RS/6000 7043-150 System Firmware Update

Applies to : IBM RS/6000 7043-150, 7046-B50

This document describes the installation of Licensed Machine Code, which is sometimes referred to generically as microcode or firmware.


Contents


1.0  Systems Affected

This update provides new System firmware (FW) for RS/6000 7043-150 and 7046-B50 systems only.  Do not use on any other systems.

The firmware level contained in this update is:

The typical time to install this firmware is 0.7 hours. The firmware does not become active when  installed and requires a system reboot to become active.  The reboot time will vary depending on the system and the amount of features installed.  This estimate is for an average system.


2.0  Firmware Description and Revision History

Table 2.1 lists the levels and descriptions for System firmware.
 
 
Table 2.1:  System Firmware Update Descriptions and History
TCP05287
  • Added support for the FAT-16 file system.
  • Added support for ARP (address request protocol).
  • On the IBM10/100 Mbps Ethernet PCI adapter (FC 2698), the default network settings were changed to auto,auto.
  • Fixed a problem on the 7046-B50 system that prevented the system serial number from being reprogrammed after the riser card was replaced.
TCP04195
  • Added support for AIX 5.3.
  • Corrected problem with auto negotiation at 10/100 speeds for 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet PCI Adapter (FC 2975).
  • GUI SMS menus replaced with text based menus.
  • Enhancements to SMS network adapter menus to resolve various configuration issues and ping test failures.
  • Added support to provide response to APR requests for Hot Standby Router Protocol (HSRP) or other network processes that generate ARP requests during NIM operations.
TCP04020
  • Resolves ethernet adapter link errors reported in AIX error log during boot on systems equipped with IBM 4-Port 10/100 Ethernet Adapter (FC 4951), IBM Universal 4-Port 10/100 Ethernet Adapter (FC 4961) or integrated adapters based on these adapter types.
  • Enhancements to prevent potential ping and NIM boot failures on SP and Cluster attached servers.
TCP03126
  • Parameter change to limit bootlist entries set via AIX to 5.
  • Corrected boot failure with 'Default Catch' message displayed on console when booting from tape media containing large boot image.
  • Corrected 'Default Catch' message displayed on console after SMS 'Change SCSI ID' utility screen is accessed.
TCP02289
  • Added support to SMS RIPL ping for a switch or router with Spanning Tree Algorithm enabled.
  • Corrected Auto configuration, ping and NIM failures on Ethernet adapters attached to a switch or router with Spanning Tree Algorithm enabled.
  • Corrected potential cause for hang at checkpoint E1FD during boot.
  • Corrected boot failure with SMS Open Firmware prompt displayed when bootlist is set via AIX and more than 5 devices are specified.
  • Corrected missing devices in SMS boot list when boot list set via AIX.
  • Corrected error 20EE000B: unable to find boot record after restore or NIM install on 36GB or larder disks.
TCP02119
  • Corrected for inability to return to SMS menus after performing an SMS Pping using a Token Ring adapter. 
  • Correction for SMS ping failures when system is not connected to a network, or when Media Type (10 Base T, 100 Base TX, or Auto) is set incorrectly (doesn't match setting at ethernet switch or hub).  SMS ping routine changed to remove requirement of setting Gateway IP Address to 0.0.0.0 when pinging machines on the same subnet (machines that can be pinged without sending packets through the gateway). 
  • Corrected for problems booting from a hardfile attached to a PCI Dual Channel Ultra3 SCSI Adapter, Type 4-Y, feature Code 6203. 
TCP02007
  • Added support for IBM 10/100 Mbps Ethernet PCI Adapter II, Type A-F, Feature Code 4962. 
  • Changes SMS ping routine: If Server IP Address is set to  0.0.0.0, only ping  Gateway IP Address. If  Server IP Address is not set to 0.0.0.0,  ping Server IP Address. 
  • Corrected for default catch, error 20A80005, caused by a network disruption during NIM install, or boot. 
  • Correction for boot failures that could occur if system receives a non-NIM packet(ex. ARP packets) during a NIM boot/install. 
TCP01176
  • Added support for IBM PCI Dual Channel Ultra3 SCSI Adapter, Type 4-Y, Feature Code 6203. 
  • Added support for IBM Cryptographic Accelerator Adapter, Type 6-J, Feature Code 4960. 
  • Corrected for NIM boot/install failures through IBM 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet PCI Adapter, Type A-A, Feature Code 2975, when Media Type is set to Auto. 
  • Corrected for incorrect AIX location code when using the Power GXT135P Adapter, Type 1-X , Feature Code 2848, in a secondary PCI slot(slots 1, 4, or 5). 
TCP00265
  • Added enhancements for user security.
  • Miscellaneous GUI enhancements for SMS.
  • Miscellaneous serviceability corrections.
TCP00059
  • Added support for 7043-150 250MHz model.
  • Configuration menu now supports greater than 200 devices.
  • Corrected GXT120P adapter problem with GUI version of SMS.
TCP00032
  • Added support for IBM 4 Port 10/100 Ethernet Adapter.
  • Corrected several SMS menu problems.
  • Corrected E1DC hang when Spaceball  is attached.
  • Corrected NVRAM corruption problem.
TCP99256
  • Added RTAS flash support for Fujitsu Flash ROM.
TCP99210
  • Corrected CPU bus noise/clocking problem and added enhanced error detection.
TCP99187
  • Added support for RS/6000 7046-B50.
  • Correction for SCSI timeout window too short.
  • Added support for National PC97307 Super I/0 chip. 
  • Miscellaneous enhancements.
TCP99113
  • Corrected security/password functions.
  • Corrected hang at E1DC resulting from booting between AIX 4.3.2 and 4.3.1 and vice-versa.
  • Corrected problem that resulted in error message 25A80999.
  • Miscellaneous enhancements.
TCP99006
  • Added support for Fujitsu and AMD 90 nsec Flash ROM.
  • Added enhancements for manufacturing debug.
  • Corrected security/password functions.
TCP98277
  • Original (GA) level.


