alphavme v13 fw relnote

This document outlines the procedures for updating the firmware on DIGITAL Alpha VME 4/224 and 4/288 Single Board Computers. The firmware, which includes the Alpha SRM firmware, PALcode, diagnostics, console interface, and bootstrap, resides in Flash Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (FEPROM) and can be updated electronically in-circuit.

This firmware update (V1.3) supports both Alpha VME 4/224 and 4/288 modules and introduces new features such as QLogic ISP1020 SCSI Controller, enhanced PCI configuration, and DEFPZ PMC FDDI support. The entire update process takes about five minutes.

The update procedure consists of three main phases:

1. Preparation for Update:

   • Shut down the operating system.
   • Close module DIP switch #2 to enable firmware updates.
   • Halt the system and disable the automatic boot option (set AUTO_ACTION to HALT).
   • Disable power-on diagnostics (set MODE to FASTBOOT). Users must record the original settings of these environment variables for restoration later.
   • Reset the system.
   • Identify the current firmware and PALcode versions using show version and show pal commands.

2. Updating the Firmware:

   • The utility performs consistency checks, then erases, reprograms, and verifies the FEPROM. It is critical not to interrupt the process during this short "window of vulnerability" (less than thirty seconds).
   • Updates can be performed via two methods:
     • From CD-ROM: Power down, connect a CD-ROM drive, verify it with show device, insert the update CD, then boot the Firmware Update Utility from the CD-ROM (e.g., boot dka400), and finally issue the update command.
     • From a Network Server: Copy the MOP (.sys) or BOOTP (.exe) loadable files from the CD-ROM to a server. Then, boot the system using the MOP or BOOTP protocol from the network (e.g., boot -file alphavme_v1_3 -protocol mop ewa0 or boot -file alphavme_v1_3.exe -protocol tftp ewa0), and then issue the update command.

3. Post-Update Instructions:

   • Restore the environment variables (like AUTO_ACTION and MODE) to their original settings.
   • Open module DIP switch #2 to disable further console image updates.
   • Cycle power or reset the system to unload the FEPROMs and activate the new firmware.
   • Reboot the operating system.

If the update process fails, users are instructed to contact their local Customer Support Center.