axpvme v170 fw relnote

This document outlines the procedures for electronically updating the firmware on DIGITAL AXPvme systems, specifically the Alpha SRM firmware (512KB) stored in Flash Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (FEPROM).

Key Information:

• Purpose: To update the DIGITAL AXPvme firmware using a dedicated Firmware Update Utility.
• Target Hardware: DIGITAL AXPvme CPU modules (64, 64LC, 100, 160, 230).
• Firmware Type: Alpha SRM firmware, used for booting DIGITAL UNIX or VxWorks.
• Version: Firmware Update Version V17.0, which includes support for EWX0_MODE required by DIGITAL UNIX V4.0D.
• Process Time: Approximately five minutes.

Critical Warnings & Considerations:

• Window of Vulnerability: The FEPROM must be entirely erased before reprogramming, creating a brief period (under 30 seconds) where the firmware is inoperable. Do not interrupt the update process.
• DIP Switch #2: Module DIP Switch #2 must be CLOSED to enable updates and OPENED afterward to disable further updates.
• Power Cycle/Reset: After a successful update, the system must be power cycled or reset to unload the old firmware and start running the new version.

Update Process Overview:

1. Preparation:

   • Shut down the operating system.
   • Enable firmware updates by closing module DIP switch #2.
   • Halt the system to the SRM console prompt (>>>).
   • Disable the automatic boot option (set AUTO_ACTION to HALT).
   • Disable power-on diagnostics (set MODE to FASTBOOT).
   • Record original environment variable settings for later restoration.
   • Reset the system.
   • Identify current firmware and PALcode versions using show version and show pal.

2. Firmware Update: The update can be performed from either a CD-ROM or a network server.

   • CD-ROM Method:
     • Power down, connect a CD-ROM drive, insert the firmware upgrade CD.
     • Boot the Firmware Update Utility from the CD-ROM using the boot command with specific flags (e.g., boot dka400 -flags 0,a0).
     • Once the utility loads, issue the update command (e.g., update -path -medullarom -target console).
   • Network Server Method (MOP or BOOTP):
     • Copy the axpvme_v17_0.sys (for MOP) and axpvme_v17_0.exe (for BOOTP) files from the CD-ROM to a DIGITAL UNIX or OpenVMS server.
     • Enable MOP or BOOTP services on the server.
     • Boot the AXPvme system from the network using the boot command (e.g., boot -file axpvme_v17_0 -protocol mop ewa0).
     • After the network boot, issue the update command.

3. Post-Update Instructions:

   • Restore the environment variables (e.g., AUTO_ACTION, MODE) to their original settings.
   • Open module DIP switch #2 to disable further firmware updates.
   • Cycle power or reset the system.
   • Reboot the operating system.

Troubleshooting: If the update fails, contact your local Customer Support Center.