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Document:	VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Hardware User's Guide
Order Number:	EK-8840H-UG
Revision:	001
Pages:	84
Original Filename:

OCR Text

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Hardware User’s
Guide
Order Number: EK-8840H-UG-001

Prepared by Educational Services
of

Digital Equipment Corporation

March, 1988

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as a

commitment
by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors
that may

appear in this document.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied only in

with the terms of such license.

accordance

No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment that is not supplied by Digital
Equipment
Corporation or its affiliated companies.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:

BASEWAY

MASSBUS

Bl Bus

Micro/RSTS

DEC

MicroPDP-11

DEC/MAP
DECmate
DECnet

UNIBUS

Micro/RSX
MicroVAX il
PDP

VAX
VAXciuster
VAXstation |i

P/OS

VAXstation II/GPX

Professional

DIBOL

Q-bus

EDCS

Rainbow

FMS

RSTS

VMS
VT

DECUS

DECwriter

- RSX

This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 1.0

1TM

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OVERVIEW .. ...................

SCOPE.

INTRODUCTION

PHYSICALDESCRIPTION

. ... .. ..

1.5

ENCLOSURES . . . ...

ittt ittt ittt it ee

CHAPTER 2

. ... . ittt ittt

. .. ... .

ittt

et ettt enneeaasas

it i ie it

ittt iitee

e
e

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

INTRODUCTION

. .. ...

2.2

SYSTEM SETUP AND PREPARATIONFORUSE.
. . . . . ...

.ttt

it ittt e ettt

221

Input POWEr

222

Primary System Power . . . . . .. .. ...

. . ... ............

it i

e it

it e

it i

2221

Power Breakers

2222

Starting the Console Subsystem . . . . . ... .........
...

223

. . . . .. ... .o it ittt ittt

Tuming System Power On/Off

. ...............
.. ...
0.,

223.1

Power On . . . ... .

ittt

2232

System Initialization.

e e

2233

System BOOt . . .. .. ittt

2234

System Initialization and Autoboot . . . . .. .. ... ........
. .....

. . . . . ... .. .. .. ...
e

i
e

2235

System Power DOwn

2.2.3.6

Powerfail and Standby Modes . . . . . .. .. .. ... ... ..

2.2.3.7

Wamn Restart.

23
23.1
232
24

24.1

. . . ... . ... ... ittt
nnn

. . . . . .. ..

it ittt et

OPERATOR/CONSOLEINTERACTION . . ... ... ...t
iv oo,
Console Command Language Display Prompts . . . ... .............
Console Commands . . . . . ..ottt ittt ittt et s eeensaenson
CONSOLEDISPLAYSANDLOGFILES . ... ... ...,

System LogFile . . . . . ... ...

. ... ... ..... ... ...

24.1.1

Starting thelogfile

24.1.2

Size and Numberof Log Files . . . . . . ... ... .. ... ...

24.13

Examiningthe LogFile.

. . . . .. ... ... ... ... ...

..
.

..
..

THESTARPROCESS . . . . . .. ittt
it et ii e e

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 3

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

OVERVIEW . . ..

CONSOLE SUBSYSTEM . . . ..

3.2.1

e e e

ittt

e e e e e e e,

ittt et et e e

e e

Console Subsystem Hardware . . . ... ... ............
0
uuin...
..0

32.1.1

The MiCrOVAX TE System

3.2.1.2

. . . . ..

ittt it it it

The Q-bus Control Module (QC, M7553)

3213

ettt e e eeeeeenn

. . .. ... ..

oo v i

The Console Interface Module (CIM, F1032) . .. ... ... .. ... ... ..
Console Subsystem Software . . . .. .. .. .... .. 0.0ttt
Power-upand Boot . . .. ..... ... ... .. ... e

322

3.2.2.1
3222

Console I/OMode . . . . .. .. ... .

3223

Program I/OMode

3-5

3-5
3-6

3-6
3-6

. ... ... ... .. . ... . e,

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

CLOCKMODULE (PCLK).

MEMORY (MBOX) . . .ttt

. .. ... ..ottt ittt

. . .ottt it e e e e
ittt

e e e e e e,

et e e e e e

Memory Control Logic . . . . . ... ...

351

ittt ittt

3-1

...

e e

ittt

3-7

3-10

3-12

SYSTEMBUSES. .. ..eot
e e ee e e
tt 3-12

3.6.1
3.6.2

3.6.3

Memory Interconnect (NMI) . . . . . . .. .. ..ttt t

e e

VAXBIINterconnect

3-14

3-16

. . . .. .. ..o i it

Visibility Bus (VBUS) . . . . . . .ottt

ittt et

e e e

e e e e,

e e e

364

POWER SYSTEM . . . . ..

3.7.1

880A/B Power Controller

3.7.2

Solid—State Transformer Box (SST) . . . . . . v v vt vt e e e e
e e,
PBox Port Conditioner . . . . . .. ... ... ... ...ttt

373
3.74

VAXBlInterconnect and /O Adapters . . . . .. .. .....o v vimmmnnnnnnnn..
it it e e

.. ...... e

e e e e e e

e e

Module Power Supplies . . . ... ... ... .. ... ... .
Environmental Monitoring Module . . . ... ... ........
... .. .. .....
..
Battery Backup Unit . . . ... ... ... ... ... .ttt

375

3.7.6

CHAPTER 4

3-18
3-20
3-23

3-24
3-26

3-27
3-27

3-27

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

4.1

INTRODUCTION

PREVENTATIVEMAINTENANCE . . . . ... ...ttt

CONSOLE SUBSYSTEM HARDWARE SELF~TESTS . . . . . .

CORRECTING SIMPLEPROBLEMS

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVETO CALLFORSERVICE

..........0
v ....

4-3

REMOTEDIAGNOSIS . . ... ...t
et et
tt
i,

4.6.1

Al
Al.l
All.l

All12

n e,

4-1
4-1

v oo v oo e

4-1

. . .. .. ...,

4-2

Remote Diagnosis Configurations . . . . .. ........
.00 0.,
...
Setting Up for a Remote Diagnosis Session . . . ... .. ..................

4.6.2

Appendix

. . . ..
e e e e e e e e et
e
it

44
4-6

DF112 MODEM INFORMATION
Installingthe DFI12Modem. . . . . ... ...................
DF112 Modem Characteristics . ... ...................
DF112 Modem General Characteristics . . . .. .............

MajorFeatures.

. . . ... ............0utiruuunn..

A-1
A-3
A-3

A-3

CONTENTS

EXAMPLES
2-1
2-2

2-3
2-4
2-5

2-6
2-7
2-8

Console Display of Console Subsystem Startup . .. ............
SYSINITCMD Command File . . . . ........... 000
DEFBOO.CMD Command File .............cc00cceeenn
BCIBOOCMD Command File . . . ... ..... ...
BDABOOCMD Command File . ..............cc0c0enn
AUTO SYSINITCommand File . . . .. .. ... .. ...
RESTARCMD Command File . . . ... .. ... ...
Console Display Showing a Local Operation . . . . .............

2-5
2-9
2-12
2-13
2-14
2-16
2-21
2-27

Typical VAX 8820/8830/8840 System . . . . ... ..............
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Cabinet Layout (Front) . . . . ... ... ..
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Cabinet Layout (Back) . . . . ... ... ..
880 A/BPower Controller Panel . . . .. .........cc00uven
Location of the Console Power-On Switch . . . ...............
MPS Unit Letter Identification . . . . ... ... ... .00t
MicroVAX II User Terminal State Flowchart . . . ... ...........
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Configuration . ................
Console Subsystem Block Diagram . . . ...................
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Processor Block Diagram . .........
Clock Generation Block Diagram .. . ... ... .... .00
Memory Subsystem Block Diagram . . . ...................
System BUSeS . . . . . ...
NMIBlock Diagram . . . . . .. ... 0ttt ie vttt eeeenas
VAXBI Block Diagram . . ... ... ... ...ttt eeencencesns
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Visibility Bus (VBus) . ...........
VAXBI Optional Adapters . .. ... ..........c0cotvnnnn.
NMI to VAXBI Interconnect Adapter (NBI) . .. ..............
Power System Block Diagram . . .. .............co00nn

1-2
1-6
1-7
2-2
24
2-7
2-29
3-2
34
3-7
39
3-11
3-13
3-15
3-17
3-19
3-21
3-22
3-25

FIGURES
1-1

1-2
1-3
2-1

2-2
2-3

2-4

3-1
3-2

3-3
34

3-5
3-6

3-7

3-8
3.9

3-10
3-11

3-12
3-13
4-1

42
A-1

3-26

Physical Location of the Power System Components . . . .........

4-5
4-6
A-2

e
Remote Console Configurations . .. ...........cc0t
Remote Services Console Front Panel Switch Locations . . ... ... ..
DFII2ZModem . . . ... i i it i ittt it te e enoe oo sases

TABLES
1-1

1-2
1-3
14

2-1
2-2

2-3
24

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Hardware Manuals . .. ...........
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Related Hardware Manuals . ... ... ..
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Software Documentation. . . ... ... ..
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Physical Characteristics .. .........
VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Circuit Breakers . . .............
..
Module Power Supply Tumon Sequence . . . .. ... .. ..o
.
..........
...
..
.
.
.
Sequence
off
Turn
Module Power Supply
..
...
..
.
.
.
Power Fail and Standby Modes MPS Tum Off Sequence

1-1
1-1
1-3
1-8
2-3
2-8
2-19
2-19

CONTENTS

2-5

Console Command Language Prompts

. . ..................

2-22

2-6

Frequently Used Console Commands . ....................

" Functional Units and Data Buses . . . . . . ... ..o vvmonnnnn..

2-23

3-1
3-2

Clock Signals . . . .

3-3

PMCLCommandOperations . . . . ... ......c.cuvvvvunnnn.
NMI Primary Functions . . . . ..............0civuun...

3-16

3-5

VAXBI Functions

3-18

Optional VAX Bus Interconnect Adapters . . . .. ..............

3-20

3-7

PBIA Registers . . .

3-22

NBIB Registers . . .

3-9

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

ooooo

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

ooooo

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

ooooo

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

ooooo

Power Distribution by the 880/B Power Controller

4-1

Correcting Simple Problems

A-1

DF112 Specifications

3-10

3-12

3-23

. . ...........

3-24

. . . . ......................

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

ooooo

A-3

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
" 1.1 VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OVERVIEW
The basic VAX 8820/8830/8840 system is contained in two physical units: a MicroVAX II system, used as the
console, and a cabinet arrangement. A typical VAX 8820/8830/8840 system shown in Figure 1-1.
1.2

SCOPE

This guide contains basic hardware operating information and customer care and use instructions. Detailed
information pertaining to specific areas of hardware, software, or diagnostics can be found in the documentation
referenced in Table 1-1, Table 1-2, and Table 1-3.

Table 1-1

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Hardware Manuals

Document Title

Document Number

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Installation Guide

EK-8840I-IN

VAX 8530/8550/8700/8800/8820/8830/8840 System

EK-KAS88D-UG

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Site Planning and

EK-8840P-SP

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Hardware User's Guide

EK-8840H-UG

Diagnostic User’s Guide

Preparation Guide

Table 1-2

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Related Hardware Manuals

Document Title

Document Number

Installing & Using the LA75 Companion Printer

EK-OLA75-UG

MicroVAX Il Owner’s Manual

AZ-GL1AA-MN

MicroVAX Il Technical Manual

AZ-GLOAA-MN

TKS50 Tape Drive Subsystem User’s Guide

EK-OTK50-UG

DF112 Modem User’s Guide

EK-DF112-UG

Remote Services Console Field Service Manual

EK-KCRSC-FS

Remote Services Console User’s Guide

EK-KCRSC-UG

INTRODUCTION

VAXB!

EXPANSION

MEMORY CABINET

CABINET

CPU CABINET

—

MICROVAX i
CONSOLE

: “‘\ ; \

\: .

/
TTB-0257

Figure 1-1

Typical VAX 8820/8830/8840 System

1-2

INTRODUCTION

Table 1-3

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Software Documentation
Document Title

Document Number

VAX 8820/8830/8840 Console

AA-FJ84A-ME

User’s Guide

Volume

VAX/VMS Primer

AA-DO030A-TE

VAX/VMS Summary Description

AA-D022A-TE

VAX/VMS Information Directory

AA-DO016A-TE

VAX/VMS Release Notes

AA-DO15A-TE

VAX-11 Software Installation Guide

= AA-D021A~TE

VAX/VMS System Services Reference

AA-DO18A-TE

1A System
Reference

Manual

Volume

VAX/VMS Command Language

1B System
Reference

User’s Guide

AA-DO023A-TE

VAX/VMS Linker Reference Manual

= AA-D019A-TE

VAX-11 Symbolic Debugger

AA-D(026A-TE

Reference Manual

Volume
1C System

VAX—-11/RSX—1IM Programmer’s
Reference Manual

AA-D020A-TE

VAX-11 MACRO Language

AA-D032A-TE

Reference

Reference Manual

Volume
2A System
Procedures

VAX-11 MACRO User’s Guide

AA-DO033A-TE

VAX~11 Common Run—Time
Procedure Library Reference
Manual

AA-DO36A-TE

VAX—11 Text Editing Reference

AA-D029A-TE

Manual

Volume

VAX/VMS Operator’s Guide

AA-DO025A-TE3

2B System
Procedures

VAX/VMS System Manager's Guide
VAX/VMS System Messages and
Recovery Procedures Manual

= AA-D927A-TE
AA-DO17A-TE

1-3

INTRODUCTION

Table 1-3 (Cont.)