3.0  Cautions and Important Notes

ATTENTION:  The firmware levels contained in this package MUST be installed before installing AIX 5.3.

Don't be alarmed at the length of this document!  For any given download/unpacking/update environment, the process is short.  This document describes processes for several environments.  One should be suitable for your needs, and these instructions guide you through just the environment you choose.

Firmware Update Installation Is Not Concurrent

Installation of the firmware will cause an unconditional reboot of the system.  Therefore, all user operations should be gracefully terminated before firmware updates are to be applied.

Avoid Potential Firmware Update Corruption

Some firmware corruptions are recoverable in the field, and a recovery attempt will usually succeed.  If the recovery attempt fails, replace the card containing the corrupted firmware module.  Here are some tips to help avoid the need for such recoveries.

Never power off the system during the firmware update process!
The update will be incomplete and will fail.  Depending on where in the update process the power was lost, a recovery attempt will often succeed.  One recovery attempt is worthwhile.

Replacement Parts May Require Updating

When a system planar is replaced, the System firmware on the new system planar must be checked to ensure it is at the latest level.  If it is not, update to the latest level.  Table 3.1 lists the released levels.
 
Table 3.1:  System Firmware Levels, File Sizes and Checksums
Distribution Date Filename Size Checksum
November 2005 TCP05287.img 1048576 25767
August 2004  TCP04195.img 1048576 36134
February 2004 TCP04020.img 1048576 29237
September 2003 TCP03126.img 1048576 47017
December 2002 TCP02289.img 1048576 16096
June 2002 TCP02119.img 1048576 05577
February 2002 TCP02007.img 1048576 48638
July 2001 TCP01176.img 1048576 52420
October  2000 TCP00265.img 1048576 27981
May  2000 TCP00059.img 1048576 21281
February 2000 TCP00032.img 1048576 13723
September 1999 TCP99256.img 1048576 23245
September 1999 TCP99210.img 1048576 20659
August 1999 TCP99187.img 1048756 27900
May  1999 TCP99113.img 1048576 20962
January 1999 TCP99006.img 1048576 26259
Original (GA) TCP98277.img 1048576 02199

AIX Instructions are CASE SENSITIVE

In the instructions that follow are specific AIX and DOS commands.  AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including the filenames.  DOS commands are not case sensitive, and may be entered without regard to the cases shown.

