MicroVAX 3100 Model 85, 90, 95, 96 KA50/51/55/56 CPU System Maintenance

This document is a System Maintenance manual for MicroVAX 3100 Models 85, 90, 95, and 96, specifically focusing on systems that utilize the KA50, KA51, KA55, and KA56 CPU modules.

The manual serves as a comprehensive guide for Digital Services personnel and customers with self-maintenance agreements, providing essential information across several key areas:

• CPU Module Description: Details the physical and functional characteristics of the KA50/51/55/56 CPU modules, including their core components (NVAX processor, memory controllers, I/O chips, SCSI, Ethernet, serial lines), cache, RAM, and ROM specifications.
• System Configuration: Provides guidelines for memory configurations (MS44/MS44L modules and expansion), supported internal and external mass storage devices (SCSI, CDROM, tape drives), and various asynchronous and synchronous communication options.
• Console Operations: Offers a complete reference for console firmware commands, covering their syntax, qualifiers, and detailed explanations of common commands such as BOOT, DEPOSIT, EXAMINE, FIND, HELP, INITIALIZE, LOGIN, MOVE, NEXT, REPEAT, SEARCH, SET, SHOW, START, TEST, UNJAM, and binary load/unload (X command).
• System Initialization and Testing: Describes the power-up sequence, Power-On Self-Tests (POST) for the kernel and mass storage devices, and CPU ROM-Based Diagnostics (RBDs), including specific memory tests and system acceptance procedures.
• Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Provides extensive guidance on diagnosing and resolving system issues through various methods, including interpreting OpenVMS error logs (for CPU, memory, bus, and DMA/host transaction faults), utilizing VAXsimPLUS and System-Initiated Call Logging (SICL) for error notification, understanding User Environmental Test Package (UETP) failures, and performing loopback tests for console and embedded Ethernet ports.
• Firmware Management: Outlines procedures for updating FEPROM firmware via Ethernet or tape, along with a list of associated error messages and recommended actions.
• Reference Information: Includes appendices with detailed technical data such as address assignments, ROM partitioning, key global data structures, configurable machine states, NVRAM partitioning, MOP counters, and a comprehensive list of error codes and messages, as well as related documentation.