Compaq AlphaServer GS60, AlphaServer GS140, AlphaServer 8200, AlphaServer 8400 Operation Manual

AlphaServer GS60/140
and 8200/8400

Operations Manual

Order Number: EK–T8030–OP. C01

This manual is intende d for t he system ma na ge r or system ope ra tor
and covers the basic operat i on of the se Alpha Server system s. T he
systems with the latest Alpha c hip, t he 21264, are offe re d as GS60
and GS140 systems.

Compaq Computer Corporation

First Printing, November 1998

The information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
COMPAQ COMPUTER CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR TECHNICAL

OR EDITORIAL ERRORS OR OMISSIONS CONTAINED HEREIN, NOR FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE
FURNISHING, PERFORMANCE, OR USE OF THIS MATERIAL.

This publication contains information protected by copyright. No part of this publication may
be photocopied or reproduced in any form without prior written consent from Comp aq
Computer Corporation.

The software described in this document is furnished under a license agreement or
nondisclosure agreement and may be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of the
agreement.

© 1998 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserv ed . Printed in th e U.S. A .
COMPAQ and the Compaq logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Compaq

Computer Corporation. AlphaServer, DIGITAL, OpenVMS, and StorageWorks are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. Microsoft, Windows,
and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. UNIX is a registered
trademark in the U.S. and other countries, licensed exclusively through X/Open Company Ltd.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of
their respective companies.

Digital Equipment Corporation now owned by Compaq Computer Corporation.
FCC Notice: The equipment described in this manual generates, uses, and may emit radio

frequency energy. The equipment has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such radio frequency interference. Operation of this equipment
in a residential a rea may c au s e in te rfere n ce , in which c as e th e us er at h is o wn expense will be
required to take whatever measures are required to correct the interference.

Shielded Cables: If shielded cables have been supplied or specified, they must be used on the
system in order to ma in tain in tern a tio na l re gu la to ry co mp lian c e.

Warning! This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio
interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.

Achtung! Dieses ist ein Gerät der Funkstörgrenzwertklasse A. In Wohnbereichen können bei
Betrieb dieses Gerätes Rundfunkstörungen auftreten, in welchen Fällen der Benutzer für
entsprechen d e Gegenmaßn ah me n ve ra ntwortlich ist.

Avertissement! Cet appareil est un appareil de Classe A. Dans un environnement résidentiel,
cet appareil peut provoquer des brouillages radioéle ctriq u e s. Dans ce c as , il p e u t être de ma nd é
à l'utilisateur de pre n d re le s me su re s a p pro p rié es .

Contents

Preface..............................................................................................................xiii

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 AlphaServer 8200/8400 System Overview ............................................... 1-2

1.2 Console Firmware and Utilities Overview................................................1-4

1.3 System Architecture.................................................................................1-6

Chapter 2 AlphaServer 8200 System

2.1 System Characteristics.............................................................................2-2

2.2 Sample 8200 System................................................................................2-4

2.3 System Front View...................................................................................2-6

2.4 System Rear View....................................................................................2-8

2.5 System Components- .............................................................................2-10

2.5.1 Processor System Unit..................................................................... 2-10

2.5.2 Cabinet Control Logic Panel...........................................................2-12

2.5.3 Console Load Device......................................................................2-14

2.5.4 Power System..................................................................................2-16

2.6 Controls and Indicators..........................................................................2-18

2.6.1 AC Power Circuit Breaker...............................................................2-20

2.7 Options..................................................................................................2-22

Chapter 3 AlphaServer 8400 System

3.1 System Characteristics.............................................................................3-2

3.2 Sample 8400 System................................................................................3-4

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.5.1 Console Load Device......................................................................3-10

3.5.2 Power System..................................................................................3-12

3.5.3 TLSB Card Cage.............................................................................3-14

3.5.4 Control/Status and I/O Connections................................................. 3-16

3.5.5 Cooling System...............................................................................3-18

3.5.6 System Options...............................................................................3-20

3.6

System Front View...................................................................................3-6

System Rear View....................................................................................3-8

System Components ...............................................................................3-10

Controls and Indicators..........................................................................3-22

iii

3.6.1 Control Panel Keyswitch.................................................................3-22

3.6.2 Control Panel Indicator Lights.........................................................3-24

3.6.3 Circuit Breaker and AC Power Indicators........................................3-26

Chapter 4 I/O Subsystems

4.1 I/O Subsystem Overview..........................................................................4-2

4.2 I/O Port Modules......................................................................................4-4

4.3 System Configuration Information...........................................................4-6

4.4 PCI Adapter...........................................................................................4-16

4.5 KFE70 and KFE72 Adapters..................................................................4-18

4.6 EISA Configuration Utility....................................................................4-20

Chapter 5 Booting an Operating System

5.1

5.1.1

5.1.2

5.1.3

5.2 Selecting a Boot Device...........................................................................5-6

5.2.1 Show Config and Show Device Comm a nds (for OpenVMS and

5.2.2

5.2.3

5.3 Booting OpenVMS.................................................................................5-14

5.4 Booting DIGITAL Unix.........................................................................5-16

5.5

5.5.1

5.5.2

5.5.3

Preparation...............................................................................................5-2

Set os_type Environment Variable.................................................... 5-2

Set console Environment Variable.....................................................5-3

Set auto_action Environment Variable.............................................. 5-4

DIGITAL UNIX Systems..................................................................5-8