How to Determine the Firmware Release Date

Level identifiers for the System FW use the 5-digit Julian date code method in terms of day number in a year (such as 05287 for TCP05287 level --287th day of 2005 or October 14, 2005).

4.0  How to Determine Currently Installed Firmware Level

DO NOT rely on the part number or firmware level marking/label on the EPROM/FLASH module because the content of the module may have been updated to a different level. To be safe, always check the firmware level electronically.

Two methods for reading the firmware levels are described below.

4.1  Using AIX to Read Currently Installed Firmware Levels

To check the System Firmware level

    Enter:

        lscfg  -vp |  grep  -p  openprom

This command will produce a system configuration report containing a section similar to the following.

     Name: openprom
      Model: IBM, TCP03126                 <== System FW level
      Node: openprom
      Physical Location: P1
The Model line lists the level of the currently installed System Firmware. If the right-most five characters (date) of the firmware level are earlier than 05287 you should consider installing the update.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0. If no update is needed, installation is complete.

4.2  Using SMS Utilities to Read Currently Installed Firmware Levels

The System Management Services (SMS) Utilities may be accessed in two ways. Instructions for these two methods are slightly different, so be sure to choose the correct instructions for your environment.

4.2.1  If Using an ASCII Terminal

Power on or shutdown and restart the system.  At checkpoint E1F1 on the operator panel,  watch the terminal for the time to press the "1" key.  An indicator appears on the terminal as each system component is self-tested.  When the word "keyboard" appears, quickly press the "1" key. The SMS menu will be displayed after startup testing has completed.

The current System FW level can be found in the top left hand corner of the display.  You will see something similar to:

     RS/6000 Firmware
     Version TCP03126

The Version line lists the level of the currently installed System Firmware. If the right-most five characters (date) of the firmware level are earlier than 05287 you should consider installing the update.

When you have read the current FW level, exit SMS as directed on the menu screens.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.   If no update is needed, installation is complete.
 

4.2.2  If Using a Graphics Console

Power on or shutdown and restart the system.  At checkpoint E1F1 on the operator panel, in the bottom right hand corner of the display, you will see copyright notices and the last line will say something similar to:

          Firmware Version  TCP03126

The Version line lists the level of the currently installed System Firmware. If the right most five characters (date) of the firmware level are earlier than 05287 you should consider installing the update.

When you have read the current FW level,  exit SMS as directed on the menu screens.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.   If no update is needed, installation is complete.


5.0  Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package

Instructions for downloading and unpacking the firmware update package follow.

5.1 Internet Package

 The System Firmware, in AIX and DOS packages, is located at the web site

         http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn

Follow the instructions on this web page.  You must read and agree to the license agreement to the firmware packages.

In the drop-down box, choose the entry for your specific machine type and model.

The download choices at that entry are:

You will want a copy of the instructions document and one of the download choices. You may transfer files to the target system in one of several ways. Detailed download/unpacking instructions follow for each of the downloading preferences.

5.1.1 Downloading the AIX Package

Use this method to download to an AIX system.

       Note:  In the instructions that follow are specific AIX  commands.
                   AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be
                   entered exactly as shown, including the filenames.

   a) Provide a directory on an AIX system to receive the AIX package.

      Enter:
        mkdir  /tmp/fwupdate

        Note:  If the directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
           make sure it is empty before  proceeding.

   b) Transfer the AIX package to the /tmp/fwupdate directory (using  "Save as ...").
       You'll see that the filename is 7043150I.BIN.

   c) Unpack file by executing the instructions below.

      Enter the commands:

        cd   /tmp/fwupdate
        chmod   +x   7043150I.BIN
        ./7043150I.BIN

      [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

      This file will be added to  /tmp/fwupdate.

            TCP05287.img

If you used the above procedure to transfer the AIX package directly to the target system,  proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.

Otherwise, on the intermediate AIX system, choose one of  the following methods for transferring files to the target system.

5.1.1.1 The FTP Transfer Method

This method presumes you have ftp access to the system to be updated.