Volume 3

VAX/VMS

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Software Documentation

Document Title

Document Number

VAX/VMS UETP User’s Guide

AA-DG643A-TE

VAX-11 Disk Save and Compress
User’s Guide
)

AA-D739A-TE

VAX/VMS 1/0 User’s Guide

AA-D028A-TE

Introduction to VAX-11 Record
Management Services
'

AA-D02SA-TE

VAX-11 Record Management

AA-D031A-TE

1/0

Services Reference Manual

Volume 4

VAX-11 Record Management
Services User’s Guide

AA-D781A-TE

IAS/RSX—1IM RMS-11 Macro
Programmer’s Reference Manual

AA-0002A-TC

Introduction to RMS-11

AA-0001A-TC

RSX-11 RMS-11 Utilities User's ~ AA-D083A-TC
Guide

Volume SA

Optional
Software

PDP-11 SORT Reference Manual

AA-3341C-TC

VAX~-11 FORTRAN IV-PLUS

AA-D034A-TE

VAX-11 FORTRAN IV-PLUS
Language User’s Guide

AA-DO35A-TE

Language Reference Manual

INTRODUCTION

1.3 INTRODUCTION
le with all
The VAX 8820, VAX 8830, and VAX 8840 systems are LSI-based, high—performance systems compatib
system
operating
memory
virtual
a
with
re
architectu
of the VAX family of 32-bit machines. They combine 32-bit

and memory management (typically using the VAX/VMS Operating System).

8840
The VAX 8820 system uses two CPUs; it can be upgraded to a VAX 8830 system (three CPUs) or a VAX
system (four CPUs) by installing the appropiate uprade kits. The VAX 8830 system may be upgraded to a VAX
8840 system by installing the appropriate upgrade kit.

VAX 8820/8830/8840 systems support symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), which allows all CPUs to execute
use

more efficient
most code paths with no restrictions on processor mode. Symmetric multiprocessing makes
multiprocessor
the
of
t
throughpu
the
g
of multiprocessor hardware than asymmetric multiprocessing, increasin
among the

system. The term "primary CPU" designates the CPU responsible for controlling synchronization
CPUs.

that provides built—in
The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system hardware contains a native instruction set (microcode)ons.
floating—point, packed decimal arithmetic, and character and string manipulation instructi
1.4

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3 show the cabinet layout of the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system and the location of the
major components. Table 1-4 provides a list of the physical characteristics.

INTRODUCTION

2020000

VAX 8840

M= 1

ok
1

P3N

[

'ra

J ===

MEMORY CABINET

CPU CABINET
FRONT VIEW

MPS POWER REGULATORS.

MPS POWER REGULATORS

VAXBI

CPU 2, CPU 3, AND NMI BUS

BATTERY BACKUP UNIT

MEMORY ARRAY MODULES

NMI BUS WINDOW (NBW),
MEMORY CONTROLLER (PMCL),

WINDOW (NBW).

CPU O, CPU 1, CONSOLE

g\jLTOE(?IEAP%ELI((CIM) AND
(PCLK).

AND VAXBI INTERFACE (UP TO

10.

880 POWER CONTROLLER

3 PBIA MODULES).

11.

SST BOX

PBOX (3 CSP MODULES AND 1
ILM MODULE).
TTB-0258

Figure 1-2

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Cabinet Layout (Front)

1-6

INTRODUCTION

D [+) ‘ [«

L ‘ [
*

AT
— 1_H

[

)

RECECE CEECEEEE

PEEEEEYEEEEEEEE

(-]

pAS

Uty

280000000 0 g []

. 3

|
[-3

[}

]

rratey

o [] o

[:] .

D .

o fidfl_‘ alr

= = = = 0 2 - ”°

MEMORY CABINET

CPU CABINET
REAR VIEW

1. AIR MOVER DEVICE (BLOWER)
2. MPS BACKPLANE 1
3 MPS BACKPLANE 2

4. CPU O, CPU 1, CONSOLE
INTERFACE (CIM) AND

8. MPS BACKPLANE 3
9. NMI BUS WINDOW (NBW),
MEMORY CONTROLLER (PMCL),

g"‘:,g'XAJOB[')B“LTEg?FACE (UP TO
)

CLOCK (PCLK).
5. CPU 2, CPU 3, AND NMI

10. MEMORY ARRAY MODULES
11. BATTERY BACKUP UNIT

6. SST BOX

13. PBOX (3 CSP MODULES AND

BUS WINDOW (NBW).

7. 880 POWER CONTROLLER

12.

VAXBI

1 ILM MODULE).

TT8-0259

Figure 1-3

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Cabinet Layout (Back)

INTRODUCTION

Table 1-4

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Physical Characteristics

Characteristic

Parameters

Dimensions

CPU Cabinet
H9650 DWHB (4
CPUs)

Memory Cabinet
H9654-EA

VAXBI Expansion Cabinet
H9654-EC/ED

Height

152 cm (60 in)

Width

118 cm (46.5 in)

76 cm (30 in)

Depth

76 cm (30 in)

50 Hz

487 kg (1074 Ib)

305 kg (673 Ib)

308 kg (680 1b)

60 Hz

487 kgi(lO74 Ib)

305 kg (673 1b)

245 kg (540 Ib)

Weight

Environmental
Heat Dissipation:

=~ VAX 8840 system ~ 37.3k BTU/hr
VAX 8830 system — 31.9k BTU/hr

VAX 8820 system — 26.6k BTU/hr
VAXBI Expander cab. — 6.5K BTU/hr
Maximum

mperature

ture

Rise:

Rise

3°C/hr (5.5°F/h)

Temperature
R

ange

Operational — 15°-32°C (59°~90°F)

Non—operational — —~40°-66°C (—40°-151°F)

Humidity:
Operational — 20-80 % RH (non—condensing)
Non—operational — 10-95 % RH (non—condensing)

Cooling system:
Type — Air-moving device

Air Source — Filtered ambient air
Drive — Three—phase, 208 V ac, 60Hz; 460 V ac, 50Hz; induction motor
Air Mover — Quad-inlet, dual-outlet centrifugal blower

1-8

INTRODUCTION

Table 1-4 (Cont.) VAX 8820/8830/8340 System Physical Characteristics
Parameters

Characteristic
Electrical

Maximum Power Consumption:
Input

Requirements:

12.6 kW

Voltage:

60 Hz — Three—phase 208 V ac (180-222 V rms)
50 Hz — Three—phase 380 V ac (331-407 V mms)
50 Hz — Three—phase 416 V ac (360-443 V ms)

Frequency Tolerance:
Hz
60 Hz +/-3
50 Hz +/- 3 Hz

1.4.1

Enclosures

The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system is housed in a MicroVAX II pedestal enclosure, an H9650 cabinet, and an
H9657 cabinet.

The MicroVAX II pedestal enclosure (system console) contains:
MicroVAX II processor with 5 Mbyte of memory

VT320 console (terminal and keyboard)
Winchester disk with controller

Removable streamer tape drive and controller

DZQ11 asynchronous mulitiplexer (remote console and printer)
QC module which connects by cable to the H9650 cabinet

The H9650 cabinet, usually called the CPU cabinet, contains:
Power controller and solid—state transformer box
Modular power system

Cooling system

Module card cage (NMI backplane for 4 CPUs)

The H9657 cabinet, usually called the memory cabinet, contains:
PBox and modular power system

Battery Backup Unit

Module card cage (memory controller, I/O)
Module card cage (memory arrays)
Module card cage (6 VAXBI slots)
Cooling system

Two VAXBI expansion cabinets can be added to the system to house devices and device controllers on up to six
VAXBISs.

CHAPTER 2

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

INTRODUCTION

2.1

This chapter covers the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system console and system operation and provides a brief summary
of the console commands.

2.2

SYSTEM SETUP AND PREPARATION FOR USE

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Installation Guide (EK—88401-IN)
VAX 8820/8830/8840 Console User’s Guide (AA-FJ84A—-ME)

Check that the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system is set up and configured properly. Refer to the following documents:
. VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Site Planning and Preparation Guide (EK—-8840P—SP)
o

2.2.1

Input Power

Three amber LEDs on the 880A/B Power Controller panel will be lit when input power is available to the system.
There is one LED for each phase: L1, L2, and L3. The location of these LEDs on the panel is indicated in
Figure 2-1. Before turning the system power on, check that these three LEDs are lit, indicating that three—phase
power is available to the system.

2-1

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

CONSOLE (MICROVAX i)
J15

LED INDICATORS
(ONE PER LINE)

CB1

CB5

CB7

CB6

L1 L2 L3
0O

)

[

s rg =0

cB10

‘
®

CB9

CB8

‘

é
A

3 CFs o
o

F6
°

[}

‘EE:

. | cB2cB3 cBa

Jaeal|

—.]

)

REMOTE=~OFF

)

‘

° l ] q | l o)
o hd

J14

J26

PRINTER

TERMINAL

TTB-0260

Figure 2-1
2.2.2

880 A/B Power Controller Panel

Primary System Power

Primary power is applied to the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system in three steps:
1.

Tum on peripheral power breakers

Tum on main power breaker (CB1)

Tum on console power

2-2

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

2.2.2.1 Power Breakers

The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system has ten circuit breakers as listed in Table 2—1.

Table 2-1

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Circuit Breakers

Breaker

Voltage

Unit(s) powered

3-phase ac

L112]13 to SST box.

2,34

1-phase ac (L1,L2,L3)

Dranetz Power Monitor port

1-phase ac (L1)

Console (MicroVAX 11 )

1-phase ac (L2)

Printer

1-phase ac (L2)

Local Console Terminal

1-phase ac (L1)

Spare

1-phase ac (L1)

Spare

1-phase ac (L1)

PBox and Battery Backup Unit

The circuit breakers are located on the 880A/B Power Controller panel which is at the lower right side of the rear
of the CPU cabinet. The panel is illustrated in Figure 2-1.
Turn the circuit breakers on in two steps:

With CB1 in the OFF position, turn circuit breakers 5 through 10 to the ON position. Circuit breakers 2
through 4 are used by qualified field service personnel to connect the Dranetz power monitor to the main
system input power; circuit breakers 2 through 4 should be in the OFF position during normal operation.

Tum CB1 to the ON position.

2.2.2.2 Starting the Console Subsystem
The console subsystem is started in two steps:
1.

Tum the power on.

Run the console subsystem software.

The console subsystem receives power from the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system cabinet when the main and console
circuit breakers (CB1 and CBS5) are in the ON position. The console power—on switch shown in Figure 2-2 must
be placed in the ON or "1" position to turn on console power.

2-3

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

CONSOLE POWER SWITCH

TT8-0261

Figure 2-2

Location of the Console Power-On Switch

The console subsystem software is started by the following steps (see Example 2-1):
L.

MicroVAX II automatically boots when power is tumed on.

Operator is logged into VAX/VMS Operating System on MicroVAX II.

The POLARIS program runs @ VERIFY to check power status.

The POLARIS program displays the local console prompt: PS~OFF>,

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

KAB630-A.V1.3

Performing normal system tests.
7.6.5..4..3..

Tests completed.

Loading system software.
2..1..0..

MicroVMS Version V4.5 3-Sep-1986 20:00

The Console system is now executing the startup procedure.
Define System Logical Names...
Starting DECnet...

9%RUN-S-PROC_ID, identification of created process is 00000025
9%RUN-S-PROC_LID, identification of created process is 00000027
Starting QFueue Manager...
Starting Batch Queue...
Misc Installs...

Job START_CONSOLE (queue SYS$SBATCH, entry 13) 'started on SYS$SBATCH
%SET-I-INTSET, login interactive limit = 64, current interactive value=0
V AX-xxXX

POLARIS — VAX-xxxx Console Program — Version 0.1240
OPAO
Sunday 4-JAN-1987 15:34:24.72
VAX-xxx Console EMM Subprocess — Versian 0.155
VAX-xxx Console Printer Subprocess — Version 0.31
%Console Auto Startup Enabled
22 22222 2 2 2 2 2
TXTSR
SIS S22
[EYZEXI

<Remote Console enabled>
(XX

RSS2 RS2

22 2

X 222

28 28

%EMM-I-POWER_OFF, System Power is Off

The Current Date and Time is Sunday 4-JAN-1987 15:34:42.67

%EMM-I-POWER_OFF, System Power is Off
% Command file aborted at line 20
PS-OFF>

T18-0367

Example 2-1

Console Display of Console Subsystem Startup

2-5

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

WARNING
High voltage and power is present in the VAX

8820/8830/8840 system. If for any reason there
is a need to open the cabinets, be sure to remove
power from the system. Only qualified field service
personnel should open or enter the system cabinets.
Consult with the system manager before powering
down the system.
2.2.3.1 Power On
The power-on sequence is initiated by entering the POWER ON command at the console terminal. This command

turns on the solid—state transformer (generates 300 V dc) and air movers 1 and 2:

PS-OFF>POWER ON
The power—on sequence can also be initiated by a VAX 8820/8830/8840 system powerfail recovery. The console

software determines if the software is recovering from a "console only" power failure. It determines this by
examining the VAX power status via the environmental monitoring module in the power system.
The power—-up procedure requires that the console send commands to the EMM units to apply system power in a
particular sequence. Table 2-2 shows the sequence in which the power supply modules are activated. Figure 2-3

illustrates the MPS unit letter identification code.

