StorageWorks HSJ40 Array Contr Oper Firmware V1.2 Rel Notes

This document, "StorageWorks Array Controller HSJ40 Array Controller Operating Firmware V1.2 Release Notes," provides essential information for users and service personnel regarding the HSJ40 Array Controller Operating Firmware (HSOF) V1.2. It covers features, limitations, and installation procedures not detailed in other documentation.

Key Features and Enhancements in HSOF V1.2 (or carried over from V1.0B/V1.1):

• Reduced Error Logging: No error logs generated for disabled CI paths.
• Improved Erase Performance: MSCP erase commands are significantly faster (approximately one-third the execution time of previous versions).
• Increased Storage Set Size: Supports 6-member RAID 0 storage sets.
• Enhanced Controller Information: SHOW CONTROLLER command now displays read cache module status and the controller's SCS system ID.
• Flexible CI Node Numbers: CI node numbers can range from 0 to 31.
• Streamlined Upgrades: No need to change CI node number or SCS node name when upgrading from HSOF Version T047 or later.
• Reduced Duplicate Error Logs: Significantly fewer redundant error log entries.
• Safe Failover Testing: Program card eject button can be used for failover testing in dual-redundant configurations.
• Updated Code Tables: Includes new CI Virtual Circuit State Codes, Instance Codes, Last Fail Codes, and Repair Action Codes.

Important Clarifications:

• Controller Reset: After changing firmware, the OCP reset button must be pushed.
• Controller Failover: In dual-redundant setups, manual intervention using RESTART OTHER_CONTROLLER and OCP reset is required to bring a failed controller back online. Failover typically completes within 30 seconds.
• NVPM Messages: Specific NVPM messages indicate a need to contact Digital Multivendor Services.
• Media Format (TRANSPORTABLE/NOTRANSPORTABLE): Clarifies that NOTRANSPORTABLE (default) units require metadata and are interchangeable with HSC K.scsi modules or other HSJ40 subsystems, while TRANSPORTABLE units do not use metadata and are interchangeable with any SCSI interface not using metadata (e.g., VAX workstation, PC).
• Controller Warm-Swap: The warm-swap method for removing and replacing an HSJ40 controller in a dual-redundant configuration is not supported in this release; both controllers must be shut down.

Functional Limitations and Restrictions:

• ERASE Command Limit: Maximum byte count for ERASE commands is about 2 gigabytes.
• DILX Utility: Limited to testing no more than 18 units per controller at a time.
• OpenVMS AUTOGEN.COM: Requires manual edits to recognize HSJ40-attached disk drives, especially for OpenVMS VAX V5.5-1, V5.5-2, and V6.0.
• Device Size Limit: OpenVMS VAX operating system versions prior to V6.0 do not support file-structured devices larger than 8.5 gigabytes.
• CDROM Reader (RRD42): Only one RRD42 is supported per SCSI bus, and it must be the only device on that bus.
• CI Configuration: All host adapter CI ports must have the quiet slot time set to 10.

Performance (HSOF V1.2):

• Up to 1,100 I/O requests per second.
• Up to 4.0 MBytes/second for data writes.
• Up to 2.6 MBytes/second for data reads. (These are highly workload-dependent and may not reflect typical application performance.)

Firmware Installation (Upgrade to V1.2):

• Nonredundant Configurations: Causes a brief (30-45 second) service interruption, with OpenVMS automatically recovering. The process involves ejecting the old card and inserting the new one while holding the OCP reset button.
• Dual-Redundant Configurations:
  • Simultaneous Upgrade: Requires both controllers to be momentarily shut down, causing a brief outage but maintaining pre-upgrade drive-to-controller assignments.
  • Sequential Upgrade: Allows continuous service (no outage) but disrupts pre-upgrade drive-to-controller assignments, requiring the use of OpenVMS Preferred Path utility to restore balance. This method is only valid for upgrades from HSOF V1.1 to V1.2.