On the intermediate AIX system,

     Enter the commands:

        ftp  {name of target system}
        {Login with a valid userid and password}

        bin
        lcd  /tmp/fwupdate
        mkdir   /tmp/fwupdate
        cd   /tmp/fwupdate
        put  TCP05287.img
        quit

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.1.1.2 The Diskette Transfer Method

This method can be used for cases in which electronic connections between the intermediate AIX system and the target system are inconvenient.

5.1.1.2.1 Diskette for AIX Command-Line Update Method

A 2MB (HD) new or freshly formatted diskette is required.

With the diskette loaded in the drive,

     Enter the commands:

        cd  /tmp/fwupdate
        ls   TCP05287.img  |  backup  -i  -v  -f/dev/rfd0

This will produce an AIX backup diskette.  Label this diskette

        "AIX Backup: System (TCP05287) FW for IBM 7043-150 and 7046-B50"

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.1.1.2.2  Diskettes for SMS Utilities Update Method

   Note: The following procedure requires the doswrite command, which
                is included in bos.dosutil (an installation option of AIX). If
                this is not loaded on the machine, see your system administrator.

This method is recommended only for systems that will not boot AIX.

If you must use SMS (i.e. the system will not boot AIX), proceed as follows.

A 2MB (HD) new or freshly formatted DOS diskette (or use the AIX dosformat command) is required.

With the diskette loaded in the drive,

   Enter the commands:

      cd /tmp/fwupdate
      doswrite TCP05287.img  TCP05287.img

   Label the resulting diskette,

        "Image: System (TCP05287) FW for IBM 7043-150 and 7046-B50".

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.1.2 Downloading the DOS Package

Use this method to download to a Windows workstation.

   a) Prepare a directory for receiving the DOS package.
       This directory can be in any partition with 3MB available space.
       Executing in such a partition, called [path] in these instructions
       (ex.  c:\download),

      Enter:
        md  [path]\fwupdate

      Note:  If the directory [pa th]\fwupdate already exists,
                   make sure it is empty before proceeding.

   b) Transfer the DOS package to the [path]\fwupdate directory (using "Save as ...").
       You'll see the filename is 7043150I.EXE.

   c) Unpack the file by executing the  instructions below.

       Enter the commands:

         cd  [path]\fwupdate
         7043150I

These files will be added to the fwupdate subdirectory:

          150SYS_B.exe
          TCP05287.img

5.1.2.1 Diskette for AIX Command-Line Update Method [Recommended]

A 2MB (HD) new or freshly formatted DOS diskette is required.

With the diskette loaded in the drive,

   Enter the commands:

        cd  [path]\fwupdate
        150SYS_B

      Label the resulting diskette,

       "AIX Backup: System (TCP05287) FW for IBM 7043-150 and 7046-B50"

            Note:  Any diskette labeled: 'AIX Backup: . . . .' is in a format that can be used
                        directly with a computer running AIX as it's operating system.  This
                        diskette cannot be read using PC tools or command line operations.

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.1.2.2 Diskettes for SMS Utilities Update Method

If you must use SMS (i.e. the system cannot boot AIX), proceed as follows.

A 2MB (HD) new or freshly formatted DOS diskette is required.

With the diskette loaded in the drive,

   Enter the commands:

        cd  [path]\fwupdate
        copy  TCP05287.img  a:

      Label the resulting diskette,

       "Image: System (TCP05287) FW for IBM 7043-150 and 7046-B50"

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.2 Remote Installation of Firmware

 To install firmware on a remote system, login to the remote system as root. Copy (in binary format) the firmware file, TCP05287.img, to the /tmp/fwupdate directory on the remote system.  Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

6.0  Updating the Firmware

This section describes methods for installing the new firmware.

***
WARNING:

Do not power off the target system at any time before the update process completes.
***

Note:  Checksums can be used to verify files have not been corrupted or altered during transmission.

            At the AIX command line, enter:

            sum TCP05287.img

          This command will produce the following output:

             25767  1024  TCP05287.img

             The checksum is ------->  25767

Two update methods are described below.

6.1  Using the AIX Command-Line Method [Recommended]

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.  Because the update process will cause an automatic AIX reboot, be sure the system is not running any user applications.

This method allows updating either from files already loaded into the target system or from diskettes.

  Note:   In the instructions that follow are specific AIX commands.
               AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be
               entered exactly as shown, including the filenames.