2-6

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

EMM CONTROL LETTER DESIGNATION

MOD
E1

MOD
D1

EMM
1

MOD
C1

MOD
D1

MOD
E1

H7180 | H7180 | H7187 | H7187 | H7188 | H7186 | H7187 | H7187 | H7180 | H7180
52v | -52v | -20v | -20v | EMm | +500v | -20Vv | —20V | -5.2V | -5.2V

CPU CARD CAGE (FRONT VIEW)

EMM CONTROL LETTER DESIGNATION

MOD
F2

EMM
2

MOD
c2

MOD
B2

MOD
E2

MOD
D2

H7189 | H7188 | H7186 | H7186 | H7180 | H7187

EeMm | +5.0v | +50v | -5.2v | —2.0V

MEMORY/I0 CARD CAGE (FRONT VIEW)
TT8-0262

Figure 2-3

MPS Unit Letter Identification

2-7

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

Table 2-2

Module Power Supply Turn on Sequence

Order

Module

Power Application

+300 V to 4 MPS cardcage 300 V buses

+5.0 Vvto memory

C2,C1

+5.0 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

+50V,+12V, =12V, -52V, 2.0 V to VAXBI

El1,E2

=5.2 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

D1,D2

=2.0 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

2-8

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

2.2.3.2 System Initialization

After secondary power has been turned on, the system may be initialized by entering @SYSINIT on the console:

PS-HW-0>@SYSINIT
This verifies and initializes the system, and loads the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system microcode. The
SYSINIT.CMD command file is shown in Example 2-2.

I SYSINIT.CMD - For a VAX xxxx system

I REV 1.0
I

I This SYSINIT.CMD has been specifically tailored
! for interactive command use.
I We suggest that you do not edit this file unless

! you wish to load USER WCS.
I-

CLEAR RESTART_FLAGS

DISABLE ERROR

I'If error, abort
I Always allow booting

CONSOLE

I Set command level

SET DEFAULT HEX
SET TERMINAL LOCAL
SHOW TIME

I Set up logging
| Put time stamp in logfile

POWER STATUS

I Display current power state

iF NOT POWER_ON THEN ABORT
I If power is not on exit

I system initialization procedure.
I

iNITIALIZE/HARDWARE

SET CLOCK NORMAL

I Init to base hardware level

I Set clock period

]

VERIFY MODULE_PLACEMENT
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

| See if any CPUs are there
I'1f no CPUs, quit.

SELECT CPU ALL

| For whatever CPUs are there, ...

]

SENSE REVISION CPU

| Read CPU board revisions

I Power up diagnostics are in the command file POWERUP.CMD
I located in directory [PSTAR]. To inhibit power up diagnostics
I ENABLE QUICK_BOOT.
IF NOT QUICK_BOOT THEN @[PSTAR]JPOWERUP.CMD
TTB-0263

Example 2-2 (Cont.)

SYSINIT.CMD Command File

2-9

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

I-

CONSOLE
SET CLOCK ON
INITIALIZE/KNOWN-STATE

! Put all cpus in known state

SELECT CPU ALL
LOAD WCS/CPU ALL UCODE.BIN

I Load ISP microcode,

I Reset CPU selection

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

! Exit if any error is encountered

I Cache microcode,

LOAD CACHECONROL/CPU ALL CCODE.BIN
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

I Exit if any error is encountered

LOAD IBDECODER/CPU ALL DRAM.BIN

' 1BOX decoder tables.

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

I Exit if any error is encountered

Stop clocks to start microcode

SET CLOCK OFF
START/WCS/CPU ALL CSM-INIT

! Start the CPUSs!
I Exit if something went wrong

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
{

LOAD SDF/CPU ALL SDFDEF.BIN

! Load microcode constants

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

I+

I Remove the comment flags on the following lines
I if you are loading user WCS
i

i LOAD UWCS/CPU ALL USERWCS.BIN

I Must come after SDF is loaded

I SET CLOCK OFF

I Clocks off to start microcode

I START/WCS/CPU ALL CSM-INIT

I Restart microcode with user WCS

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

]

INITIALIZE/CPU/CPU ALL

I'Initialize hardware states & VAX regs

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

disable error

INITIALIZE/1O
INITIALIZE/NBI

! Reset /0 devices

SENSE REVISION MCL

I Read memory controller revision

' lnitialize NBis

SENSE REVISION NBI

I Read NBI adapter revision

REVISION/COMPARE

I Verify revisions

REVISION/SAVE

I Save present revisions

write nbw 1fsr 2000

I clear interlock busy

read nbw lcir

I clear interrupts

write nbwOfsr 2000
read nbwQcir
read memcsrb

I clear interrupts

! clear interlock busy

I clear nmi fauit

INITIALIZE/CPU,/CPU ALL

I Load SID and rev |PRs

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
TTB-0264

Example 2-2 (Cont.)

SYSINIT.CMD Command File

2-10

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

| Before memory can be initialized, a memory configuration file
I must have been created.

This command wiil create the file memconfig.dat if it doesn't exist.
1-

INITIALIZE/MEMORY/CLEAR

! Write O’s to all of memory

! Initialize halt code on each CPU
|-

SETCPUO
if cpu__available then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3

! Powerfailure halt code

SET CPU 1

if cpu__available then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3

! Powerfailure halt code

SETCPU 2
if cpu__available then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3

I Powerfailure halt code

SET CPU 3

if cpu__avaiiable then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3

I Powerfailure halt code

I+

! Attempt to restart or boot the primary
SET CPU PRIMARY

I Single-cpu operations from here on

CONSOLE/SAVE

I Save console status

CLEAR RESTART-FLAGS

I Clears WARM and COLD restart flags

IEnd of SYSINIT.CMD
show el 1
disable echo
TT8-0265

Example 2-2 (Cont.)

SYSINIT.CMD Command File

2-11

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

2.2.3.3 System Boot
After secondary power has been applied, the system may be booted (VAX/VMS Operating System loaded
and started). The boot sequence can be initiated using the default file DEFBOO.CMD or from a particular
command file such as BCIBOO.CMD or BDABOO.CMD. Samples of these three files are shown in Example 2-3,
Example 2-4, and Example 2-5.

The command file DEFBOO.CMD, used to boot the VAX/VMS operating system from the console storage
device, is shown in Example 2-3. Use the command:
PS—-CIO-0>BOOT

I DEFBOO.CMD - Defauit Boot Command file
I Rev Num 1.0
I

! This command procedure will be executed automatically during system

I initialization or following a power failure or an error halt if you
I have enabled the AUTO__BOOT keyswitch. It will also be executed when
I the command BOOT is entered.
!

! Boot DDDnnn/Rb+##
I

I Replace DDDnnn with the name of the boot command procedure that you
I wish to execute.
!

DDD

device name: BCI, BDA

nnn

boot device unit number

BOOT BCI/R5=1
TTB-0266

Example 2-3

DEFBOO.CMD Command File

2-12

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

BCIBOO.CMD
IREV 1.0
|

i Command procedure to BOOT the VAX/VMS Operating System from
I an HSC over the BCI.

| The following register deposits must be done before executing
I this command procedure or must be edited to correspond to the
I hardware configuration:
I R1 - Bus address information

I R2 - CI port # of HSC(s) to which drive is ported

1 R3 - device unit number
CLEAR DEBUG
SET TERMINAL LOCAL
SET DEFAULT HEXADECIMAL

SET CPU PRIMARY
IF NOT HALTED THEN HALT
EXAMINE SDF OCA
DEPOSIT AP @
INITIALIZE/CPU/cpu=all
INITIALIZE/MEMORY/clear
INITIALIZE/IO

DEPOSIT PHY/L 3E000000 020FOOFO
EXAMINE PHY/L 3E000010
EXAMINE PHY/L 3E000014
DEPOSIT PHY/L 3E000008 FOO00000
DEPOSIT PHY
/L 3A000000 2000
EXAMINE PHY/L 3A000808
DEPOSIT PHY/L 38000000 2000
EXAMINE PHY/L 38000808
EXAMINE PHY/L 3EO00014
DEPOSIT RO %x20
DEPOSIT R1 %x02

ISet up logging

I1Select CPU that will be the primary
IHalt it and avoid warning messages
IRetrieve halt code

IMove halt code to AP
linitialize CPU
lInit memory

IClear Bl errors, NMI and Bl node state info
IClear interlock timeout in mem CSRO
IRead mem CSR4 (clears interrupts)
IRead mem CSR5 (clears NMI faulit)

IClear RDS error bits in mem CSRO
IClear interlock busy in NBW1FSR

IRead NBW 1CLR (clears interrupts)

IClear interlock busy in NBWOFSR

IRead NBWOCLR (clears interrupts)
IRead mem CSR5 (clears NMI fault)
ICl boot device type code

1Boot dev bus adr:<3:0>=BI node #,<5:4> =8l
#

DEPOSIT R2 %x03

ICI port # of HSC:<7:0>
=Cl port # of HSC,
1<15:8>=Cl port # of 2nd HSC if dual ported

DEPOSIT R3 %d193
DEPOSIT R4 O
DEPOSIT R5 %x01

1Unit # of drive, decimal radix

IF P1 THEN DEPOSIT R3 %P1
IF P2 THEN DEPOSIT R5 %P2
EXAMINE R3

INot applicable
I1Software boot control flags and
Iroot directory # in <31:28>. Defaults
I1to SYSO or unrooted directory
!Override above if given in boot cmd
IDisplay disk number

EXAMINE R5
FIND/MEM
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
EXAMINE SP
LOAD/START @ VMB.EXE

IDisplay RS parameter

EXAMINE SP
START @

Ipatch vmb

IFind 64kb of memory, set cold start bit
1Boot if find was successful

IShow address of working memory + %X200
ILoad VMB into good mem + %X200
IStart executing VMB
TT18-0287

Example 2-4

BCIBOO.CMD Command File

2-13

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

IENABLE ECHO
! BDABOO.CMD

'REV 1.0
|

i Command procedure to BOOT VMS from a BDA disk.
]

i NEXT__PRIMARY is expected to point to the CPU that is to be used
I as the primary CPU.

]

! The following register deposits must be done before executing this
! command procedure or must be edited to correspond to the hardware

I configuration:
I R1 - Bus address information
I R2 - <31:24> = optional controller letter specifier, remaining bits

!
depend on device type in RO
I R3 - device unit number
]

CLEAR DEBUG
SET TERMINAL LOCAL
SET DEFAULT HEXADECIMAL
SET CPU PRIMARY
IF NOT HALTED THEN HALT
EXAMINE SDF OCA
DEPOSIT AP @
INITIALIZE/CPU/CPU=ALL
INITIALIZE/MEMORY/clear

INIT/IO
DEPOSIT PHY/1 3E000000 020FOO0OFO
EXAMINE PHY/1 3E000010
EXAMINE PHY/1 3E000014
DEPOSIT PHY/I 3EO00008 FOO00000
DEPOSIT PHY/L 3A000000 2000
EXAMINE PHY /L 3A000808
DEPOSIT PHY/L 38000000 2000
EXAMINE PHY/L 38000808
EXAMINE PHY/L 3E000014

DEPOSIT RO %x21
DEPOSIT R1 %x15

1 Set up logging
! Select CPU that will be the primary
I Halt it and avoid unnecessary warning messages
! Retrieve halt code

I Move halt code to AP

! Init CPUs, copy next__primary to current
- 1 init Memory
! Clear Bl errors and nmi and Bl node state info
! Clear interlock ttimeout in mem CSRO
! Read mem CSR4 (clears interrupts)
! Read mem CSR5 (clearrs nmi fauit)
! Clear RDS error bits in mem CSRO
I Clear interlock busy in NBW 1FSR
! Read NBW 1CLR (clears interrupts)
I Clear interlock busy in NBWOFSR

! Read NBWOCLR (clears interrupts)
| Read mem CSRS5 (clears NMI fault)

I BDA boot device type code
! Boot dev bus adr:<3:0> =Bl node #,<6:4>=Bl|

IDEPOSIT R1 %x44
DEPOSITR2 O

! Boot dev bus adr:<3:0>=Bl node #,<6:4>=B| #
! <31:24> =optional controller letter specifier

DEPOSIT R3 %d 100
DEPOSIT R4 O

! Unit # of drive, decimal radix
! Not applicable

DEPOSIT R5 %x81

I Software boot control flags and
! root directory @ in <31:28>. Defaults
! to sysO or unrooted directory
I R6: %x81 - don't test mem,sysboot
! R6: %x87 - don’t test mem,sysboot,breakpoints

' R6: %xA7 - don't test mem,sysboot,all break
I RS: %x1 - sysboot
I R5: %x0 - normal

TTB-0268

Example 2-§

BDABOO.CMD Command File

2-14

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

IF P1 THEN DEPOSIT R3 %P1
IF P2 THEN DEPOSIT R5 %P2
EXAMINE R3
EXAMINE R5
FIND/MEM
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
EXAMINE SP
LOAD /START=@ VMB.EXE

! override above if given in boot cmmd
!

