ds25 v72 fw relnote

This document provides release notes and update procedures for the hp AlphaServer & AlphaStation DS25 V7.2 Firmware, released in June 2006.

Key aspects covered:

1. Scope and Audience: It outlines significant changes in the firmware release and methods for updating console firmware, intended for personnel responsible for OS installation/upgrades and firmware updates.
2. Golden Rules: Emphasizes updating all console firmware (SRM, FSB, RMC, SROM, TIG) to the latest revision before installing or updating an operating system to ensure compatibility, and explicitly states not to load older firmware than currently installed.
3. V7.2 Console Changes: Highlights include WWIDMGR changes affecting Fibre Channel SAN devices (e.g., tape drives), new module naming for RoHS-class I/O devices, and updated part numbers for RoHS-class fans. Several I/O option firmwares (e.g., KGPSA-CA, DD-A5132-AA) also received updates.
4. Revisions and Compatibility: Provides a matrix detailing compatible Operating System (OpenVMS, Tru64 UNIX, Linux for Alpha), PALCode, and Console Firmware revisions. SRM and FSB firmware components were updated in this release.
5. Firmware Update Procedure:
   • The primary method is booting from the Alpha Systems Firmware CD using the boot dqa0 command, which invokes the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU).
   • LFU operates in a default mode (updating SRM, FSB, SROM, I/O option firmware) and a manual mode (additionally updating RMC, TIG firmware).
   • A system power cycle is required if TIG firmware is updated.
   • A Fail-Safe Boot Console (FSB) is available for recovery from console firmware corruption, activated automatically or manually via a motherboard jumper.
6. Helpful Hints: Offers guidance on show bios and run bios commands (serial mode only, not graphics via KVM), KVM console switch limitations, behavior of SRM console environment variables (user_def1, memory_test, cpu_enabled, com1_mode), clearing error flags in FRU tables, and notes regarding KGPSA devices (e.g., "retry ct" messages are informational, init after FC cable move).
7. Known Anomalies and Restrictions: Details various issues, including problems with the Halt button/crash command on specific 3D Lab Oxygen VX1 Graphics Cards (with solutions for Tru64Unix and OpenVMS), Ctrl^P behavior under OpenVMS, illegal memory channel configurations, serial number mismatches after adding CPUs, specific power-up procedures, KZPEA notes (termination jumpers), PBXGB-AA graphics card settings, hot-swapping mice/keyboards, and Fibre Channel KGPSA driver startup messages/issues.
8. Firmware Changes History: Chronicles updates, bug fixes, and enhancements from the initial V6.3-3 release (August 2002) up to V7.1 (January 2006), covering improvements to memory timing, various device drivers (Kgpsa, SCSI, Ethernet), console recognition for new hardware options, and fixes for system stability and error reporting.