.
• Operating System Booting: Providing the means to boot Tru64 UNIX and OpenVMS operating systems.
• Partition Management: Setting up and initializing system partitions, including "hard" partitions (defined by Quad Building Blocks or QBBs) using the SCM, and "soft" partitions (for flexible resource allocation, including shared memory and CPU reassignment) using the SRM.
• System Parameter Configuration: Setting various system-wide parameters for operation and booting.
• Environmental Monitoring: Monitoring conditions like temperature and voltage, and generating alerts.
• System Testing: Providing tools for diagnosing and testing hardware components.

The document details two main command-line interfaces:

• SCM (System Control Manager) Monitor: Used for defining hard partitions, activating remote console services, and system-wide diagnostics.
• SRM (System Reference Manual) Console: Used for managing operating system booting, setting up soft partitions, and performing system-level diagnostics and tests.

Additionally, it introduces the Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) utility for updating firmware components. A hardware overview of the modular AlphaServer systems is provided to give context for firmware operations. The manual includes detailed command references for both SCM and SRM, along with appendices covering boot options and the LFU utility.