I Display disk number
! Display RS parameter
! Find 64kb of memory; set cold start bit
! Boot if find was successful

I Show address of working memory + %X200
! Load VMB into good mem + %X200

lexamine phy/1 3e94
Ideposit . 00400011

EXAMINE SP

Ipatch vmb
Ipatch vmb

Ipatch vmb

]

START @

| Start executing VMB
TTB-0269

Example 2-5 (Cont)

BDABOO.CMD Command File

2.2.3.4 System Initialization and Autoboot

The automatic startup procedures initialize the system and then automatically boot the system using the command
'
file AUTO_SYSINIT.CMD. The command file is shown in Example 2-6.

2-15

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

P AUTO__SYSINIT.CMD - For a VAX xxxx system
1'REV 1.0
I

! This SYSINIT.CMD has been specifically tailored
! for automatic startup operation.
! We suggest that you do not edit this file unless
! you wish to load USER WCS.
II

DISABLE ERROR

{If error, abort

CONSOLE
SET TERMINAL LOCAL
SHOW TIME

! Set command level
I Set up logging
! Put time stamp in logfile
I Display current power state

POWER STATUS
I

IF POWER__ON THEN GOTO 100
IF NOT AUTO__POWERON THEN ABORT
I If power is not on and

! AUTO_POWERON keyswitch not enabled
! exit system initialization procedure.

DTEXT “*** Turning ON System Power ***"

POWER ON

I keyswitch is enabled, turn on power.

IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

! Abort if POWER ON failed
! If power is not on and AUTO_POWERON

100:
!

SET DEFAULT HEX
INITIALIZE/HARDWARE
SET CLOCK NORMAL

! Init to base hardware level

I Set clock period

VERIFY MODULE-PLACEMENT
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

I See if any CPUs are there
1'If no CPUs, quit.

]

SELECT CPU ALL
set primary O
set next_primary O
set cpu O
if cpu_available then goto 100
set primary 1

! For whatever CPUs are there, ...

set next_primary 1
set cpu 1
if cpu_available then goto 100
set primary 2
set next_primary 2
set cpu 2
if cpu_available then goto 100

set primary 3
set next_primary 3

set cpu 2
if cpu_available then goto 100
dtext "*** No CPUs Auvailable ****"
abort
100:
!

SENSE REVISION CPU

1 Read CPU board revisions
T18-0270

Example 2-6

AUTO_SYSINIT Command File

2-16

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

I+

I Power up diagnostics are in the command file POWERUP.CMD
| focated in directory [PSTAR]. To inhibit power up diagnostics
I ENABLE QUICK-BOOT.

iF NOT QUICK-BOOT THEN @[PSTAR]POWERUP.CMD
I-

CONSOLE
SET CLOCK ON

INITIALIZE/KNOWN-STATE

SELECT CPU ALL

LOAD WCS/CPU=ALL UCODE.BIN
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
LOAD CACHECONTROL/CPU=ALL CCODE.BIN
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

LOAD IBDECODER/CPU=ALL DRAM.BIN
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
SET CLOCK OFF

START/WCS/CPU=ALL CSM-INIT
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
WAIT/HALT/CPU=ALL

! Put ali cpus in known state
! Reset CPU selection
! Load ISP microcode,
t Exit if any error is encountered
! Cache microcode,
1 Exit if any error is encountered
I IBOX decoder tables.
I Exit if any error is encountered
I Stop clocks to start microcode
| Start the CPUs!
I Exit if something went wrong
I Wait for CPUs to HALT
! Load microcode constants

LOAD SDF/CPU=ALL SDFDEF.BIN
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

I+

I Remove the comment flags on the following lines
I if you are loading user WCS
1

| LOAD UWCS/CPU=ALL USERWCS.BIN

1 Must come after SDF is loaded

! START/WCS/CPU=ALL CSM-INIT
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT
!

I SET CLOCK OFF

1 Clocks off to start microcode
I Restart microcode with user WCS
!

i
!-

I Initialize hardware states & VAX regs

INITIALIZE/CPU/CPU=ALL
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

disable error
INITIALIZE/IO

! Reset 1/0 devices
I Initialize NBls

INITIALIZE/NBI
REVISION/COMPARE

! Compare revisions
| Save revisions

REVISION/SAVE

I Read memory controlier revision

SENSE REVISION MCL
SENSE REVISION NBI

! Read NBI adapter revision

disable error

write nbw1fsr 2000

| clear interiock busy

read nbwlclr

! clear interrupts

write nbwOfsr 2000
read nbwOclr

! clear interlock busy
I clear interrupts
! clear nmi fault

read memcsrb
]

! Load SID and rev IPRs

INITIALIZE/CPU/CPU=ALL
IF NOT STATUS THEN ABORT

T78-0271

Example 2-6 (Cont.)

AUTO_SYSINIT Command File

2-17

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

I+

I Before memory can be initialized, a memory configuration file
I must have been created.
I This command wiil create the file memconfig.dat if it doesn't exist.
I-

INITIALIZE/MEMORY

! Write O’s to all of memory
I'if memory were not backed up

¢
I Initialize halt code on each CPU
I-

SETCPUO
if cpu__available then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3
SET CPU 1

I Powerfailure halt code
I Powerfailure halt code

if cpu__available then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3

SET CPU 2

I Powerfailure halt code

if cpu__available then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3

SET CPU 3

! Powerfailure halt code

if cpu__available then DEPOSIT SDF OCA 3
I¢

i Attempt to restart or boot the primary
I-

SET CPU PRIMARY

CONSOLE/SAVE
IF AUTO_RESTART THEN @[PSTAR]RESTAR.CMD

IF AUTO_BOOT THEN @[PSTAR]DEFBOOOO.CMD

! single-cpu operations from here on
I Save console status
! Attempt to restart if AUTO__RESTART
I enabled
! If AUTO__RESTART disabled, and
I AUTO__BOOT enabled attempt to boot

I Otherwise, EXIT.

CLEAR RESTART-FLAGS

I Clears WARM and COLD restart flags

]

IEnd of SYSINIT.CMD

show el 1

disable echo
TTB-0272

Example 2-6 (Cont.)

AUTO_SYSINIT Command File

2.2.3.5 System Power Down

An intentional powerdown is initiated at the console by entering:
PS—-CIO-0> POWER OFF
The MPS power regulators are turned off in the sequence indicated in Table 2-3.

WARNING
The POWER OFF command does not eliminate

all power from the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system.
Primary ac power and some dc power are still

present within the system.

2-18

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

Table 2-3

Module Power Supply Turn off Sequence

Order

Module

Power Application

D1,D2

-2.0 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

E1E2

~5.2 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

+50V,+12V,-12V,-52V, -2.0 V to BI

C2,C1

+5.0 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

+5.0 V to memory

+300 V to 4 MPS cardcage 300 V buses

2.2.3.6 Powerfail and Standby Modes

Power failure recognition by the environmental monitoring modules in the power system will result in an interrupt
to the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system via the console interface. The EMM units will be directed to shut off the
MPS power units in the sequence indicated in Table 2—4. This action can also be initiated by the operator at the
system console by entering:

PS—CIO-0>POWER STANDBY
Table 2-4

Power Fail and Standby Modes MPS Turn Off Sequence

Order

Module

Power Application

D1,D2

-2.0 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

El1,E2

—5.2 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

+50V, 412V, ~-12V,-52V, =20V to BI

C2,C1

+5.0 V to NMI devices (CPU & memory)

WARNING

The POWER STANDBY and powerfail modes
do not eliminate all power from the VAX

8820/8830/8840 system. Primary ac power and
some dc power are still present within the system,
as well as backup power in backup mode and
standby power in standby mode.

When the system is in STANDBY or powerfail mode, power is present within the system. In STANDBY mode
the J regulator is active and supplies 300 V dc to the four MPS 300 V dc buses, and the B2 regulator module
(+5.0 Vdc) is active. In powerfail mode the system BBU unit is active and supplies 300 V dc to the four MPS
300 V dc buses, and the B2 regulator module (+5.0 V dc) is active.

2-19

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

2.2.3.7 Warm Restart

A warmm restart uses the same procedures as the power—on sequence for tuming on the system power. The
SYSINIT.CMD file exits to the restart command file RESTAR.CMD. A restart parameter block (RPB) must be

available for a warm restart, since an intact RPB indicates that memory data is valid. If a warm restart is not

possible, the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system executes the default boot command file DEFBOO.CMD. Example 2-7

shows the RESTAR.CMD file.

2-20

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

I RESTAR.CMD - For a VAX xxxx System
IREV 1.0
!

IThis command file is invoked after a HALT, if a reboot has not been

Irequested by the VAX, and after power failure recovery if AUTO__RESTART
lis enabled.
I

IThe following tests are required:
]

IF NOT AUTO__RESTART THEN IF AUTO__BOOT THEN @£TAR°FBOO
! Execute defboo if

| auto__restart is not enabled but auto__boot is.

IF NOT AUTO__RESTART THEN abort
| if neither auto__restart nor auto__boot are
! enabled then remain halted
I Set up logging
!
SET TERMINAL local
SET DEFAULT HEXADECIMAL
i
|

EXAMINE SDF OCA
DEPOSIT AP @
EXAMINE PC
DEPOSITR10 @
EXAMINE PSL
DEPOSITR11 @
INITIALIZE/cpu

EXAMINE AP
DEPOSIT SDF OCA @

DEPQOSIT RO O
DEPOSITR1 0O
DEPOSITR20
DEPOSITR3 O
DEPOSIT
I Clear unused register.
R50
enable error

! Retrieve HALT code
I Put halt code into the AP
| Retrieve old PC
! Put old PCinto R10
| Retrieve old PSL
I Put old PSL into R11
I Initialize processor.

I Clear unused register.
i Clear unused register.
I Clear unused register.
| Clear unused register.
R4 0O
DEPOSIT
I Clear unused register.

| Locate restart parameter block and put addr + 200

FIND/RPB

I in SP and contents of RPB+4 into PC

IF NOT STATUS THEN IF AUTO__BOOT THEN @[PSTAR]DEFBOO

| If an RPB was not found and
| auto__boot is enabled go try to reboot

IF NOT STATUS THEN abort

I If an RPB was not found and auto__boot is
| Disabled then remain halted

disable error

| Get start address

START @

I go

EXAMINE PC

TT8-0273

Example 2-7

RESTAR.CMD Command File

2-21

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

2.3

OPERATOR/CONSOLE INTERACTION

The console, a MicroVAX II system (in the pedestal configuration), is used to initialize, operate,

and shut down
the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system. The console prompts and commonly used command language statements
are
described in this section.

2.3.1 Console Command Language Display Prompts
Table 2-5 describes Console Command Language prompts that may appear on the local and remote

display

screens.

Table 2-5

Console

Command Language Prompts

Prompt

Description

>>>

MicroVAX II power is on and MicroVAX II self-tests have been

completed. The MicroVAX II system is booted from this prompt.

PS>

Indicates that access to the VAX 8820/3830/8840 system hardware has not
been attempted yet.

PS—-OFF>

Indicates that the EMM and the QC module have been verified, but that
system power is tumed off.

PS-HW-n>

Indicates that system power is on and that the console connected CPU is

number n.

PS-CIO-n>

The system console is in console I/O mode with Console Support

Microcode (CSM) loaded into the connected CPU which is number

PS-OS—-n>

The console has retumed to console /0 mode from console program

mode because a
connected CPU.

CTRL P was typed at the terminal. CPU
n is the

2.3.2 Console Commands
:
The Console Command Language (CCL) is the interface between the operator and the control

and monitoring
capabilities of the console subsystem. Table 2-6 provides a short list of frequently—used
console commands.
Refer to the VAX 8820/8830/8840 Console User’s Guide (AA-FJ84A-ME) for a detailed description
of all console

commands.

2-22

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

Table 2-6

Frequently Used Console Commands

Command

Description

@file_spec

Opens a specified file and processes the records within the file as

BOOT [ device_name ]

Executes the command file device_nameBOO.CMD. If no device name is

CLEAR item

item can be any one of the following:

commands. (The default file extension is .CMD.)
specified, the file DEFBOO.CMD is used.

ACCUMULATOR
SCREEN
SWITCHES
CONSOLE

RESTART_FLAGS
SOMM
TOMM

Returns the console to top command level from a subcommand level such
as DIAG or EMM. This command always returns to or stays at the top
command level to avoid an inadvertent exit from the console program.

CONTINUE

In console mode, CONTINUE starts macrocode execution at the
address currently present in the macro program counter (PC). Processor
initialization is not performed. The processor state is changed from
HALTED to RUNNING.

In diagnostic mode, CONTINUE continues the execution of the diagnostic
that just halted on error, or was interrupted by CTRL/C. Execution will
resume at the point at which it was stopped.

DEPOSIT location

Replaces the contents of a specified location. If no data size or address
space qualifiers are specified, the defaults will be those used in the most
recent EXAMINE, DEPOSIT or SET DEFAULT command. Initially the
defaults are PHYSICAL, LONGWORD, and address 0. If no address is
specified, "+" is assumed.

DIAGNOSE

Causes the console to enter the Diagnostic Support mode. The CONSOLE

DISABLE item

Establishes console parameters that are retained across power failures,
restarts, and reboots. The parameters established by DISABLE are

or EXIT commands will return to console mode.

changed by the ENABLE command. Item can be:
AUTO BOOT
AUTO RESTART
CPU cpu_list

ERROR
PRINTER
ENABLE item

AUTO POWERON
CONFIRMATION
ECHO

LOG
TEXT_OUTPUT

Establishes console parameters that are retained across power failures,
restarts, and reboots. The parameters established by ENABLE are
changed by DISABLE.

2-23

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

Table 2-6 (Cont.)