Boot Env i r on m ent Vari a b l es (for Open VMS a n d DI GI T AL UNI X

Systems).......................................................................................... 5-11

Boot Path for Windows NT Systems ...............................................5-12

Booting Windows NT ............................................................................5-18

Effect of SRM Console auto_action Environment Variable.............5-18

Effect of AlphaBIOS Auto Start and Auto Start Count Options .......5-20

Effect of AlphaBIOS Password Option............................................5-22

Chapter 6 System Troubleshooting

6.1 Troubleshooting During Power-Up........................................................... 6-2

6.2 Troubleshooting Duri ng Booti ng..............................................................6-4

6.3 Troubleshooting a PCI Shelf .................................................................... 6-6

6.4 Troubleshooting a n XMI Plug-In Unit......................................................6-8

6.5 Troubleshooting a Future bus+ Plug-In Unit............................................6-10

6.6 Troubleshooting a BA655 Plug-In Unit ..................................................6-12

6.7 Troubleshooting a Ba t te ry Plug-In Unit..................................................6-14

6.8 Self-Test Overview................................................................................6-16

6.9 Testing Sequence...................................................................................6-18

6.10 Sample Self-Test Display.......................................................................6-20

iv

6.11 Self-Test Line s NODE# and TYP...........................................................6-22

6.12 Self-Test Lines ST and BPD..................................................................6-24

6.13 Self-Te st Li ne s C0, C1, C2,…,Cn..........................................................6-26

6.14 Self-Test Lines ILV and MB..................................................................6-28

6.15 Self-Test Identification Line ..................................................................6-30

6.16 Show Commands...................................................................................6-32

6.16.1 Show Configuration...........................................................................6-32

6.16.2 Show Network...................................................................................6-34

6.16.3 Show Device......................................................................................6-36

6.17 Test Command....................................................................................... 6-38

6.17.1 Testing the System.............................................................................6-40

6.17.2 Testing a Subsystem...........................................................................6-42

6.17.3 Testing a Module or Devices..............................................................6-44

6.18 Error Reports.........................................................................................6-50

Chapter 7 SRM Console Commands

7.1 Overview.................................................................................................7-2

7.2 SRM Command Syntax............................................................................7-4

7.3 SRM Console Special Characters.............................................................7-6

7.4 SRM Console Environment Variables......................................................7-9

7.5 SRM Console Commands......................................................................7-14

7.5.1 AlphaBIOS (for Windows NT Only) ............................................... 7-14

7.5.2 Boot (for OpenVMS or DIGITAL UNIX Systems Only).................7-15

7.5.3 Building the EEPROM....................................................................7-16

7.5.4 Building the Nonvolatile RAM........................................................7-17

7.5.5 Building the SEEPROM..................................................................7-18

7.5.6 Clear EEPROM...............................................................................7-19

7.5.7 Clear <envar> .................................................................................7-20

7.5.8 Clear Screen....................................................................................7-21

7.5.9 Continue .........................................................................................7-22

7.5.10 Crash...............................................................................................7-24

7.5.11 Create .............................................................................................7-25

7.5.12 Date ................................................................................................7-26

7.5.13 Deposit............................................................................................7-27

7.5.14 Examine..........................................................................................7-30

7.5.15

7.5.16 Help or Man ....................................................................................7-34

7.5.17 Init..................................................................................................7-36

7.5.18 Prcache...........................................................................................7-37

7.5.19 Run (for OpenVMS or DIGITAL UNIX Systems Only)..................7-38

7.5.20 Runecu (for OpenVMS or DIGITAL UNIX Systems Only).............7-41

7.5.21 Set EEPROM..................................................................................7-43

7.5.22 Set <envar>.....................................................................................7-44

Halt .................................................................................................7-33

v

7.5.23 Set Host ..........................................................................................7-45

7.5.24 Set Power........................................................................................7-47

7.5.25 Set SEEPROM................................................................................7-48

7.5.26 Show Configuration........................................................................7-49

7.5.27 Show CPU.......................................................................................7-51

7.5.28 Show Device...................................................................................7-52

7.5.29 Show EEPROM ..............................................................................7-53

7.5.30 Show <envar>.................................................................................7-54

7.5.31 Show Memory.................................................................................7-55

7.5.32 Show Network.................................................................................7-56

7.5.33 Show Power....................................................................................7-57

7.5.34 Show SEEPROM............................................................................7-58

7.5.35 Start................................................................................................7-59

7.5.36 Stop.................................................................................................7-60

7.5.37 Test.................................................................................................7-61

7.5.38 Type................................................................................................7-63

7.5.39 Vga.................................................................................................7-64

7.5.40 Comment (#)...................................................................................7-65

Chapter 8 AlphaBIOS Firmware

8.1 Introduction .............................................................................................8-2

8.2 Switching Between Windows NT, AlphaBIOS Setup and t he SRM

8.3

8.4

8.5 Displaying the System Configuration.....................................................8-12

8.5.1 System Board Configuration...........................................................8-14

8.5.2 Hard Disk Configuration.................................................................8-16

8.5.3 PCI Configuration...........................................................................8-19

8.5.4 EISA Configuration.........................................................................8-21

8.5.5 SCSI Configuration.........................................................................8-22

8.5.6 Memory Configuration....................................................................8-24

8.5.7 Integrated Peripherals......................................................................8-25

8.6 Updating Firmware................................................................................8-26

8.7 Setting up the Hard Disk ........................................................................8-28

8.7.1 Manually Creating and Deleting Partitions......................................8-30

8.7.2 Formatting a FAT Partition.............................................................8-32

8.8 Performing Setup Tasks.........................................................................8-34

8.9 Installing Windows NT..........................................................................8-38

8.10 Running Utility Programs ...................................................................... 8-40

8.11 Selecting the Version of Wi ndows NT ...................................................8-42

8.11.1 Designating a Primary Operating System........................................8-44

8.11.2 Primary Operating System and the Auto Start Option......................8-46

Console ....................................................................................................8-4

