alpha4100 v60 fw relnote

This document contains the Firmware Release Notes for the AlphaServer 4100/4000 systems (including DIGITAL Server 7000 models) for Compaq Tru64 UNIX, DIGITAL UNIX, and OpenVMS customers, revised September 2001, for SRM Console Version V6.0-4.

Key Information and Critical Changes:

1. AlphaBIOS Relocation & Double Update Requirement:

   • Beginning with SRM V5.3 console firmware, the AlphaBIOS console was relocated in the flash ROM to accommodate Windows NT serviceability.
   • Critical Warning: If updating SRM firmware from any version prior to V5.3 using the built-in LFU (Loadable Firmware Update) utility, the update process must be performed twice. The first run updates the SRM firmware, and the second updates the AlphaBIOS firmware. Failure to do so will result in an invalid AlphaBIOS image, preventing its use.
   • Updating by booting directly from the firmware update CD-ROM (e.g., BOOT DKA500) does not require the double update.
   • Downgrading to any version prior to V5.3 also requires the double update.
   • Systems running SRM firmware V5.1 or earlier must first update to V5.3 before updating to V5.4 or later using the LFU command, as direct updates will fail.

2. Firmware Components and Availability:

   • The release includes SRM Console V6.0-4, OpenVMS Alpha PALcode V1.21-2, DIGITAL UNIX PALcode V1.23-2, Extended SROM (XSROM) V6.0, and Qlogic ISP1020 Firmware V5.57.
   • Firmware update kits (CD-ROM) and interim releases are available via the Compaq (formerly Digital) FTP and World Wide Web sites (URLs provided).

3. Firmware Update Methods:

   • Updates are performed using the SRM console's built-in LFU utility.
   • LFU supports updates from local SCSI CD-ROM (CDA0), local floppy (DVA0), and network (EWA0/FWA0).
   • Detailed instructions are provided for updating via CD, FAT-formatted floppy diskettes (requiring multiple diskettes for console/I/O firmware), ODS2-formatted floppies, and network (MOP server).
   • Downloaded files for network updates require specific OpenVMS set file/attr commands.

4. First-Time Power On and Configuration Notes:

   • Memory Tests: Can be lengthy. For OpenVMS/UNIX, MEMORY_TEST environment variable must be set to FULL.
   • Console Selection: OS_TYPE (NT, OpenVMS, UNIX) and CONSOLE (SERIAL, GRAPHICS) environment variables determine which console (SRM or AlphaBIOS) loads and the default display device.
   • Windows NT Serviceability & EEPROM: SRM V5.3+ firmware supports Windows NT fatal error logging. After V5.4 or later updates, you must initialize the EEPROM logging area using the new build -eeprom command. Commands like show eeprom halt and clear eeprom halt are also available.
   • KZPSA Changes: The driver code changed; "kzpsa" is now "pks" in commands. LFU now uses UPD>UPDATE PKS*. Warning: Using earlier versions of KZPSA update utilities (FWUPDATE.EXE V1.4+, CNFGDIAG.EXE V1.5+) can corrupt NVRAM.
   • DIGITAL Fast EtherWORKS PCI 10/100 (DE500): Auto-negotiation is NOT RECOMMENDED due to potential significant delays during boot/restart, especially with multiple DE500s. It is advised to manually set the line speed.
   • UNIX Installations: Specific set boot_osflags a and set bootdef_dev <your boot disk> commands may be needed if the graphics console scrolls too quickly.
   • ARC-based Utilities: ECU, RCU, and KZPSA utilities run on AlphaBIOS.

5. New Features, Changes, and Bugs Fixed (V6.0 SRM Console):

   • Fixes for system hangs during MOP booting with multiple nodes on FDDI.
   • Fixes for probe timeout failures on KGPSA devices, allowing the console to skip unresponsive nodes.
   • Correction for crash dumps failing on CIPCA adapters under heavy I/O.
   • Memory Channel adapter (CCMAB) firmware is no longer supplied or supported.

6. SRM Console Firmware Bugs and Restrictions (V6.0):

   • HSD30 at higher DSSI node ID than KFPSA may prevent SRM from seeing devices.
   • MEMORY_TEST must be FULL for OpenVMS/UNIX.
   • Mixing B3002-AB and B3004-BA CPUs requires B3002-AB as primary CPU and specific OpenVMS patches.
   • VGAs used as console display devices must be in PCI0.
   • A system reset is required before running LFU from the console (unless booting LFU from CD-ROM).

7. NVRAM Management:

   • Commands save_nvram and restore_nvram are available to save and restore NVRAM data (all, ARC, SRM, or TOY components) to/from a FAT-formatted floppy diskette.