Frequently Used Console Commands

Command

Description

EXAMINE location

Examines the contents of a specified location. If no data size or address
space qualifiers are specified, the defaults will be those used in the most

recent EXAMINE, DEPOSIT, or SET DEFAULT command. Initially
the

defaults are PHYSICAL, LONGWORD, and address 0. If no address is
specified, "+" is assumed.

EXIT

Terminates the current subprogram and returns control to the console

program. In EMM or diagnostic mode, returns to CONSOLE mode.

FIND [/CPU:cpu] [/MEMORY]

/RPB]

The console will look for good memory or a restart parameter block for
the indicated CPU. The defaults items are the connected processor and the

restart parameter block.

FIND /MEMORY

Requests Console Microcode (CSM) to search main memory starting at
address 0 for a page—aligned 64—kbyte block of good memory.

FIND /RPB

Requests CSM to search physical memory for a valid restart parameter
block. The search leaves the contents of memory unchanged.

HALT [CPU:cpu_list]

Attempts to stop macrocode execution in all of the specified processors

,
beginning at the next macro instruction boundary. The state of each
of

these processors changes from RUNNING to HALTED. If a processor is

malfunctioning, it may never try to execute the next macro instructio

n and
therefore never halt. The HALT command produces a message reporting
which processors are successfully halted and the contents of the PC
for each one of them. If a processor is already halted when the HALT

command is issued, a warning message is returned.

HELP [help_topic]

Help_topic is a keyword about which to provide help information.
command allows you to display the function, format, arguments,

switches of any console command.

This

and

Allows a command to be conditionally performed. If the condition
specified is met, the remainder of the line is performed. If the condition
specified is not met the remainder of the line is ignored.
INITIALIZE [/CONSOLE]

[/CPU:cpu_Llist] [/I0] [/MEMORY]
[JCREATE_CONFIGURATION
_
FILE]
LOAD [ filename ]

Sets the appropriate part of the system to a defined initial state.

In console mode, LOAD loads data into the specified space.

The data
comes from the file specified. If no optional qualifiers are specified,
the
command defaults to loading memory starting at physical
address 0.

In diagnostic mode, the specified diagnostic program is loaded into
console memory.

2-24

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

Table 2-6 (Cont.)

Frequently Used Console Commands

Command

Description

MICROSTEP [/CPU:cpu_list]

Bursts the clock for the specified number of microcycles (one by default),
displays the micro—PCs for all affected CPUs, and enters space bar step
mode. Pressing the space bar at this prompt causes another single—cycle
micro— cycle to be executed and the new micro-PCs to be displayed. Any
non—space character exits the space bar step mode and becomes the first

[count]

character of a new console command line.

NEXT [/CPU:cpu_list] [count]

Executes macroinstructions for the specified count (one by default),
displays the PC for all affected CPUs, and enters space bar step mode.
Pressing the space bar at this prompt causes another macroinstruction to
be executed and the new PCs to be displayed. Any non—space character
exits the space bar step mode and becomes the first character of a new
console command line.

POWER (ON | OFF | STANDBY
| INITIALIZE | STATUS )

Changes the state of the power system by issuing commands to the EMM.
The power may be in one of four states:

1. OFF - All CPU regulators and memory power are tumed off.
2. ON - All CPU regulators and memory power are tumed on. The
system can function.

3. STANDBY - CPU power is tumed off, memory power remains on.
4. INITIALIZE - Communication with the power system is established
and default parameters loaded.

See Tables 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4 for the sequence in which power goes to the
on, off, standby, or powerfail states.
STATUS - Report on the current power state.
QUIT

Terminates the console program and retums to the MicroVMS prompt.

REPEAT command

Sets an intemal flag indicating that the command line be continuously
executed. REPEAT mode is terminated by typing CTL/C.

RUN

In diagnostic mode, the specified diagnostic program is loaded into

SET

Sets parameters for clocks, CPU defaults, EMM power margins, etc.

Console memory and started.

CLOCK - ON, OFF, SLOW, FAST, NORMAL
CPU:cpu

MARGINS (regulator) [ NORMAL | HIGH | LOW
]

SOMM upc_address — loads the micro—pc into the micromatch mgister.
TERMINAL (LOCAL, NOLOG)

TOMM upc_address — Loads the micro—pc into the micromatch register.

2-25

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

Table 2—-6 (Cont.)

Frequently Used Console Commands

Command

Description

SHOW

Displays information about certain console and system parameters such
as:

CLOCK
CPU
ENABLES
MARGINS
POWER

CONSOLE
DEFAULTS
LOGGING
MEMORY
STATUS

T1_TEMPERATURE
T4_TEMPERATURE

T4_TEMPERATURE

T5_TEMPERATURE

T6_TEMPERATURE

T7_TEMPERATURE

TERMINAL
START

T2_TEMPERATURE

T8_TEMPERATURE

TIME

Operates differently depending upon the mode in which the console is

Console mode:
START/MEMORY [address])
Starts execution of a program on the
specified processor at the specified address.
START/WCS [address]

Starts execution of microcode in the WCS
at the WCS address specified (between 0 and 3FFF hex).

Diagnostic mode:

START

Starts a diagnosic program which is already loaded.
[PASSES=passcount]

[/SECTION=section_name

[TEST=first_test[:last_test]]
VERIFY MODULE_PLACEMENT

[/WCS address]

Checks that each CPU module is in the correct slot. If all the modules for
a CPU are correctly placed, the CPU is marked present. If not, the CPU
is marked not present and the missing or misplaced modules are reported.

2-26

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

2.4

CONSOLE DISPLAYS AND LOG FILES

The console display for the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system is the console subsystem’s VT320 video terminal and/or
the remote console terminal. Console sessions at both display terminals are recorded in the console log file. The
console log file is maintained on the console storage device.

The console display is composed of console subsystem prompts, operator commands, and console subsystem
responses. The text which is echoed back from the system while the user is in program 1/O mode is also shown
(some entered information, such as passwords, is not echoed by the system and is therefore not displayed).
Example 2-8 shows an example of character flow during a local operation.

PS-HW-0>VERIFY MODULE_PLACEMENT
PS-HW-0>SHOW CPU

Current CPU = 0, Current Primary = O, Next Primary = O
Auto — Poweron:disabled, Boot:disabled, Reboot:disabled,
Restart:disabled

CPU O = Enabled, Present, Available
PS-HW-0>SHOW STATUS
Power is On, BBU is Disabled
Clock is Off, Clock period = 70 ns

Enabiled= Y
Present= Y

Y
Y

N
Y

cpy

Select

Avail

Status

Current CPU =0
Current Primary = O
Next Primary = O
PS-HW-0>SEL CPU O
PS-HW-0=>@SYSINIT
PS-HW@> SET EL 1
PS-HW@> '+

PS-HW@> !

SYSINIT.CMD — For a VAX xxxx system
REV 1.0

PS-HW@>!
PS-HW@> |
— s s e P

e P

s P P o o P o o

. e o e sP P

s P o o P o o ot P P P P P o P P o o P P B P P S T

s o P P o e P

s P P P o

e P P o S P P P P P P P

s P TN

e T T S T S TR

T N T T

T R A A TR T T T

e e e

N T R T AU A A S S T S S S S S A

e A

PS-CIO-0>

T18-0368

Example 2-8

Console Display Showing a Local Operation

2.4.1 System Log File

The console can maintain a log file of console display activity on the console subsystem storage device (disk).
The log file is kept so that activity may be reviewed at a later time. All of the data that appears on the display
screen during console-mode operations, as well as the output from the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system, is saved in
the log file.

Console entries made during program mode are echoed from the system and are saved in the log file. Entries that
are not echoed are not saved.

2-27

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

2.4.1.1 Starting the log file
When starting to log console activity, the operator may specify either system format (compact and comprehen—
sive), or ASCII format (less compact and abbreviated). The default format is system format. The ASCII-format

log file is PCON.LOG while the system—format log file is PCONLOG.SYS. The operator may also enable
or
disable logging. The commands to select the format and to enable/disable logging are:

PS—-CIO-0> ENABLE LOG/SYSTEM
PS—-CIO-0> ENABLE LOG/ASCII
PS—-CIO-0> DISABLE LOG/SYSTEM
PS—CIO-0> DISABLE LOG/ASCII

2.4.1.2 Size and Number of Log Files
The size and versions of log files which are kept can be specified. The size is specified in blocks with the default
size being 1000 blocks. The number of versions to be kept can vary from 1 to 99; the default number of
versions
is 5. The commands used to specify the size and number of log files are:

PS—-CIO-0>SET LOG/SIZE=100
PS—-CIO-0>SET LOG/KEEP=10
The operator may examine the status of logging with the following console command:

PS-CIO-0> SHOW LOG
2.4.1.3 Examining the Log File
The operator may examine any of the ASCII format log files by entering "TYPE log_file" or by editing the file

with the EDT editor. The system—format log files may not be examined directly, but may be converted to ASCII
format files and then examined. The CONVERT command is used to convert a log file to an ASCII-file. The

default condition is the current log file. Use:

PS—-CIO-0> CONVERT log_file
PS—CIO—0> CONVERT/CURRENT

2.5

THE STAR PROCESS

The STAR process allows a MicroVAX II user terminal to display graphic representations of system

become the local console, or become a system user terminal.

status,

The STAR process becomes active and handles a user terminal when the person at the user terminal logs into the
VAX/VMS Operating System on the MicroVAX II and issues the command "$STAR". The local console terminal

must be logged in and running the POLARIS program.

When the user terminal runs the STAR process it has the ability to cause special graphic system status displays
such as module utilization and power subsystem component locations to appear on the terminal. The user

terminal must be a VT3xx, a VT2xx, or a VT1xx with the advanced video option (up to 132 characters per line).
The following commands can be issued when the user terminal is running the STAR process:

SET TERMINAL USER
*

SET TERMINAL CONSOLE

SET TERMINAL NOCONSOLE

EXIT

2-28

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM OPERATION

The user terminal may become a remote console terminal by issuing the command "SET TERMINAL
CONSOLE". The prompt for the remote terminal is PS-CC-HW-n> or PS—-CC-CIO-n>. PS—-CC-HW-n> indicates
that the power is on but that the console support microcode (CSM has not yet been loaded into the CPU control
store. PS—CC-CIO-n indicates that CSM has been loaded, and the CPU is ready to perform operations such as
examining memory locations. All local console terminal commands may be given from the remote terminal
except for commands which change power state.

The flowchart shown in Figure 2—4 shows the user terminal states.

¥§§EMN AL

(MICROVAX II)
b

STAR

EXIT

PS-CC-22-n>

(EXIT)

DISPLAY

SET TERM

NOCONSOLE

CTL | SET TERM

SET TERM

USER

CONSOLE

ALL CONSOLE

COMMANDS EXCEPT

agfib‘w

POWER COMMANDS

'
$

(VAX/VMS USER)

TT8-0315

Figure 2-4

MicroVAX II User Terminal State Flowchart

2-29

CHAPTER 3

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
3.1

OVERVIEW

The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system configuration, shown in Figure 3—1 consists of:
The console subsystem

Two CPUs for the VAX 8820 system, three CPUs for the VAX 8830 system, and four CPUs for the VAX
8840 system

The memory subsystem with one to eight 64—Mbyte arrays
The power system

One, two, or three VAXBI interconnect adapters

The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system is interconnected through a synchronous backplane bus called the memory
interconnect (NMI). The NMI provides the system with a communications path between the CPU(s), memory,
and adapters that connect to the VAXBI interconnects. The NMI is physically separated into two parts: one part
in the CPU cabinet connected via a cable and two NMI Bus Window (NBW) modules to the second part in the
memory cabinet.

NOTE

The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system must contain at
least one VAXBI channel. It can be expanded to
contain up to six VAXBI channels (using expansion
cabinets).

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CONSOLE

MICROVAX I

J.T.

CONSOLE
SUBSYSTEM

INTERFACE
MOD (CiM)

—

CPU 1

CPUO

CPU 2 I

CONSOLE

CPU 3

CLOCK (PCLK)

CPU CABINET

BACKPLANE AND NMI

NBW

—

WINDOW ‘CABLES

C—

MEMORY CABINET

BACKPLANE AND NMI

PMCL

PBIA

MEMORY

512 MB

NBIB

(MAR-64

BOARDS)

OPTIONAL

VAXBI

CABINETS

TT18-0274

Figure 3-1

VAX 8820/3830/8840 System Configuration

3-2

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.2

CONSOLE SUBSYSTEM

The console subsystem, shown in the simplified block diagram in Figure 3-2, controls the power sequencing,
loading of control stores, and general operation of the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system. The console subsystem is
composed of hardware and software: The hardware part of the subsystem is grouped around the MicroVAX II,
which is the "brains” of the subsystem. The software part is made up of the MicroVMS operating system and the
console applications procedures which implement the console commands.