Keyboard Conventions and Help..............................................................8-8

Starting AlphaBIOS Setup.....................................................................8-10

vi

Appendix A OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX Boot Options

Appendix B Updating Firmware

B.1 Booting LFU with OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX Systems.................. B-2

B.2 List......................................................................................................... B-4

B.3 Update .................................................................................................... B-6

B.4 Exit....................................................................................................... B-10

B.5 Display and Verify Commands............................................................. B-12

B.6 How to Update Corrupted Firmware ..................................................... B-14

B.7 How to Modify Device Attributes......................................................... B-18

Appendix C Running Configuration Utilities from the SRM

Console

C.1 Configuring a RAID Storage Array......................................................... C-2

C.2 ISP1020 Configuration Utility...............................................................C-11

Glossary

Index

Examples

4–1 System Self-Test Display.........................................................................4-6

4–2 Sample Show Configuration Com m and wit h a KFE70 .............................4-8

4-3 Sample Show Configuration Command with a KFE72...........................4-12

4–4 Show Device Command.........................................................................4-14

5–1 Setting os_type for OpenVMS..................................................................5-2

5–2 Setting os_type for DIGITAL UNIX........................................................5-2

5–3 Setting os_type for Windows NT .............................................................5-2

5–4 Set Console to Graphics for DIGITAL UNIX Systems.............................5-3

5–5 Set Console to Both for Windows NT Systems.........................................5-3

5–6 Setting the auto_action Environment Variable .........................................5-4

5–7 Show Configuration and Show Device for OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX

Systems....................................................................................................5-8

5–8 Viewing and Setting Boot E nvironm e nt Vari a ble s for OpenVMS and

DIGITAL UNIX Systems....................................................................... 5-11

5–9 OpenVMS Boot .....................................................................................5-14

5–10 DIGITAL UNIX Boot............................................................................5-16

6–1 Sample Self-Test Display, Failing DWLMA Adapter...............................6-9

6–2 Show Power Command..........................................................................6-15

vii

6–3 Testing Sequence...................................................................................6-18

6–4 Self-Test Results....................................................................................6-20

6–5 Self-Test Results: Node# and TYP .........................................................6-22

6–6 Self-Test Results: ST and BPD.............................................................. 6-24

6–7 Self-Test Results: C0, C1, C2,…,Cn.....................................................6-26

6–8 Self-Test Results: ILV and MB.............................................................6-28

6–9 Self-Test Results: Identification Line....................................................6-30

6–10 Sample System Hardware Configura ti on................................................6-32

6–11 Sample Output of Show Network Command..........................................6-34

6–12 Sample Output of Show Device Comm a nd ............................................6-36

6–13 Sample Test Comm a nds.........................................................................6-38

6–14 Sample Test Comm a nd, System T e st .....................................................6-40

6–15 Sample Test Comm a nd, I/O Subsystem Te st..........................................6-42

6–16 Sample Test Comm and, I/ O Adapte r Te st ..............................................6-44

6–17 Sample Test Comm a nd, Memory Module T est ......................................6-45

6–18 Sample Test Comm a nd, Te sti ng Devic e s ...............................................6-46

6–19 Testing Network Adapters ......................................................................6-48

6–20 Sample Summary Error Re port ..............................................................6-50

6–21 Sample Full Error Report ....................................................................... 6-52

7–1 AlphaBIOS Command...........................................................................7-14

7–2 Boot Command......................................................................................7-15

7–3 Building the EEPROM...........................................................................7-16

7–4 Building the Nonvolatile RAM ..............................................................7-17

7–5 Building the SEEPROM.........................................................................7-18

7–6 Clear E EPROM Command.....................................................................7-19

7–7 Clear <envar>........................................................................................7-20

7–8 Clear Screen Command..........................................................................7-21

7–9 Continue Command...............................................................................7-22

7–10 Crash Command ....................................................................................7-24

7–11 Create Comma nd ...................................................................................7-25

7–12 Date Command......................................................................................7-26

7–13 Deposit Command .................................................................................7-27

7–14 Examine Comm a nd................................................................................7-30

7–15 Halt Comand..........................................................................................7-33

7–16 Help Command......................................................................................7-34

7–17 Initialize Command................................................................................7-36

7–18 Prcache Command.................................................................................7-38

7–19 Run Command.......................................................................................7-41

7–20 Runecu Command..................................................................................7-43

7–21 Set EEPROM Command........................................................................7-44

7–22 Set <envar>............................................................................................7-45

7–23 Set Host Command ................................................................................7-47

7–24 Set Power Command..............................................................................7-48

7–25 Set SEEPROM Command......................................................................7-49

viii

7–26 Show Configuration Command..............................................................7-50

7–27 Show CPU Command ............................................................................ 7-51

