alpha2100 v53 fw relnote

This document is a User Guide and Release Notes for the Loadable Firmware Update Utility (LFU) for AlphaServer 2x00 and 2x00A systems. It details how to update the system's firmware, including the SRM (System Reference Manual) and ARC (Advanced RISC Computing) console firmware, as well as various option firmware.

Key aspects covered include:

1. Purpose & Audience: Describes the LFU and the procedure for electronically updating firmware, intended for manufacturing, repair, and system maintenance personnel.
2. Release Notes (March 1999, Alpha Firmware CD V5.4):
   • Introduces new ARC firmware (V4.58) and QLogic ISP firmware (V5.57).
   • Adds a new SCSI_RESET environment variable to control SCSI bus resets during console power-up/reset.
   • Addresses a high "No Problem Found" rate for B2110-AA modules by implementing console image checks and providing guidance for updating or preparing these modules as spares.
   • Introduces a HEAP_EXPAND environment variable to prevent console crashes on systems with three or more CIPCA PCI-CI adapters due to insufficient dynamic memory.
   • Lists numerous known anomalies, restrictions, and workarounds across different operating systems (OpenVMS, DIGITAL UNIX/Tru64 UNIX, Windows NT) and hardware configurations.
3. Firmware Update Process Overview:
   • Explains that firmware resides in Flash Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (FEPROM) and includes SRM, ARC, and a fail-safe loader (FSL).
   • The LFU performs consistency checks, erases, reprograms, and verifies the FEPROM.
   • The general procedure involves shutting down the operating system, booting the LFU (from CD, diskette, or network), updating the desired firmware, exiting the LFU, and then resetting the system to load the new firmware. Post-update, the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) may need to be rerun.
4. Detailed Procedures: Provides step-by-step instructions for:
   • Preparing the System: Shutting down the OS, halting the system, configuring auto_action and os_type environment variables, and identifying current firmware versions.
   • Booting the LFU: From CD-ROM, diskette, or via the network using a MOP boot server.
   • Using the LFU: Describes commands like Display, Exit, List, Readme, Update, Verify, and new scripts for tasks such as cpu_downgrade, cpu_upgrade, make_dual_srm (for spare modules), and update_fsl.
   • Post-Update Instructions: Emphasizes the need for a system reset and potential ECU re-configuration.
   • Running the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU): Essential when adding or removing EISA modules.
   • SRM Console Security Features: Explains how to set passwords, enable secure mode, and manage console access.
   • Specific Upgrade/Downgrade Scenarios: Guides for upgrading SWXCR RAID controller firmware, updating from the fail-safe loader, handling B2110-AA/B2111-AA modules, and upgrading/downgrading between AlphaServer 4/2xx and 5/xxx models.
   • NVRAM Management: Instructions for saving and restoring NVRAM data using utility scripts.

The document also includes extensive revision matrix tables detailing minimum firmware and software revisions for various models and operating systems across different Alpha Firmware CD releases.