3-3

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

4 MBYTE

EMM 2

MAIN MEMORY

QC MODULE

MICROVAX I

(Q-BUS TO

PROCESSOR

EMM 1

gifi}fiL
LINE

CSL BUS

(1 MBYTE MEM)

ADAPTER)

CONSOLE

INTERFACE

MODULE
(CIM)

Q-BUS

VT320 CONSOLE

TERMINAL

PRINTER
(OPTIONAL)

REMOTE
WINCHESTER

> TERMINAL

DISK DRIVE

(OPTIONAL)

4-LINE

(=
TAPE DRIVE

ASYNCHRONOUS
SERIAL LINE

(OPTIONAL)

» PRINTER

"%
Figure 3-2

» USER TERMINAL

TTB-0275

Console Subsystem Block Diagram

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.2.1

Console Subsystem Hardware

The console subsystem hardware consists of a MicroVAX II system, a QC module, a cable, and a CIM module.
The MicroVAX II system communicates with the QC module via the Q-bus. The QC module then communicates
with the CM module and the EMM module (one in the CPU cabinet and one in the memory cabinet) over a
4.5-meter (15-foot) cable. The CIM module communicates with the IBox in each of the four CPUs, the VBus,
and the PCLK module.

3.2.1.1 The MicroVAX II System

The MicroVAX II system, used in its pedestal configuration, has a 32-bit VAX processor, 5 Mbyte of main
memory, a VT320 terminal, a Winchester fixed disk, a removable tape drive, and a communications interface to
a printer and optional user terminals (up to three). Refer to the MicroVAX 11 Owner’s Manual (AZ-GL1AA-MN)
and the MicroVAX Il Technical Manual (AZ-GLOAA-MN) for further information.

The MicroVAX II processor is contained on a single quad-height board which resides on the MicroVAX Q-bus.
It includes the MicroVAX 32-bit central processor, memory management, floating point, one Mbyte of onboard
memory, a Q—bus interface, a Q—bus map for DMA transfers, an interval timer, boot and diagnostic facilities, a
console serial line, and a time—of-year clock with battery backup.

The console has one Mbyte of memory on the processor module and four Mbytes of memory on a separate
memory board.

The VT320 terminal consists of a detachable, low—profile keyboard and a monochromatic video monitor. It
includes 15 programmable function keys, multi-national character set support, and plain—language setup menus.
'The monitor includes a built—in bidirectional printer port. Characters are displayed as a 15-by—12 cell (80—column)
matrix or a 9—by—12 (132 column) matrix. The 14—inch non—glare flat screen CRT is available with white, green,
or amber phosphor. A terminal/host programmable 25th status line can be optionally used to display system or
host status. Advanced video features include double—width and double—height characters, blinking, bold, underline,
and normmal or reverse video.

The fixed disk drive is an RD53 5-1/4 inch, 71 Mbyte, Winchester drive. It is mounted in the MicroVAX
II pedestal cabinet and is controlled by the RQDX3 controller. It holds console subsystem software, system
diagnostic test programs, system boot software, and a system message log.

The TK50 removable tape drive, a 95 Mbyte removable-media streaming tape, is suitable for distribution of
console software updates and archiving data. A single TK50 tape is capable of holding the contents of an entire
RD53 disk. The TK50 is mounted in the MicroVAX II cabinet; its interface requires a half-slot of Q—bus space.
Refer to the TK50 Tape Drive Subsystem User’s Guide (EK-OTK50-UG) for further information.

The optional remote console uses a VT2xx or VT3xx terminal and keyboard, controlled via the DZQ11
asynchronous line controller. This console allows remote diagnosis and control of the VAX 8820/8830/3840
system .

The DZQI11 asynchronous serial line controller is a four-line, asynchronous multiplexer that provides local or

remote interconnect to EIA RS-232/423 devices. The DZQ11 operates at program—selectable speeds up to 9600
baud in full-duplex, with limited modem control on each line. The DZQI11 is used in the VAX 8820/8830/8840
system to support an LA75 printer and three user ports (optional). Any one of the three user ports can be used
by a terminal (remote or local) which can be logged in as a local or remote (via a modem) operator’s console.
An optional printer may be connected to the console subsystem through a serial printer port on the back of the
MicroVAX I processor. The printer is not a standard part of the console subsystem.

3-5

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.2.1.2 The Q-bus Control Module (QC, M7553)
The Q-bus control module, commonly called the QC module, is a quad-height Q-bus module which interfaces the
MicroVAX II Q-bus to the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system EMM and to the CSL bus. The QC module represents a
nexus on the Q—bus bus corresponding to 2 kbyte of I/O addresses beginning at 764000 (octal).
The system side of the QC module has two interfaces: an RS—422 serial line and the CSL bus. The RS—422 serial

line is used to communicate with the two EMM modules, one in the CPU cabinet and another in the memory
cabinet. The CSL bus is used to communicate with the CIM module on the CPU cabinet backplane.
A 4.5-meter (15-foot) cable is used to carry both the CSL bus and the RS—422 serial line from the console to the

VAX 8820/8830/8840 system.

3.2.1.3 The Console Interface Module (CIM, F1032)
The console interface module, commonly called the CIM module, is located near the physical center of the CPU
logic backplane. Its principal function is to enable the CPUs and the console to communicate via the CSL bus.
There are data paths to the instruction decoder modules of each CPU on the system side of the CIM module.
These paths are used by the console to load system microcode, access system registers, and perform file transfers

between the system and the console.
The CIM module provides the console access to the clock module (PCLK) so that the console may exercise some
control over the system clock. The console may cause the clock to be stopped, started, stepped any number of
A—clock cycles, or stopped at preselected program breakpoints.
The CIM module has access to the 32 channels of the system visibility bus (VBus). The VBus is designed to

provide the console with access to selected latches within the CPUs for diagnostic purposes. Each channel is a
serial path from one of the 32 modules of the four CPUs.
The CIM module can also access backplane revision information and the system serial number.

3.2.2

Console Subsystem Software

The console subsystem software operates in two modes: operator mode, where the console operator may control
and monitor the CPU, and program I/O mode, where the console is used like a user terminal. The transient
power—up and boot state may be considered to be a third mode of operation.

3.2.2.1 Power—up and Boot

’

When the machine is first tumed on, power is first applied to the system power supply control logic (ILM)
and the environmental monitor module (EMM), and then to the console subsystem. The EMM and the console

subsystem perform self-test routines to verify their own proper operation.

3.2.2.2 Console /O Mode
The console operator may use the console in console I/O mode to control and monitor the halted VAX
8820/8830/8840 system. The console I/O mode prompts are listed and described in Table 2-5.

3.2.2.3 Program I/O Mode
Program 1/O mode can only be used under the VAX/VMS operating system, ULTRIX operating system, VAX
Diagnostic Supervisor (VDS), etc. The console terminal emulates a user terminal while in this mode: The

terminal passes all input to the CPU software and displays output from the CPU. The prompt for the program I/O
mode i3 the prompt of the software running at the time, such as the DCL "$" prompt.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.3 CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system processor, shown in the block diagram in Figure 3-3, consists of three
functional units and associated data transfer buses. The functional units and data buses are listed and described in
Table 3-1.

CONSOLE SUBSYSTEM

}
CLOCK AND CONSOLE INTERFACE

S
CLOCKS

VISIBILITY BUS
CONSOLE | DATA
4

INSTRUCTION BOX
MICRO
WORD

¢
CACHE
DATA

IBOX
DATA

BUS

—p

_ WBUS
»

EXECUTION BOX

CACHE
ALU

VA
BUS

BYPASS

CACHE BOX

CPU

T
-

NMI
SCLD-78

Figure 3-3

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Processor Block Diagram

3-7

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Table 3-1

Functional Units and Data Buses

Functional Unit/Bus
Instruction Box (IBox)

Description

CPU microcode store and control. Consists of the writable control store (WCS),
the decoder (DEC), and the sequencer (SEQ) modules.

Execution Box(EBoXx)

Processes data received from the cache and instruction boxes. Performs

arithmetic, logical, and bit—shift operations. The EBox consists of the data
slice modules (SLCO and SLC1) and the shifter (SHR) module.
Cache Box (CBox)

Contains the cache, translation buffer, and the interface to memory and I/O. The
cache is a 64—kbyte physical index, direct mapped and buffered write-through
cache. The translation buffer is a 1K direct mapped cache of virtual—to—physical
address translations. The CBox consists of the address data path (ADP) and
cache control sequencer (CCS) modules.

Virtual Address Bus

Data path for transferring virtual addresses from the execution box to the cache.

Cache Data Bus

Data path from the cache to the execution box and instruction parser.

Write Data Bus

Data path for write data from the execution box to the cache.

Cache/ALU Bypass Bus

Bypass register data that is scheduled to be written into a register. The register
does not have valid data yet.

Visibility Bus (VBus)

Slow-speed data bus that allows the console to access intemally—latched data in
the CPU modules.

Instruction Buffer Data Bus

Data path for transfer to the execution box. The data consists of byte, word, and
longword address displacements, absolute addresses, and immediate data. Branch

displacements and literals are also transferred over the instruction buffer data bus.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.4

CLOCK MODULE (PCLK)

and distribute the system timing
The clock module contains all of the hardware necessary to generate, ofcontrol,
clock
to all system modules. Figure 3—4 shows a simplified block diagram the clock generation logic on the
module.

EXT CLK

A —>

REF CLK

OSCILLATOR

B —® ok

PHASE

GENERATOR

—P1

STRIBUTION

A —»

—»
——B —
W

L A —p|

FaY
e

5
P4

GATING

-8 —» 3

CLOCK

CONTROL
LOGIC

|b———— NMI HARBINGER
NMI SLOW CLOCK ENABLE

—»
_p

L MICROMATCH
STEP B CLOCK

CONSOLE DATA

P
CLOCK STATUS ——
P
CLOCK PERIOD ——
P
INTERVAL SYNC —————

CONSOLE
INTERFACE

SCLD-83

Figure 34

Clock Generation Block Diagram

The basic timing source of the clock module is a 250-kHz oscillator and a phase—locked loop used by the phase
generator to produce two non—overlapping clock phases.

similar to the A phase, but
The phase generator output consists of phases A, B, and W. The W phase signalbyis signals
from the clock control
logic
ion
longer in duration. The A and B clock phases are gated in the distribut
the clock control logic.
logic to produce gated system clocks that can be started, stopped, or burst by

The distribution logic also produces free-running (ungated) clocks. Table 3-2 lists and identifies the clock signals
generated and distributed by the clock module.

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Table 3-2

Clock Signals

Signal Name

Characteristics

A and B CLK

Main system clocks used by the CPU modules and the I/O adapters to sequence

and synchronize operations.

W CLK

Free—running system clock used in RAM write operations of CPU modules SLC0
and SLCI.

FA and FB CLK

Free—running system clocks used by the memory controller and I/O adapters

to sequence and synchronize operations; also used by the console interface
to
control and monitor the CPUs when clocks are stopped.

The console subsystem controls the clock generation logic with operator—initiated commands

by means of the
console interface. Three registers within the clock logic are used for control of the system
clocks by the console;

a fourth register provides status information for the console operator. The following registers

are used:

Clock control

Clock period
Burst count

Timeout and status
Console control of the clocks allows the system operator to:

Start and stop the clocks
Burst the clocks

Single—step the clocks
Enable a clock stop on a micromatch

Change the clock period
Disable clock stalls
Control the NMI timeout clock (NMI Slow Clock Enable)

3.5

MEMORY (MBOX)

System memory system (MBox) consists of a memory control logic (PMCL) module and one to

eight MARG4
64-Mbyte memory array boards. Figure 3-5 shows a simplified block diagram of the MBox with one
MAR64
array board.

NOTE
The standard VAX 8820/8830/8840 system main
memory can be expanded to 512 Mbytes by

installing MARG4 64-Mbyte memory array boards.
This memory expansion upgrade can be effected by
adding up to eight (total) MARG64 memory arrays.

3-10

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CPU CAB/NMI

NBW MODULE

NMI WINDOW CABLES

NBW MODULE

MEMORY CAB NM!
[

MEMORY CONTROL LOGIC
(PMCL)

NMI

POWER

SYSTEM

CONTROL

INTERFACE

ARRAY

INTERFACE

‘

DATA

PATH

ECLTOTTL

A
ARRAY BUS

CONTROL

LOGIC

BANK 3

BANK 2

P
BANK 1

BANK O

MAR64 ARRAY BOARD
TT8-0276

Figure 3-5

Memory Subsystem Block Diagram

3-11

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.5.1 Memory Control Logic

The PMCL provides control and a communications interface between the NMI and the memory array boards. The
single PMCL has the capability of controlling a maximum of eight array boards, and can monitor operations on
three arrays simultaneously. Table 3-3 describes the operations that the PMCL performs on the MARG4 array.
Table 3-3

PMCL Command Operations

Operation

Description

Longword Write

Wirites a data longword and seven ECC check bits into one of the MARG64 array banks.

Longword Read

Reads a data longword and seven ECC check bits from one of the MARG4 array banks.

Octaword Read

Reads four data longwords and associated check bits from a MAR64 array.

3.6 SYSTEM BUSES
The VAX 8820/8830/8840 system has three system-level buses that provide a path for data transfers and status
information.

VAX 8820/8830/8840 system memory interconnect (NMI)

VAX backplane interconnect (VAXBI)

Visibility bus (VBus)

The system memory interconnect (NMI) is a backplane bus that interconnects the major system components and
allows transfer of data between the connected units. The NMI is separated into two physical parts: the CPU NMI
and the memory NMI. The two NMIs are connected by two NBW modules and a cable. During normal operation
it is not obvious to the CPUs that the NMI is in two parts.

The VAXBI interconnect is the I/O bus that provides a connection point between the system and external device
adapters.

‘

The visibility bus provides the console operator with diagnostic access to internal latch contents. The VBus is
also used to perform error checks during initialization.
Figure 3-6 shows the major system buses.