7–28 Show Device Command.........................................................................7-52

7–29 Show EEPROM Command ....................................................................7-53

7–30 Show <envar> Command.......................................................................7-54

7–31 Show Memory Command.......................................................................7-55

7–32 Show Network Command ......................................................................7-56

7–33 Show Power Command..........................................................................7-57

7–34 Show SEEPROM Command..................................................................7-58

7–35 Start Command ......................................................................................7-59

7–36 Stop Command ......................................................................................7-60

7–37 Test Command.......................................................................................7-61

7–38 Type Command .....................................................................................7-63

7–39 Vga Command.......................................................................................7-64

7–40 Comment (#) Comma nd.........................................................................7-65

B–1 Booting LFU from CD-ROM.................................................................. B-2

B–2 List Command........................................................................................B-4

B–3 Update Command................................................................................... B-6

B–4 Exit Command...................................................................................... B-10

B–5 Display and Verify Commands ............................................................. B-12

B–6 Updating an “ Unknown” Device .......................................................... B-14

B–7 Modify Command................................................................................. B-18

Figures

1–1 AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 Systems .......................................................1-2

1–2 Accessing Firmware at the Console Device..............................................1-4

1–3 Sample System Architecture ....................................................................1-6

2–1 Sample System Footprint .........................................................................2-2

2–2 Sample 8200 System................................................................................2-4

2–3 System Front View...................................................................................2-6

2–4 System Rear View....................................................................................2-8

2–5 Processor System Unit ...........................................................................2-10

2–6 TLSB Card Cage....................................................................................2-11

2–7 Cabinet Control L ogic Pane l ..................................................................2-12

2–8 Accessing the Console Load Device....................................................... 2-14

2–9 Power System ........................................................................................2-16

2–10 Control Panel.........................................................................................2-18

2–11 Circuit Breaker ......................................................................................2-20

2–12 System Options......................................................................................2-22

3–1 Sample System Footprint .........................................................................3-2

3–2 Sample System.........................................................................................3-4

3–3 System Front View...................................................................................3-6

ix

3–4 System Rear View....................................................................................3-8

3–5 Accessing the Console Load Device....................................................... 3-10

3–6 Power System ........................................................................................3-12

3–7 TLSB Card Cage....................................................................................3-14

3–8 Control/Status and I/ O Connec ti ons .......................................................3-16

3–9 Cabinet Airflow ..................................................................................... 3-18

3–10 System Options......................................................................................3-20

3–11 Control Panel Keyswitch........................................................................3-22

3–12 Control Panel Indicator L i ghts ...............................................................3-24

3–13 Circui t Bre a ke r and AC Power Indica t ors...............................................3-26

4–1 I/O Subsystem ..........................................................................................4-2

4–2 I/O Port Modules......................................................................................4-4

4–3 Hose Numbering Scheme for KFTIA and KFTHA...................................4-7

4–4 PCI/EISA Slot Configuration with the KFE70........................................4-16

4–5 PCI Slot Configuration with the KFE72.................................................4-17

4–6 KFE70 Modules.....................................................................................4-18

4–7 KFE72 Modules.....................................................................................4-19

5–1 Boot Devices............................................................................................ 5-6

5–2 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Auto Start Enabled..................................5-12

5–3 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Auto Start Disabled.................................5-18

5–4 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Auto Start Enabled..................................5-20

5–5 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Startup Password Selected.......................5-22

6–1 Power-Up Troubleshooting Flowchart......................................................6-2

6–2 Power-Up Troubleshooting Steps.............................................................6-3

6–3 Booting Troubleshooting Flowcha rt (OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX)....6-4

6–4 Troubleshooting Ste ps During Booti ng (OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX)6-5

6–5 PCI Shelf in a BA655 PIU........................................................................ 6-6

6–6 PCI Shelf in an 8200................................................................................6-7

6–7 Troubleshooting Steps in PCI Shelf..........................................................6-7

6–8 Troubleshooting an XMI Plug-In Unit...................................................... 6-8

6–9 FBUS+ PIU Troubleshooting – 48V LED Off........................................6-10

6–10 FBUS+ PIU Troubleshooting – MOD OK LED Off ...............................6-11

6–11 SCSI Indicator LEDs..............................................................................6-12

6–12 Battery Plug-In Unit...............................................................................6-14

6–13 Determining Self-T est Re sult s................................................................6-16

8–1 AlphaBIOS Functions..............................................................................8-2

8–2 8200 Control Panel ..................................................................................8-4

8–3 8400 Control Panel ..................................................................................8-5

8–4 Typical First-L eve l Help Scre e n...............................................................8-8

8–5 Second-Leve l Hel p Scre en .......................................................................8-9

8–6 Boot Screen ...........................................................................................8-10

8–7 AlphaBIOS Setup Screen.......................................................................8-11

8–8 Display System Configuration Screen....................................................8-12

8–9 System Board Configuration..................................................................8-14

x

8–10 Hard Disk Configuration........................................................................8-16

8–11 PCI Configuration..................................................................................8-18

8–12 Advanced PCI Information.....................................................................8-20

8–13 EISA Configuration ...............................................................................8-21

8–14 SCSI Configuration................................................................................8-22

8–15 Memory Configuration ...........................................................................8-24

8–16 Integrated Periphe ral s ............................................................................8-25

8–17 Updating Firmware ................................................................................ 8-26

