KA650 CPU System Maintenance

This document is a System Maintenance Guide for the Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) KA650 CPU, first printed in October 1988 and revised in March 1990. It is intended for Digital Customer Services Engineering and qualified self-maintenance customers.

The guide is organized into four chapters and five appendices, covering:

1. KA650 CPU Overview: Describes the KA650 CPU module and MS650 memory modules, including their components (e.g., CVAX CPU chip, cache, boot and diagnostic facility, console port), operating system support (VMS, ULTRIX-32, VAXELN, MDM), and installation procedures. It notes two versions of the KA650: AA (multi-user) and BA (single-user).
2. Configuration: Provides guidelines for configuring KA650 systems, detailing module order rules, recommended module placement, and extensive information on Digital Storage System Interconnect (DSSI) configuration. This includes RF-series Integrated Storage Elements (ISEs), the KFQSA storage adapter, and procedures for changing node names, unit numbers, and allocation classes. It also covers DSSI cabling, dual-host capabilities and their limitations, a configuration worksheet for power and bus loads, and dual-cabinet systems.
3. KA650 Firmware: Explains the KA650 firmware, its features (ROM-based diagnostics, multilingual support) and core functionalities. It covers processor halt handling, external halts, power-up sequences (Test, Language Inquiry, and Normal modes), Virtual Memory Bootstrap (VMB) boot flags, supported boot devices, and a comprehensive list of console I/O mode commands for system examination, modification, and control.
4. Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: Focuses on practical diagnostic procedures. It outlines general troubleshooting steps, the use of KA650 ROM-based diagnostics for CPU, memory, Ethernet, and DSSI subsystems, and acceptance testing. It details diagnostic tests, script creation and execution (using utility 9F), console display interpretations (including error codes and FRU identification), memory failure isolation, and loopback tests. The chapter also describes RF-Series ISE troubleshooting using local programs like DRVTST, DRVEXR, HISTRY, ERASE, and PARAMS.

The appendices provide supplementary technical details:

• Appendix A: Specific instructions for configuring the KFQSA storage adapter, including installation, EEROM programming, and changing ISE parameters.
• Appendix B: Lists differences between Firmware V1.2 and V5.x, including unsupported commands and utilities.
• Appendix C: Provides detailed VAX memory and I/O address space assignments for the KA650 CPU and its internal processor registers.
• Appendix D: Offers an overview of the ULTRIX-32m Error Logger, explaining its components, operation, manual control via eli and uerf commands, and error message handling.
• Appendix E: Lists related documentation for MicroVAX or MicroPDP-11 systems, categorized by modules, disk/tape drives, systems, diagnostics, and networks.