gs1280 v72 fw relnote

This document, "hp AlphaServer ES47, ES80, and GS1280 V7.2 Firmware Release Notes and Update Procedures" (June 2006), provides essential information for users maintaining and updating the firmware on these HP AlphaServer systems.

Key areas covered include:

• Important Notices: Highlights critical update steps for the CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) which require specific power-off and micro-reset sequences, with procedures varying based on the existing firmware version (SRM V6.9-15+ or V6.8-3-). It also provides specific instructions for downgrading 2P drawer systems from V7.0 to V6.9 firmware.
• Firmware Revision Information (V7.2): Lists the current revisions for various firmware components such as SRM Console (V7.2-1), MBM/PBM (V2.7-3), CMM (V2.7-4), and PCI I/O Adapters. It notes which components received updates in this V7.2 release.
• Firmware Enhancements and New Features: Details improvements to SRM (e.g., I/O Option firmware, new module naming, SCSI driver enhancements), and fixes for CMM and MBM/PBM. XSROM, SROM, and CPLD versions remained at their prior releases.
• Firmware Workarounds and Restrictions: Addresses known issues and provides solutions, such as clearing SYS_SERIAL_NUM mismatches after FRU replacement, limitations with KVM console in graphics mode, specific considerations for updating firmware on partitioned systems, and various workarounds for SRM Console and Server Management Firmware (MBM/PBM/CMM). This section also details a procedure for servicing an I/O Riser in a Galaxy partition.
• Firmware Update Procedures: Explains two primary methods for updating firmware:
  1. Using the Firmware Update CD (LFU): The recommended method, involving booting from the CD, initializing the system, and using the update * command via the Loadable Firmware Utility.
  2. Using the MBM “update” Command (TFTP): An alternative method for situations where the LFU cannot be run, requiring a PC-based TFTP server setup and specific MBM> update commands to load individual firmware files.

The document serves as a comprehensive guide for ensuring the AlphaServer ES47, ES80, and GS1280 systems operate with the most current and compatible firmware.