8–18 LFU Load Screen...................................................................................8-27

8–19 Hard Disk Setup Screen .........................................................................8-28

8–20 Create New Partition Dialog Box...........................................................8-30

8–21 Delete Partition Dialog Box...................................................................8-31

8–22 Formatting a FAT Partition....................................................................8-32

8–23 Standard Formatting...............................................................................8-33

8–24 Standard CMOS Setup Screen................................................................8-34

8–25 Advanced CMOS Setup Screen..............................................................8-36

8–26 Installing Windows NT..........................................................................8-38

8–27 Utilities Selection................................................................................... 8-40

8–28 Run Maintenance Program Dia log Box ..................................................8-41

8–29 Operating System Selec t ions..................................................................8-42

8–30 Primary Operating System .....................................................................8-44

8–31 Operating System Selec t ion Set up..........................................................8-46

Tables

1 AlphaServer GS60/140 and 8200/8400 Documentati on............................xvi

2–1 Electri c al Cha rac t eri sti cs..........................................................................2-3

2–2 Environmenta l Chara c te ri stic s..................................................................2-3

2–3 Control/Status and I/ O Connec ti ons .......................................................2-13

2–4 Control Panel Pushbuttons .....................................................................2-18

2–5 Control Panel Indic a tor L i ghts ...............................................................2-19

3–1 Electri c al Cha rac t eri sti cs..........................................................................3-3

3–2 Environmenta l Chara c te ri stic s..................................................................3-3

3–3 Keyswitch Positions...............................................................................3-23

3–4 Control Panel Indic a tor L i ghts ...............................................................3-25

4–1 EISA Bus Configuration Procedure Summary........................................4-18

5–1 Boot Devices............................................................................................5-3

6–1 SCSI Disk Drive ....................................................................................6-13

6–2 SCSI Power Supply................................................................................6-13

6–3 System Configuration for Example 6-4..................................................6-21

6–4 I/O Subsystem Configuration for Example 6–4......................................6-21

6–5 Test Command Options..........................................................................6-39

6–6 Test Command Environment Variables..................................................6-39

xi

7–1 SRM Console Command Language Synta x..............................................7-4

7–2 SRM Console Special Characters.............................................................7-6

7–3 Environment Variables........................................................................... 7-10

7–4 Deposit Command Options ....................................................................7-28

7–5 Device Name and Address Space Options..............................................7-29

7–6 Examine Command Options...................................................................7-31

7–7 Device Name and Address Space Options..............................................7-32

7–8 Test Command Options..........................................................................7-59

A–1 DIGITAL UNIX Boot Options................................................................A-1

A–2 OpenVMS Alpha Boot Options...............................................................A-2

C–1 Number of Drives You Can Use in a Drive Group for Ea c h RAID Level C-8
C–2 How the Capacity of Each Drive Affects the Capacity of the Drive

Group.................................................................................................... C-8

C–3 Host Adapter Parameters....................................................................... C-13

xii

Preface

This manual describes both t he Compa q Alpha Serve r GS60 and GS140 systems as
well as the AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 system s. T he Alpha Serve r 8200 and 8400
systems were introduced by Digital E quipm e nt Corpora t ion i n 1995. Now Compaq
Computer Corporation, with the introduction of the Alpha 21264 chip, is calling the
latest offering Compaq Alpha Serve r Global Solut ions (GS) systems.

The Compaq AlphaServer GS60 and GS140 systems offer all the robust
features of the current 8200/ 8400 produc t pl us the faste st proc essors in the
industry, the Alpha 21264 (EV6), a ne w blue enc l osure, and a Com paq
AlphaServer brand name. T he GS60 offers the sam e five -slot system bus with
support for up to six CPUs, up to 12 Gbytes memory, and the sam e I/ O opti ons
supported by the AlphaServer 8200. The GS140 has the same ni ne-slot system
bus with support for up to 14 CPUs, up to 28 Gbytes memory, and the sam e
I/O options as the AlphaServer 8400.

This manual was originally written to describe the DIGITAL AlphaServer 8200
and 8400 systems. Although the console di splays in t hi s book show an 8200 or
8400 system, the same exa mpl e s and de script ions a pply t o the GS60 and GS140
systems. Only the identification line at the bottom of the display is different. A
sample GS140 console display is shown in Example 1.

AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 systems can be upgrade d to t he new GS60 and
GS140 systems, respectively, with sim pl e t o i nstal l CPU module upgra de s and
minimal operat i ng system upda te s.

xiii

➊

Example 1 Sample GS140 Console Display

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➊

Indicates the type of system , t he num be r of proce ssors, the CMOS technol ogy a nd
speed, and the console fi rmware ve rsion.

Intended Audience

This manual is written for the system manager or system operator who has training in
systems management and i s running a Compa q Alpha Serve r GS60 or GS140 system or
an AlphaServer 8200 or 8400 system.

Document Structure

This manual uses a structured doc um ent a ti on de sign. Topi c s are organi z ed i nt o smal l
sections for efficient online and printed reference. Each topic begins with an abstract.
You can quickly gain a com pre hensive ove rvie w by rea ding onl y t he a bstra ct s. Next i s
an illustration or example, which also provides quick reference. Last in the structure are
descriptive text a nd synta x defi ni ti ons.

xiv

This manual has eight c ha pte rs and t hree a ppendi xe s, a s follows:

• Chapter 1, Introduction, provides a brief overview of the Alpha Server 8200

and AlphaServer 8400 hardware, firm ware , and system a rchi t ec t ure.