3-12

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CSL BUS

(TO/FROM MICROVAX 1)

!
CONSOLE

[

INTERFACE

® TO/FROM

OTHER CIM
REGISTERS

/ VBUS MUX
S
A’8

/’8

VBUS

VBUS
VBUS

CPU 3

CPU 2

;

VBUS

CPU O

CPU 1

cputNM.

NBW

CPU CABINET

? CABLE

MEMORY CABINET

‘
NBW

< 3

MAR64's
PMCL

MEMOEYNM.
NBI 1

NBI O

t >
NBI 2

TT8-0277

Figure 3-6

System Buses

3-13

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.6.1

Memory Interconnect (NMI)

The NMI, shown in Figure 3-7, is a synchronous backplane bus that interconnects the following major
components of the VAX 8840/8830/8820 systems:
*

2,3, or 4 CPUs (VAX 8820, 8830, or 8840 system)

2 NMI bus window modules (NBWSs)

Memory system controller (PMCL)

NMI-t0o-VAXBI adapters (PBIA, up to 3)

3-14

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

PROCESSOR #2

:
PROCESSOR #3

PROCESSOR #1

CPU CABINET NMI
NMI BUS WINDOW

PROCESSOR #0

(NBW)

(CABLE)

PBIA ADAPTER #1

NMI BUS WINDOW

MEMORY CONTROLLER

(NBW)

(PMCL)

MEMORY CABINET NMI

PBIA ADAPTER #3

PBIA ADAPTER #2

TTB-0278

Figure 3-7

NMI Block Diagram

Table 3—4 lists the primary functions performed by the NMI, and provides a brief description of each of the
functions.

3-15

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Table 3-4

NMI Primary Functions

Function

Description

Write Transaction

Supports longword, quadword, and octaword write.

Read Transactions

Supports longword, octaword, and hexword read.

Memory Read/Write

Allows the CPUs and I/O adapters to access memory through bus read/write transactions.

Operations
I/O Register

Allows the CPUs to access 1/O registers in the memory, I/O adapters, and I/O devices

Read/Write

through bus read/write transactions.

Operations

Interrupt Handling

Transmits interrupt requests generated by the memory and I/O adapters to the CPUs.

System Synchronization Provides system clocks to all nexus (hardware blocks physically connected to the NMI).
System Initialization
Power-Fail Waming

3.6.2

=~ Allows the console to initialize all nexus.
Provides ACLO and DCLO signals to all nexus.

VAXBI Interconnect

The VAXBI interconnect is the I/O bus for the system and is connected to the system through the NMI-to—VAXBI
(NBI) adapter, as shown in Figure 3—8. Each NBI adapter can interface a maximum of two VAXBI interconnects

and provides for a maximum of six VAXBI interconnects to the system when three NBI adapters are installed.

3-16

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

MEMORY CONTROLLER

NMI BUS WINDOW (NBW)

(PMCL)

MEMORY CABINET NMI

NMI-TO-VAXBI

ADAPTER (NBI)

ADAPTER (NBY)

l .

QAXB. Bus>

<VAXB. T
<VAXBI BUS >

<VAXB. Bus>

< VAXBI BUS>
TT18-0279

Figure 3-8

VAXBI Block Diagram

The VAXBI is a 32-bit wide synchronous bus that interconnects a maximum of 16 VAXBI interfaces (VAXBI
nodes) with logical addresses of 0 through F (hex). The address of a node is determined by an ID plug inserted
on the backplane.

NOTE

Address 0 usually is reserved for the NBI node.

The remaining nodes consist of /O device controllers and bus adapters interfacing the system’s I/O devices to the
VAXBI interconnect.

Table 3-5 identifies and describes the basic functions performed by the VAXBI interconnect.

3-17

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Table 3-5

VAXBI Functions

Function
Memory Read/Write

Operations

I/O Register

Description
~ Allow DMA transfers between an I/O device on the VAXBI and main memory through

bus read/write transactions.

Allows the CPUs to access 1/O registers in the I/O devices on the VAXBI through bus

Read/Write
Operations

read/write transactions originating on the NBI.

Interrupt Handling

Enables 1/O devices on the VAXBI to interrupt a CPU through bus INTR transactions
directed to the NBI node.

System

Allows nodes to assert a reset line and initialize a simulated VAXBI powerfail sequence
generated by the NBI.

Powerfail Waming

3.6.3

Provides ACLO and DCLO signals to all nodes.

Visibility Bus (VBus)

The visibility bus, shown in Figure 3-9, is a slow—speed bus consisting of sixteen data lines and two control

lines.
The VBus allows the console operator to read internally latched data in the CPU modules during the execution

of microdiagnostics and system initialization. The VBus is used when the system clocks are stopped.
Major
functions performed by the VBus include:
*

Monitoring the state of the CPUs during the execution of microdiagnostics or in response to commands
entered at the console during system debugging

Verifying CPU module installation and revision during system initialization

Ensuring that control store parity errors do not occur when loading microcode during system initialization

The console controls and reads the VBus by means of two registers located on the clock module’s console
interface. The VBus control and access registers perform the following functions:
*

Select the VBus input channel

Step the clocks that operate the VBus

Send serial VBus addresses to the CPU modules

Halt the operation of the VBus address shift register

3-18

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

I
MICROVAX

MEMORY

PROCESSOR

QC MODULE

CONSOLE
]

v | CABLE

2
]

] L

CPU CABINET
CIM MODULE

A ]

]

I TSN GRS GRS S

\Z
OTHER
CiM REGISTORS
VBUS

VBUS MUX

\—— VBUS CTL REG

> BCLKH

g#f

VBUS ADR

CPU 3

CPU 2

CPU 1

| CPUO

|
T18-0280

Figure 3-9

VAX 8820/8830/8840 System Visibility Bus (VBus)

3-19

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.6.4 VAXBI Interconnect and I/O Adapters
The system memory interconnect—to—VAXBI interconnect (NBI) adapters provide a connection point for the
VAX 8820/8830/8840 system to the VAXBI interconnect. Additional optional adapters can be connected to the
VAXBI interconnect (see Figure 3—10) to allow connection of the CPUs to other I/O devices. Table 3-6 lists and

identifies some of the optional adapters that can be connected to the VAXBI interconnect.
The NMI-to—-VAXBI (NBI) adapter, shown in Figure 3-11, consists of a PBIA module that interfaces to the NMI,
and one or two NBIB modules. The NBIB modules interface to the VAXBI interconnect through the use of a

VAXBI interface chip (BIC).
The PBIA module contains the NMI nexus registers, and the NBIB module contains the VAXBI connecting

registers. Table 3—7 and Table 3-8 list and identify the registers on each module.

Table 3-6

Optional VAX Bus Interconnect Adapters

Adapter

Function

KDB50-BA

VAXBI Bus-to—Storage Interconnect disk controller.

DEBNA

VAXBI Bus—to—Network Interconnect controller. Uses Ethernet.

CIBCA-A

VAXBI Bus—to—Computer Interconnect controller.

CIBCA-B

VAXBI Bus—-to—Computer Interconnect controller.

KLESI

VAXBI Bus—-to—Native tape controller.

DMB32

VAXBI Bus—to—Native asynchronous communications controller.

DRB32-M

VAXBI parallel interface.

DRB32-W

VAXBI DR11-W Emulator module plus DRB32-M.

DRB32-E

"Long-line" module plus DRB32-M.

DWBUA

XAU)IEEI Bus—to—UNIBUS Controller. UNIBUS support limited to: LP11, DR11-W, and

3-20

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

NMI BUS

MEMORY
CONTROLLER

WINDOW (NBW)

(PMCL)

I"~

MEMORY CABINET NMI

NMI-TO-VAXBI! (NBI)
PBIA

NBIB

VAXB! INTERCONNECT

<\r

VAXBI INTERCONNECT

CIBCA-A

VAXBI/C!

VAXBI/UNIBUS | | vAXBI/LESI

CONTROLLER

CONTROLLER | | CONTROLLER

@w END STORAGE )
DMB32
VAXBI/COMM

CONTROLLER

p—
UNIBUS CONNECT

KLESI

DWBUA

KDB5O-BA
BI/SI

CONTROLLER

VAXBI/NI
CONTROLLER

<NETWORK INTERCONNECT )

{ STORAGE INTERCONNE

COMPUTER lNTERCONNE(%

ETHERNET

DISK

QOMMUNICATIONS INTERCONNEC>
TT18-0281

Figure 3-10

VAXBI Optional Adapters

3-21

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

<: "~ MEMORY CABINET NMI >

NBIB

MODULE

|
|

PBIA

)

ary ()
T7B-0282

Figure 3-11

Table 3-7

NMI to VAXBI Interconnect Adapter (NBI)

PBIA Registers

Address

2X080000

Control/Status 0 (CSRO0)

2X080004

Control/Status 1 (CSR1)

2X080008

VAXBI 0 Stop Register (BIOI)

X=0=PBIAO
=4=PBIA 1

=8 =PBIA 2

3-22

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

Table 3-8

NBIB Registers

Address

2X080000

Device Type

2X080004

VAXBI Control/Status

2X080008

Bus Error

2X08000C

Error Interrupt Control

2X080010

Interrupt Destination

2X080014

IP Interrupt Mask

2X080018

IP Interrupt Destination

2X08001C

IP Interrupt Source

2X080020

Starting Address

2X080024

Ending Address

2X080028

BCI Control

2X08002C

Write Status

2X080040

User Interrupt Control

X =0=PBIA OBIO
0/BI 1
= 2 = PBIA

0
=4 =PBIA 1/BI
1
= PBIA 1/BI
=6
2/BI 0
=8 = PBIA
2/BI 1
= A =PBIA

3.7

POWER SYSTEM

The power system provides the voltages necessary to operate the CPUs, memory, and the VAXBI interconnect.
Three—phase ac utility power is used as the primary source for the system. The required ac and dc voltages
are developed using the power modules and voltage regulators located within the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system
cabinet. Figure 3—12 shows a simplified block diagram of the power system, and Figure 3-13 indicates the
physical location of the power system components.

3-23

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.7.1 880A/B Power Controller

‘

The 880A/B controller is the main ac input module for the power system. Power is received from the main
circuit breaker and is distributed to the other system components by the 830A/B controller. The power controller

distributes the power as shown in Table 3-9.

Table 3-9

Power Distribution by the 880/B Power Controller

Unit

Power

CPU cabinet
SST Box

Switched three—phase

Console

Unswitched single—phase

Air mover

Switched three—phase

Memory. cabinet

PBox

Unswitched single phase

BBU

Unswitched single—phase

Air Mover

Switched three—-phase

3-24

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

CPU CABINET

+12, +b,

10 VDC

CSCM

1
5.0 VDC

H7180

880 POWER
CONTROLLER
POWER

H7180

» PRINTER

POWER IN

FH—=*

& CONSOLE

CB 1

» TERMINAL

a0 | AR/TEWP

H7188

7187

CONTACTOR

H7180

SENSORS

300 VDC >

SST

BOX

H7187
H7187

3 PHASE
208/415

H7186

MPS BACKPLANES

AIR

SINGLE PHASE

gléON\éVORs

120/240

VOLTS

—‘_—_‘—‘___—P_-———_

MEMORY CABINET

BLOWER

——»
M "

H7186

H7187

H7231M

P BOX

ACKPLANES

H7186

MPS BACK

AIR/TEMP

| SENSORS

—

H7188
H7180
H7189

"
Figure 3-12

Power System Block Diagram

3-25

TT8-0283

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

MEMORY CABINET

CPU CABINET

BLOWER

MPS-3

|emm2|

| c2

MPS-2

MPS-1

|EmMm1|]|

E1
r—

2lelsls|s|a|[eg|az|e|

|
B |
R
R | B

+6V
8

BBU

[+5V

|52V | 2V

AF1

MAB

NEMO

52V |

olel

AF2

R
M
+5V | -2v

AF1

STAR

|52V

POLR

PBOX

8]|szlpes

||EE|RE|
R

880 AC INPUT MODULE

SST BOX

AIR FILTER

ARFLTER

|
TTB-0284

Figure 3-13

Physical Location of the Power System Components

T1, T5 = Ambient Air Temperature Sensors

T2, T3, T6, T7, T8 = Exhaust Air Temperature Sensors
T4 not connected
AFn = Air Flow Sensors

3.7.2

Solid-State Transformer Box (SST)

The solid-state transformer box converts three—phase ac power to 300—-V dc power and sends the 300 V dc power

to the four 300 V dc MPS buses. Systems designed for 50—Hz operation require a buck converter, which takes
the output of the SST (600 V dc for the 50-Hz, 416/380-V ac configuration) and changes it to 300 V dc.

3-26

FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3.7.3 PBox Port Conditioner

The PBox is a multifunction power assembly containing four modules: three CSP modules and one ILM module.
The primary purpose of the CSP modules (Control and Startup Power, H7060A) is to provide basic power to
the control modules of the power subsystem. Upon receiving startup power, these modules begin controlling
operation of the power subsystem.

The primary purpose of the ILM module (H7061A) is to provide an interface and to condition signals passing
between the various modules of the power subsystem.

3.7.4 Module Power Supplies

The module power supplies (MPS) are a group of dc power modules and three backplanes. Two MPS backplanes
are located above the CPU card cage in the CPU cabinet; the third is located above the logic card cages in the
memory cabinet. The MPS backplanes contain the regulated dc power supplies that provide the operating power
for the CPUs, NBWs, memory, and VAXBI(s).
3.7.5 Environmental Monitoring Module

The environmental monitoring module (EMM) is a microprocessor—based unit that monitors the power and
environmental conditions within the system. The EMM responds to console control commands during power—up
and power—down sequencing, initialization, and battery backup operations. The console controls the power system
through the EMM.