6.1.1 Updating with Files Already Loaded in the Target System

With the files located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory, apply the system firmware update.

  Enter the commands:

        cd  /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
        ./update_flash  -f  /tmp/fwupdate/TCP05287.img

    [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

You will be asked for confirmation to proceed with the firmware update and the required reboot.  If you confirm, the system will apply the new firmware, reboot and return to the AIX prompt.  This may take one to ten minutes, depending on the configuration of the target system.

The firmware update is complete.  You will want to verify the update as described in paragraph 6.3.

6.1.2 Updating from AIX Backup Diskettes

Put the AIX backup diskette in the drive of the target system,

     Enter the commands:

        mkdir /tmp/fwupdate

      Note: If the directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
           make sure it is empty before proceeding.

        cd /tmp/fwupdate
        restore  {follow the instructions from the prompt}
        cd  /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
        ./update_flash  -f  /tmp/fwupdate/TCP05287.img

     [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

You will be asked for confirmation to proceed with the firmware update and the required reboot.  If you confirm, the system will apply the new firmware, reboot and return to the AIX prompt.  This may take one to ten minutes, depending on the configuration of the target system.

The firmware update is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.3.

Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the system's diskette drive.  A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.

6.2  Using the SMS Utilities Method

The System Management Services (SMS) Utilities may be accessed in two ways. Instructions for these two methods are slightly different, so be sure to choose the correct instructions for your environment.

6.2.1  If Using an ASCII Terminal

    a. Power on or shutdown and restart the system.

    b. At checkpoint E1F1 on the operator panel, watch the terminal for the time to press the "1" key.
        An indicator appears on the terminal as each system component is self-tested.  When the  word
        "keyboard" appears, quickly press the "1" key.  The SMS menu will appear when the startup tests
         have completed.

    c. Into the drive, insert diskette labeled,

               "Image: System (TCP05287) FW for IBM 7043-150 and 7046-B50"

    d. Choose 3 for Utilities.

    e. Choose 6 for Update System Firmware. (the system asks for confirmation)

    f.  Choose TCP05287.img

    g. Follow on-screen update steps as they are presented, until you see the message
        that begins, "System firmware updated...".

Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the system's diskette drive.  A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.

The firmware update is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.3.

6.2.2  If Using a Graphics Console

     Note:  A change was made to the GUI menus in TCP04195.  This resulted in a change
                  to the key pressed in step b.   If your current firmware level is TCP04195 or later,
                  use the "1" key.  For current firmware earlier than TCP04195, use the "F1" key.

    a. Power on or shutdown and restart the system.

    b. At checkpoint E1F1 on the operator panel, watch the console for the time to press the
         "F1" key or the "1" key.   An indicator appears on the console as each system component
        is self-tested. When the keyboard icon appears, quickly press the "F1"  key or "1" key.
        The SMS menu will appear when the startup tests have completed.

    c. Use arrow keys to move to Utilities.  <Enter>

    d. Use arrow keys to move to Update.  <Enter>

    e. Insert diskette labeled "Image: System (TCP05287) FW for IBM 7043-150 and 7046-B50"  in the
        drive.

    f. Use arrow keys to move to Yes if the image display is correct.   <Enter>

    g. Follow on-screen update steps as they are presented.

The flash update should complete in about one minute.

Following a successful firmware update, the system will automatically reboot.

Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the system's diskette drive.  A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.

The firmware update is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.3.

6.3  Verifying the Update

To verify the firmware update was successful,  use the following AIX command after the automatic reboot.

To check the System Firmware level

    Enter:

        lscfg  -vp |  grep  -p  openprom

This command will produce a system configuration report containing sections similar to the following.

    Name: openprom
  Model: IBM, TCP05287                     <== System FW level
  Node: openprom
  Physical Location: P1

The right-most five characters (date) of the FW level should match the level you just installed, namely, 05287.
 

6.4  Archiving the Update Files

In the event it becomes necessary to restore the system to a certain firmware level, it is suggested you identify and archive the materials for each update you install.

If the download process produced diskettes, label and store them in a safe place.

If the download process produced only files, archive and identify the file for convenient retrieval.


End of Installation Instructions