• Chapter 2, AlphaServer 8200 System, and Chapter 3, AlphaServer 8400

System, gi ve a ba sic int roduc ti on to your system a nd it s part s.

• Chapter 4, I/O Subsystems, describes the AlphaServer 8200 a nd AlphaServe r

8400 systems’ I/O design.

• Chapter 5, Booting an Operating System, tells how to start running t he

Windows NT, OpenVMS, and DIGITAL UNIX operating systems.

• Chapter 6, System Troubleshooting, provides basic troubleshooting

procedures.

• Chapter 7, SRM Console Com ma nds, lists the SRM console commands with

an example of each command.

• Chapter 8, AlphaBIOS Firmware, describes the AlphaBIOS menu sele c ti ons

and boot screen.

• Appendix A, O penVMS and DIGITAL UNIX B oo t O pt i o ns, lists the options

used with the boot command for OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX to control
various phases of booting.

• Appendix B, Updat i ng F irmware , explains how to run the Loada ble Firm ware

Update (LFU) utility.

• Appendix C, Runni ng Co nfiguratio n Ut ilities from the SRM Console,

explains how to run the configuration utilities required when installing some
options.

xv

Table 1 AlphaServer GS60/140 and 8200/8400 Documentation

Title Order Number

Hardware User Information and Installation

Operations Manual
Site Preparation Guide
AlphaServer GS60/8200 Installation Guide
AlphaServer GS140/8400 Installation Guide
KFE72 Installation Guide
AlphaServer GS60/140 8200/8400 Windows NT

EK–T8030–OP
EK–T8030–SP
EK–T8230–IN
EK–T8430–IN
EK–KFE72–IN
EK–T8WNT–RN

Administrator’s Guide and Release Notes

Service Information Kit QZ–00RAC–GC

Service Manual (hard copy) EK–T8030–SV
Service Manual (diskette ) AK–QKNFB–CA

AK–QUW7B–CA
AK–QUW6B–CA

Reference Manuals

System Technical Manual
System Technical Manual Supplement : CP U
System Technical Manual Supplement : Me mory
DWLPA/DWLPB PCI Adapter Technical Manual

EK–T8030–TM
EK–T8030–TS
EK–MS7CC–TS
EK–DWLPA–TM

Upgrade Manuals for All Systems

KN7CC CPU Module Installation Card
KN7CD CPU Module Installation Card
KN7CE CPU Module Installation Card
KN7CF CPU Module Installation Card
KN7CG CPU Module Installation Card
MS7CC Memory Installation Card
KFTHA System I/O Module Installation Guide
KFTIA Integrated I/O Module Installat ion Guide

xvi

EK–KN7CC–IN
EK–KN7CD–IN
EK–KN7CE–IN
EK–KN7CF–IN
EK–KN7CG–IN
EK–MS7CC–IN
EK–KFTHA–IN
EK–KFTIA–IN

Introduction 1-1

Chapter 1

Introduction

The AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 systems are high-performance, symmetric
multiprocessing systems that are suitable for office and datacenter environments. They
offer access to multiple high-bandwidth I/O buses, very large memory capacities, up to
14 high-performance Alpha CPUs, and many other features normally associated with
mainframe systems.

This chapter introduces the AlphaServer 8200 and AlphaServer 8400 systems. There
are three sections:

•

AlphaServer 8200/8400 System Overview

•

Firmware and Utilities Overview

•

System Architecture

1-2 AlphaServer 8200/8400 Operations Manual

1.1 AlphaServer 8200/8400 System Overview

The AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 systems are separate, but related, systems that
use the same system bus, the TLSB. The processor, memory, and I/O adapter
units that can be configured on this bus are also the same. The cabinets, and
some of their components, vary.

Figure 1-1 AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 Systems

BX-0118-95

8400 8200

Introduction 1-3

AlphaServer 8200 System

The AlphaServer 8200 system main cabinet contains the processor system unit (PSU)
including a five-slot card cage, power regulators, and space for PCI I/O shelves or
StorageWorks shelves. The 8200 system can have up to two expander cabinets,
containing additional PCI I/O shelves and StorageWorks shelves.

AlphaServer 8400 System

The AlphaServer 8400 system main cabinet contains the nine-slot TLSB card cage
with processor, memory, and I/O modules, power regulators, and one or more plug-in
units for I/O, disks, and batteries. The 8400 system can have up to two expander
cabinets and additional plug-in units for I/O, disks, and batteries. The 8400 system can
also have up to two battery cabinets to provide battery backup. Chapter 3 covers the
AlphaServer 8400 system.

Chapter 4 describes the I/O subsystem for both 8200 and 8400 systems. Booting an
operating system is discussed in Chapter 5, basic troubleshooting in Chapter 6, SRM
console commands in Chapter 7, and AlphaBIOS firmware operations in Chapter 8.

AlphaServer 8200/8400 Options

The DIGITAL Systems and Options Catalog describes all options for AlphaServer
8200 and AlphaServer 8400 systems. In addition, DIGITAL maintains a list of the
latest supported options on the Internet, which you can access as follows:

Using ftp, copy the file:
ftp.digital.com/pub/Digital/Alpha/systems/as8400/docs/8400-options.txt
Using a Web browser, follow links from the URL:
http://www.digital.com/info/alphaserver/products.html

1-4 AlphaServer 8200/8400 Operations Manual

1.2 Firmware and Utilities Overview

Firmware residing in flash ROM on CPU and other modules in the system
provides commands for booting the operating system, testing devices and I/O
adapters, and other tasks useful in operat ing and maintaining a running system.
You type the commands or select from menus at the console device.

