gs1280 v73 fw relnote

This document provides V7.3 Firmware Release Notes and Update Procedures for hp AlphaServer ES47, ES80, and GS1280 Systems, published in April 2007.

Key Information:

• Purpose: The guide details changes in the V7.3 firmware release and outlines procedures for updating various firmware components.

• V7.3 Firmware Updates:

  • SRM Console (V7.3-1): Includes fixes for USB keyboard hang issues with PS/2 adapters, fibre-channel login problems with the Kgpsa driver, and increased environmental variables (Nx, WWIDx) for boot and crash dumps.
  • MBM/PBM (V2.7-6): Addresses power supply EEPROM writing issues, prevents MBM CLI crashes related to CPU frequency requests, fixes flash part errors, and improves logging for cabinet OCP read failures.
  • CMM (V2.7-5): Adds log messages for PAL logout frames throttling.
  • XSROM, SROM, and CPLD firmware versions remain unchanged.

• Critical Notice: The document explicitly warns users not to use the V7.1 Firmware CD due to a critical bug that can cause machine check crashes on GS1280 systems. Users who have installed V7.1 are advised to upgrade to V7.2A (or greater) immediately.

• Firmware Update Procedures:

  • Using the Firmware CD (LFU): The primary method involves booting from the firmware CD, initializing the system, identifying the CD-ROM drive, and using the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU) to update all or specific firmware components.
  • From the MBM via TFTP: An alternative method is provided for situations where the LFU cannot be used. This involves setting up a PC-based TFTP server and using MBM CLI update commands for individual firmware files.

• Special Procedures:

  • CPLD Reprogramming: Detailed, multi-step instructions are provided for reprogramming the CPLD Lattice Part, varying based on whether the system is running V6.9-15+ or V6.8-3- firmware.
  • Firmware Downgrade: Specific steps are outlined for downgrading firmware from V7.0 to V6.9 for 2P drawer systems.

• Workarounds and Restrictions: The document lists various operational considerations, including requirements for booting the firmware CD (CPU0 only, DVD not supported), procedures for clearing serial number mismatches, KVM console switch limitations, and specific instructions for updating firmware on partitioned systems.

• Compatibility: V7.3 firmware is compatible with OpenVMS V8.2 and Tru64 UNIX V5.1B.