es45 v72 fw relnote

This document provides release notes and update procedures for the V7.2 firmware for HP AlphaServer and AlphaStation ES45 systems, published in June 2006. It is intended for individuals responsible for operating system installations/upgrades and firmware updates for console components and I/O options.

Key aspects of the document include:

1. Scope and Audience: Details significant changes in the firmware release and methods for updating console firmware, advising users to update all console firmware (SRM, RMC, SROM, TIG) for compatibility with operating systems.
2. Firmware Revisions and Compatibility:
   • Lists the firmware revisions for V7.2: SRM V7.2-2, RMC V2.3, SROM V2.22-G, TIG V2.6.
   • Specifies operating system compatibility, including OpenVMS V8.2, Tru64 UNIX V5.1B, and Linux (Red Hat for Alpha) V7.2.
   • Provides a matrix of I/O adapter firmware revisions, noting changes for several adapters (e.g., KGPSA series, DS-A5132/A5134).
3. Firmware Update Methods:
   • Outlines three main methods using the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU): booting from an Alpha Systems Firmware CD, MOP/BOOTP boot, or using the lfu command from a floppy disk.
   • Explains the default and manual update modes of LFU, with manual mode being necessary for updating RMC and TIG firmware.
   • Details the process for using a Fail-Safe Loader (FSL) from a bootable floppy disk for recovery from firmware corruption, including steps for creating the FSL floppy.
4. Helpful Hints:
   • Provides guidance on using show bios and run bios commands (serial mode only) and setting up serial terminals.
   • Notes limitations of KVM console switches for the run bios command.
   • Explains new user_def1 and user_def2 environment variables.
   • Describes procedures for updating power supply serial numbers using buildfru -m and clearing error flags.
   • Offers advice on the memory_test and cpu_enabled environment variables, and cautions against using show device after Ctrl^P in OpenVMS.
5. Known Anomalies and Restrictions:
   • Addresses issues with KGPSA driver startup messages ("Nvram read failed") and reconfiguring Fibre Channel Switches.
   • Details problems related to the Halt button/Crash command in graphics mode for both Tru64Unix and OpenVMS environments, providing solutions.
   • Highlights strict PCI bus slot restrictions for DEGPA-SA/TA cards to prevent system hangs and errors.
   • Warns about illegal Memory Channel 2 configurations and serial number mismatches after adding CPUs.
   • Advises to init the system before invoking the LFU command and after certain power operations.
   • Caution against hot-swapping mice or keyboards.
   • Notes on KZPEA (powering up attached storage, bus termination jumpers) and PBXGB-AA graphics card settings.
   • Mentions specific wwidmgr command issues.
6. Firmware Change History:
   • Summarizes changes introduced in V7.1 (January 2006), including memory timing adjustments for DIMM reliability, faster KGPSA retries, enhanced SCSI driver checks, and increased supported targets, along with new I/O Option Firmware versions.
   • Briefly lists enhancements from V7.0 (June 2005) and earlier versions, such as user-defined SRM console environment variables and various bug fixes and option recognitions.

In essence, the document serves as a crucial guide for maintaining and updating the firmware of HP AlphaServer and AlphaStation ES45 systems, ensuring compatibility, stability, and optimal performance.