Figure 1-2 Accessing Firmware at the Console Device

BX-0618D-98

digital

LA75

Companion Printer

Introduction 1-5

SRM Console

The SRM console firmware is the first to be executed after system self-test when the
system is powered up. If you have requested automatic boot (see Chapter 5), the
operating system is booted automatically. Otherwise, the system halts at the SRM
console prompt. The SRM console provides commands for booting the OpenVMS and
DIGITAL UNIX operating systems, and for testing adapters and I/O devices on all
operating systems. The SRM console command alphabios transfers control to
AlphaBIOS firmware to boot Windows NT.

You can update firmware from the CD-ROM disk using either SRM console
commands or AlphaBIOS Setup menus. The SRM console firmware resides in flash
ROM on the CPU modules.

AlphaBIOS Firmware

The AlphaBIOS firmware allows you to boot the Windows NT operating system, view
and change configuration information, and perform maintenance tasks in the Windows
NT environment. You can also update firmware, including the SRM console,
AlphaBIOS firmware, and I/O device firmware. The AlphaBIOS firmware is on the
same CD-ROM as the SRM console firmware, which is updated periodically. When
loaded, the firmware resides in flash ROM in the CPU modules.

LFU (Loadable Firmware Update Utility)

Boot this utility (with the SRM boot command, or, for Windows NT systems, from the
Updating AlphaBIOS menu item) whenever you need to update the SRM console

firmware, the AlphaBIOS firmware, or I/O device firmware. The CD is updated
periodically.

SCSI Configuration Utilities

The SRM console run command lets you run four SCSI-related utilities:

•

RCU—RAID Configuration Utility

•

SWXCRFW—Updates firmware on the RAID controller

•

EEROMCFG—ISP1020 EEPROM configuration utility

• UTIL_CLI—KZPSA configuration utility
The first two utilities are on a floppy diskette; the latter two, on a CD-ROM.

EISA Configuration Utility

The EISA Configuration Utility (ECU) can be run from:

• The SRM command runecu, to configure EISA options in the DWLPA/DWLPB

card cage when either the KFE70 or KFE72 adapter option is installed. This
command can be used with the OpenVMS or DIGITAL UNIX operating systems.

• One of the AlphaBIOS “Utilities” menu items, used as part of the KFE72

installation procedure for Windows NT systems.

1-6 AlphaServer 8200/8400 Operations Manual

1.3 System Architecture

The high-speed TLSB system bus is used to interconnect processors, memory
modules, and I/O port modules.

Figure 1-3 Sample System Architecture

I/O Bus

BX0501-94

Memory

I/O

Port

System Bus

Processors

Devices

I/O Bus

Adapter

I/O

Controller

I/O

Controller

I/O

Controller

Devices

Devices

Introduction 1-7

The TLSB bus is a synchronous bus (with a 256-bit data bus and a 40-bit
command/address bus) that interconnects processors, memory modules, and the I/O
port. The I/O port (KFTHA or KFTIA) module connects the TLSB bus to I/O buses
through separate I/O adapter modules.

The TLSB bus uses the concept of a node. The TLSB bus has three types of nodes:
processors, memories, and I/O port controllers.

A processor node is a single module. It consists of one or two scalar processors, the
shared TLSB bus interface, separate cache, and support logic.

In a multiprocessing system, one processor becomes the boot processor during power­up, and that boot processor loads the operating system and handles communication
with the operator console. The other processors become secondary processors and
receive system information from the boot processor. The AlphaServer 8200 can have
up to three processor modules for a total of six CPUs. The AlphaServer 8400 can have
up to seven processor modules for a total of 14 CPUs.

A memory node is one memory module. Memory is a global resource equally
accessible by all processors on the TLSB. Memory modules can have 128, 256, or 512
Mbytes or 1, 2, or 4 Gbytes of memory with ECC and associated control logic. The
memories are automatically interleaved when the system is configured with multiple
memory banks. The 8200 system supports up to three memory modules; the 8400
supports up to seven.

The I/O port module (KFTHA) or integrated I/O module (KFTIA) provides the
interface between the TLSB and the I/O subsystem. The KFTHA provides
connections for up to four I/O buses using cables called hoses. For OpenVMS and
DIGITAL UNIX systems, these buses include the PCI/EISA, Futurebus+, or XMI
buses. For Windows NT, only PCI buses are supported. The KFTIA provides a
connection to one I/O subsystem, with the same possibilities for the operating system
as were noted for a KFTHA. In an 8200, only PCI buses are supported, regardless of
operating system.

In Figure 1–3, the I/O bus adapter can be the DWLPA/DWLPB module for the PCI,
the DWLAA module for the Futurebus+, and the DWLMA module for the XMI.

NOTE: The DWLPA is not supported with the Windows NT operating system; you

must have a DWLPB in this case.

The PCI I/O bus adapter module connects to various interconnects such as SCSI,
FDDI, Ethernet, NVRAM, and, with OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX systems, EISA
bus interfaces.

The Futurebus+ I/O bus adapter module connects to various interconnects such as
SCSI and FDDI.