3.7.6 Battery Backup Unit

The battery backup unit (BBU) gives the power system a method of providing backup power to the CPU memory
during an ac power failure. The BBU contains a 48—V dc rechargeable battery pack, charging circuit, and a
dc-to—dc converter. The converter provides 300 V dc for up to ten minutes during the backup mode.

3-27

CHAPTER 4

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
4.1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter contains console troubleshooting procedures that will provide you with assistance before calling
Field Service. A procedure for setting up a remote diagnostic session also is included.
42

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

The only preventative maintenance required on the VAX 8820/8830/8840 System is to clean the filters. The
system has two metallic filters located in the bottom of the system cabinet. Both filters should be removed
and cleaned at 60—day intervals. Filter service should only be performed by trained and qualified personnel. If

the system is under warranty, or is covered by a standard Digital service contract, preventative and corrective
maintenance can be performed only by authorized DIGITAL service personnel.
WARNING

The system cabinets contain potentially dangerous
voltages as well as static—sensitive components.
Access to the interior of the cabinets using the
cabinet opening tool (DEC PN 12-26339) for any

type of maintenance should be restricted to trained
and qualified service personnel.

CONSOLE SUBSYSTEM HARDWARE SELF-TESTS

The console subsystem contains a complete set of hardware self—test programs that check all of the major console
system functions. If a problem is found, the self—test program identifies the nature of the problem. The self—test is
completely automatic and runs each time the console is powered up. The console terminal will appear as shown
in Example 2—1 when the tests complete without failure.

The MicroVAX II powerup self—test sequence consists of 16 ROM based tests, which are run when MicroVAX 11
power is tumed on. They are numbered from O to F (hex). The tests are run starting at test F and ending with
test 0. Tests F through A cause no display at the console terminal. When test 9 (Identifying Console Terminal)
runs successfully, a heading which reports the version of the CPU in the MicroVAX II (KA630) is displayed on
the terminal. Test number 8 does not cause a display but successful completion of each test from 7 down to 0
causes the number of the successful test to be displayed on the console terminal. The self—tests, in order of their
execution, are:

moaNeY
I AOOM

F. Waiting for DC OK
Waiting for P OK

. Running CHECKSUM Test on CPU ROM

. Searching for RAM Memory Required for CPU ROM Programs
. Reading KA630-A IPCR Register (accesses Q22-Bus)
. Testing VCBO1 Video Console Display (if present)

Identifying Console Terminal
. Language Inquiry or CPU Halted
Running Data Tests on RAM Memory
Running Address Tests on RAM Memory

Running Tests That Use Q22-Bus Map to Access Local Memory
4-1

Q=
N W

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

. CPU Instruction and Register Tests

. Running Interrupt Tests

. Searching for Bootstrap Device
. Bootstrap Device Found

. Testing Completed

4.4

CORRECTING SIMPLE PROBLEMS

Table 4-1 is a quick reference source for correcting simple problems.
Table 4-1

Correcting Simple Problems

Symptom
Nothing happens when the

console power switch is

Possible Condition

Corrective Action

= The power cord is not connected.

tumned on.

The MicroVAX 1I circuit breaker has
tripped.
Power is not received from the system

Reconnect the power cord to the VAX
8820/8830/8840 system cabinet.

Tum MicroVAX II power off and reset
the circuit breaker.
Verify that circuit breaker 5 is in the ON

CPU cabinet.

position.

The VAX 882(0/8830/8840 system has

Attempt a power up of the VAX
8820/8830/8840 system.

entered the automatic shutdown phase.

If the power up attempt is unsuccessful,

contact a Digital Field Service
technician.
Refer to the Console User’s Guide for
power—up procedures.

Nothing appears to happen
when the power switch is

Call Field Service.

ON, but the fan is running.

4-2

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

4.5 WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE TO CALL FOR SERVICE
Digital Equipment Corporation has a central service point in your area to help you get your system running with
a minimum of trouble. Before calling for service, please do the following:
1.

Write down the serial number of your system.

Summarize the problem and make a note of what you were doing when the system failed.

If at all possible, place the service call in close proximity to the system. The service person may ask you to
reproduce some of the failing procedures in order to obtain additional information.

Be prepared to set up a remote diagnostic session if necessary. See section 4.6 for remote diagnosis
procedures.

Call Digital Equipment Corporation at one of the following telephone numbers:

Location

Telephone Number

Belgie/Belgique

02-24 26 790

Bundesrepublik Deutschland

089-95 91 66 44

Canada

(800)-267-5251

Danmark

04-30 10 05

Espana

1-73 34 307

France

1-687 31 52

Italia

02-61 75 381

g—fl 75 382
Japan

(03)-989-7161

Nederland

1820-31 100

Osterriech

22267 76 41 App. 444

Suisse/Schweiz

01-81 69 270

Suomi

90-42 33 32

Sverige

08-98 88 35

United Kingdom

025659 200

United States

1-(800)-DEC-8000

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

4.6

REMOTE DIAGNOSIS

Remote diagnosis provides a method for troubleshooting the VAX 8820/8830/8840 system from the Digital

Service Center. Remote troubleshooting requires connecting the system to the Remote Services Console (RSC)
and connecting the RSC to a telephone line by means of a DF112 modem (or equivalent). Further information on

the RSC is available in the RSC Field Service Manual (EK-KCRSC-FS). Additional information on the DF112
modem is available in Appendix A of this manual and in the DF112 Modem User's Guide (EK-DF112-UG).
4.6.1

Remote Diagnosis Configurations

The RSC may be connected in one of two configurations. The first configuration allows the DIGITAL Service
Center to have full local console control, while the second configuration allows the Service Center to have limited

local console control. The first configuration is recommended as it allows the Service Center to exercise the

system more fully and gain more diagnostic information.
For full console control, the RSC connects the local console terminal to OPAQ, and the remote console terminal
to OPAO or TTAO. When the RSC keyswitch is at REMOTE, the Service Center (via modem) has control of
OPAQ. When the RSC keyswitch is at REMOTE USER, the DIGITAL Service Center (via modem) is connected
to TTAQ. With the RSC keyswitch in LOCKOUT, all remote activity is terminated and the local console terminal
has a direct connection to the MicroVAX 11.
For limited console control, the RSC connects the remote console terminal to TTAO. When the RCS keyswitch

is at REMOTE USER, the Service Center (via modem) is connected to TTAQO. When the RSC keyswitch is at
LOCKOUT, all remote activity is terminated and the local console has a direct connection to the MicroVAX II.
There is always a direct connection from the local console terminal to OPAQ. In this mode, commands specific to

OPAO will not be allowed through the remote console. Commands not allowed are:
e«

QuIT

ENABLE/DISABLE PRINTER

ENABLE/DISABLE REMOTE_USER

ENABLE/DISABLE HARDWARE

ENABLE/DISABLE FUNCTIONAL_SIMULATION

ENABLE/DISABLE DECSIM

ENABLE/DISABLE DUAL
ENABLE/DISABLE REMOTE_CONSOLE
*

POWER ON/OFF/STANDBY

EMM

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

CONFIGURATION 2

CONFIGURATION 1

MicroVAX Il CONSOLE

STAR

POLARIS

CONSOLE
PROGRAM

TO
OPAO

KEYSWITCH

}

KEYSWITCH
IN REMOTE

IN REMOTE

TO
TTAO

TO
OPAO

TO
TTAO

)

N/C

IN REMOTE

USER

RSC BOX

KEYSWITCH

N/C

moDem | {1200}

¥
{300}
MODEM | {1200}

—————

{300}

{2400}

VT 320

LOCAL CONSOLE

LOCAL CONSOLE
TERMINAL

TERMINAL

REMOTE

DIGITAL

SERVICE
CENTER

SERVICES

CENTER

T18-0389

Figure 41

Remote Console Configurations

4-5

VAX 8820/8830/8840 SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

POWER

FAULT

LED

LOCKOUT

USER PORT

jod

REMOTE O / O REMOTE USER

~ LOCAL COPY
SWITCH

RSC KEYSWITCH

TTB-0370

Figure 4-2

4.6.2

Remote Services Console Front Panel Switch Locations

Setting Up for a Remote Diagnosis Session

VAX 8820/8830/8840 systems with a DIGITAL maintenance contract will have a remote diagnosis configuration

installed. This section explains how to initiate a diagnosis session through the DIGITAL Remote Diagnosis
Center (RDC) when a system performance problem is suspected.

The system manager (or her/his agent) should use the following steps to initiate a remote diagnosis session when

the system does not appear to be performing properly:

Prepare for the call by gathering information as suggested in section 4.5.

If the system is set for limited remote console control, enter these two commands on the local console:
»

ENABLE REMOTE USER

ENABLE REMOTE CONSOLE

Make sure that the console is in local console mode.
4.

Place the Remote Services Console front panel switch in the REMOTE position.

Call the Remote Diagnosis Center (RDC) and tell them that you want them to perform a remote diagnosis

session on your system.

APPENDIX

DF112 MODEM INFORMATION
A.1

INSTALLING THE DF112 MODEM.

The following procedures are used to unpack and install the DF112 Modem. Refer to the DF112 Modem User’s
Guide, (EK-DF112-UG) for additional information.

Unpack, inspect, and set up the DF112 modem. (Install the stand-alone modules if required.)
2. Connect the modem to the public telephone network using either the handset connection or the direct
1.

telephone line connection on the rear of the DF112 modem (see Figure A-1).

3. Connect one end of a null-modem cable to the Data Terminal Equipment (DTE) connector on the rear of
the DF112 modem (refer to Figure A—1); connect the other end of the cable to the chosen user port on the
MicroVAX II console.

Set the DF112 front panel controls to the desired operating positions (refer to the DF112 Modem User’s
Guide).

DF112 MODEM INFORMATION

/
y 4

ee00e00000e

OOOOOO

SD RD CD TR MR OH HS TMM

DF112

HS DATA M

TALK ==

(e
[ [0
l
\_

y &

8 POSITION MODULAR JACK

FOR TELEPHONE HANDSET

PRIVATE LINE

CONNECTOR

;:AT PHONE
.

LINE

TELEPHONE
SET

me@c
....................... /@
/

AC LINE

AC POWER

8 POSITION MODULAR JACK

FUSE

CORD

FOR TELEPHONE LINE

(0.5 A)

RECEPTACLE

DATA TERMINAL

EQUIPMENT (DTE)

CONNECTOR

TTB-0376

Figure A-1

DF112 Modem

A-2

DF112 MODEM INFORMATION

A.1.1

DF112 Modem Characteristics

The DF112 modem is the recommended modem to be used with the remote port of the VAX 8820/8830/8840
system (Table A-1). Equivalent modems may be substituted as required.
A.1.1.1 DF112 Modem General Characteristics

The DF112 is a 300/1200 bits/s full-duplex, aysynchronous/synchronous modem that allows terminals, personal
computers, and processors to communicate over dial-up or private/leased telephone lines. The DF1 12 modem is
compatible with Bell 103J/212ATM modems.

The modem can operate at data rates between 0 and 300 bits/s or 1200 bits/s for asynchronous communications
and 1200 bits/s for synchronous applications.
A.1.1.2 Major Features

Major feature of the DF112 modem include:

Microprocessor—Controlled Autodialer: Stores up to five 26—digit telephone numbers; compatible with both

Extensive Built-In Diagnostics: Help to locate network problems and reduce downtime.

DATA/TALK Switch: Allows alternate voice/data capability with a standard telephone set.

rotary and tone dialing.

Table A-1

DF112 Specifications

Characteristic

Parameter

Functional Compatibility

Bell 212A; Bell 103J

Data Format

Serial, binary, asynchronous/synchronous data

Operating Mode

Auto originate, auto answer, manual originate, manual answer

Communication Mode

Full—-duplex at all data rates

Data Rate

Low-speed: 0-300 bits/s asynchronous

Telephone Line Requirement

Dialup (PSTN)

High—speed: 1200 bits/s asynchronous/synchronous

RJ11C (US)/CA11A (Canada)
RJ41S (US)/CA41A (Canada)
RJ45S (US)/CA45A (Canada)
Leased line (P/LTN)

625 connection block RJ14 to RJ11 line connection

Certified for FCC Part 15
(Subpart J)

For use in home or office environment

Interface Compatibility

EIA RS-232-C/CCITT V.24 and V.28 compatible voltages

Power Requirements

120 V ac, 60 Hz

0.15 Aat5Vdc
0.015 A at 12 Vdc
0.045 A at 12 V dc

TM Bell 103J and 212A are registered trademarks of Western Electric

A-3

DF112 MODEM INFORMATION

Table A-1 (Cont.)

DF112 Specifications

Characteristic
Power Requirements

Parameter
120 V ac, 60 Hz
0.15A at5Vdc
0.015 Aat12 Vdc
0.045 A at 12 V dc

Opefafing Environment
Temperature

10—40°C (50-104°F)

Relative Humidity

0-90% noncondensing, noncaustic

Physical Characteristics

Height

25.4 mm (1.0 in)

Width

203 mm (8.0 in)

Depth

264 mm (10.4 in)

Weight

0.68 kg (1.5 Ib)