ts202c v68a fw relnote

This document, the "AlphaServer TS202C V6.8a Firmware Release Notes and Update Procedure" (October 2004), outlines significant changes in this firmware release and provides detailed methods for updating the console firmware for the AlphaServer TS202c system.

Key Information:

1. Purpose & Audience: It describes firmware updates and is intended for those responsible for operating system installations/upgrades and firmware updates.
2. Golden Rules:
   • Update all console firmware (SRM, ipmibooter, ipmirt, ipmi_sdr, SROM, and TIG) *before* installing or updating an operating system to ensure compatibility.
   • Do not load firmware older than what is currently installed.
3. New in V6.8a:
   • Console Enhancements: The Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU) now allows users to force an IPMI firmware update regardless of the existing firmware revision during interactive updates.
   • SRM Enhancements: Console recognition for specific adapter options: 3X-DAPBA-FB, 3X-DAPBA-FB/UB Asynchronous Transfer Mode Adapters, and 3X-KPKON-AA Fault Management Control Module.
4. Firmware Components & Compatibility (V6.8-17 SRM): The document provides a matrix listing compatible operating system versions (Tru64 Unix V5.1B, OpenVMS V1.98-35, Tru64 Unix V1.92-32) with the various firmware components, including SRM (V6.8-17), SROM (V1.3F), TIG (17), and IPMI firmware (ipmibooter 1.0a, ipmirt 1.0b, ipmi_sdr 1.0a).
5. Firmware Update Procedure:
   • Updates are performed using the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU), typically booted from the Alpha Systems Firmware Update CD.
   • The LFU operates in default mode (updates SRM, SROM, ipmibooter, ipmirt) and manual mode (updates all firmware, including ipmi_sdr and TIG). Manual mode is recommended to ensure all firmware is updated.
   • Critical Warning: All activity on the Intelligent Platform Management Bus (IPMB) must be terminated prior to performing an LFU update to prevent firmware corruption.
6. AlphaServer TS202c Manageability Subsystem (IPMI):
   • Requires Pass 2 (or later) Falcon hardware. It is not supported on Pass 1 Falcon platforms.
   • Restrictions:
     • Runtime image 1.0A or later must be installed before SDR Build Record Repository 1.09 or later.
     • Once SDR 1.09+ is installed, the runtime image must not be rolled back to a version prior to 1.0A, as this can render the subsystem inoperable.
     • All IPMB transactions must be halted before LFU updates to prevent BMC/BSC corruption.
   • The document also lists various IPMI commands supported by the TS202c, categorizing them by function (e.g., Global, BMC System Interface, Watchdog, SEL, SDR Repository).
7. Helpful Commands: It provides console commands for clearing FRU table error flags (clear_error all, init) and for displaying or clearing the console error log (info 7, info 8).
8. Firmware Change History: Details enhancements and bug fixes in previous versions (V6.3 through V6.7), primarily focusing on Gigabit Ethernet support, LFU updates, and various SRM/SROM fixes.