alpha4100 v53 fw relnote

This document provides firmware release notes for AlphaServer 4100/4000 (and DIGITAL Server 7000 models) for DIGITAL UNIX and OpenVMS customers, detailing updates to SRM Console V5.3-1 and AlphaBIOS V5.67-0.

Key Information and Critical Update Procedures:

1. AlphaBIOS Relocation and Two-Step LFU Update:

   • The V5.3 SRM firmware relocates the AlphaBIOS image to a different sector in flash ROM to support Windows NT serviceability.
   • Crucially, firmware updates performed using the built-in Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) command (from CD-ROM, floppy, or network) must be executed twice. The first run updates the SRM console, and the second run updates AlphaBIOS. Failure to perform both steps will leave AlphaBIOS invalid. This also applies when downgrading firmware.
   • Updates performed by directly booting the firmware update image via the BOOT command (e.g., from CD-ROM or MOP server) do not require this two-step process.

2. Windows NT Serviceability Support:

   • V5.3 firmware introduces support for Windows NT fatal error logging.
   • After firmware updates, the EEPROM logging area must be initialized using the new build -eeprom command. Commands show eeprom and clear eeprom are also provided.
   • This feature requires minimum software revisions for SRM (V5.3), AlphaBIOS (V5.67), New HAL Rev. E, New PAL, and the SysErrLog.exe package.

3. New Features and Fixes:

   • Supported Operating Systems: Supports DIGITAL UNIX V4.0E and OpenVMS V7.1-1H1, with updated PALcode for both.
   • Device Recognition: Adds recognition for new PCI Synchronous Communications Controllers (PBXDP-AB/AC) and the Gigabit Ethernet adapter (DEGPA-SA).
   • PCI Configuration Enhancements: Improved handling for non-compliant PCI resources.
   • Includes a workaround for Matrox Millennium II Graphics adapter hang in multi-CPU configurations.
   • Filters out non-disk/tape "JK" class devices from show device command output.

4. Firmware Update Methods:

   • Detailed instructions are provided for updating using the Alpha Systems Firmware Update CD-ROM, FAT-formatted floppy diskettes (requiring specific file transfer types - ASCII for .txt, BINARY for .sys), ODS2-formatted floppy diskettes, or a local MOP server (requiring specific file attribute modifications for OpenVMS).

5. Configuration Utilities:

   • EISA Configuration Utility (ECU), RAID Configuration Utility (RCU), and KZPSA Configuration Utilities run on AlphaBIOS.
   • Critical Warning for KZPSA Utilities: To avoid corrupting KZPSA adapter NVRAM, users must use KZPSA Firmware Update Utility (FWUPDATE.EXE) V1.4 or later, and KZPSA CNFGDIAG.EXE V1.5 or later.
   • KZPSA adapter naming has changed from "kzpsa" to "pks" in SRM V5.1 and later, affecting command usage (e.g., UPD>UPDATE PKS*, P00>>SHOW DEVICE PKS*).

6. Other Important Considerations:

   • Memory tests can be lengthy; MEMORY_TEST environment variable should be set to FULL for OpenVMS/DIGITAL UNIX.
   • Auto-negotiation mode for DIGITAL Fast EtherWORKS PCI 10/100 (DE500) adapters is not recommended due to potential booting/restarting delays, especially with multiple adapters. Manual line speed configuration is preferred.
   • A system reset is recommended before running LFU from the SRM console.
   • Commands save_nvram and restore_nvram are available for managing system NVRAM data (all, ARC, SRM, TOY) to/from floppy files.