The XMI I/O bus adapter module connects to various interconnects such as CI,
SDI/STI, SCSI, FDDI, and Ethernet..

AlphaServer 8200 System 2-1

Chapter 2

AlphaServer 8200 System

The DIGITAL AlphaServer 8200 system, designed for use in an office environment,
can support many users in a time-sharing environment. The 8200 system:

• Supports the full range of system applications of OpenVMS, DIGITAL UNIX,

and Windows NT operating systems

• Allows for expansion of processors, memory, and I/O

• Uses a high-speed system interconnect bus (TLSB bus), which has a peak

bandwidth of 2.4 Gbytes/sec.

• Supports up to 12 Gbytes of physical memory

• Provides optional self-contained uninterruptible power system (UPS) capability

that supports the system in case of power failure

• Performs automatic self-test on power-up, reset, reboot, or system initialization

• Operates as a standalone system, a member of a cluster, or as a boot node of a

local area cluster

This chapter describes the system package and the location of components in the
cabinet. Sections include:

• System Characteristics

• Sample 8200 System

• System Front View

• System Rear View

• System Components (Processor System Unit, Cabinet Control Logic Panel,

Console Load Device, and Power System)

• Controls and Indicators
– Control Panel
– AC Power Circuit Breaker

• Options

2-2 AlphaServer 8200/8400 Operations Manual

2.1 System Characteristics

Figure 2-1 shows the cabinet dimensions and the required clearance space. The
tables list the electrical and environmental characteristics.

Figure 2-1 Sample System Footprint

Rear
Clearance
75 cm (29.5 in)

Front
Clearance
100 cm (40 in)

BX-0600-94

Width

180 cm (71 in)

Depth

267.5 cm
(106 in)

92.5 cm
(36.4 in)

System
Cabinet

Expander

Cabinet

Expander

Cabinet

Expander

Cabinet

60 cm (23.6 in)

170 cm (67 in)

System

Cabinet

Expander

Cabinet

60 cm (23.6 in) 60 cm (23.6 in)

170 cm (67 in)

170 cm (67 in)

AlphaServer 8200 System 2-3

The values in Table 2–1 and Table 2–2 apply to the system cabinet only. The values
are configuration dependent.

Table 2-1 Electrical Characteristics

Electrical Specification

Single-phase AC input voltage
(nominal)

202–240 (208) – North America

202–240 (230) – Europe/AP
202–240 (202) – Japan

Nominal frequency 50–60 Hz
AC current (nominal) 16 A (202 V)
AC current (maximum) 30 A – North America

32 A – Europe/AP
30 A – Japan

AC power consumption (maximum) 2.6 KW

Table 2-2 Environmental Characteristics

Environmental Operating Storage

Heat dissipation (maximum) 9,100 Btu/hr
Temperature 10°C–35°C

(50°F–95°F)

-40°C–66°C

(-40°F to 151°F)

Relative humidity 10–90% 10–95%
Altitude 0–2.4 km

(0–8000 ft)

0–9.1 km
(0–30,000 ft)

2-4 AlphaServer 8200/8400 Operations Manual

2.2 Sample 8200 System

Figure 2-2 shows a sample system. The system includes a console terminal and
printer, an accessories kit, and a documentation set, which includes this manual.
The system can have up to two optional expander cabinets, additional disk drives,
and optional battery backup.

Figure 2-2 Sample 8200 System

BX-0618D-98

digital

LA75

Companion Printer

AlphaServer 8200 System 2-5

Your DIGITAL customer service engineer has installed your system and verified that
it is running properly. Before you turn on the system, familiarize yourself with its
components:

• The system cabinet houses the power system (with optional battery backup) and

the processor system unit (PSU) which contains a storage drawer, the TLSB card
cage, control panel, the cabinet control logic panel, and a CD-ROM drive.
Optional hardware includes StorageWorks shelves and PCI shelves.

• The console load device is used for installing operating systems and software.

• The console device is used for booting and for system management operations.

The console device must include a serial console monitor, and, for Windows NT
systems, must also include a graphics monitor (shown in Figure 2-2).

• The console printer provides a hardcopy record of system operations.

• Optional I/O components include PCI shelves and StorageWorks shelves. These

shelves are installed in the system or expander cabinets to provide space for I/O
and disk options.

• Optional expander cabinets provide additional space for PCI I/O devices and

disk drives.

• A system documentation kit.

2-6 AlphaServer 8200/8400 Operations Manual

2.3 System Front View

With the front door open, you can see the control panel, the TLSB card cage,
blower, PCI shelves, StorageWorks shelves, and power regulators.

Figure 2-3 System Front View

BX-0604B-97

Front

Enable

Run

Fault

On/Off

Secure

Restart

TM

2.88

Console

External
Enable (XMI/FBUS)

PowerComm 3

PowerComm 2

PowerComm 1

External
UPS Power

External
Power Enable

Expander

TLSB
Card Cage

StorageWorks Power
Supply

StorageWorks Drive

Control Panel

CCL Panel

StorageWorks Shelves

Space for
Power Regulators

CD-ROM Drive

Floppy Drive

PCI Shelf

MODULEOK

OVERVOLTAGE

OVERTEMP

ON BATTERY

BATTERYCHARGING

REPLACEBATTERY

+48VDC-

+48VDC-

CURRENT
SHARE

9SIGNALS 1

10 2