Digital Equipment RA70, RA72, RA73, SA7 series, RA71 Reference Manual

RA7x/SA7x Pocket
ReferenceGuide

Order Number EK–RSA7X–PG–002

This guide contains quick-reference information for RA7x
disk drives (RA70, RA71, RA72, and RA73) and SA7x
enclosures.

Digital Equipment Corporation

August 1992

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.

Possession, use, duplication, or dissemination of the
software described in this documentation is authorized
only pursuant to a valid written license from Digital or the
third-party owner of the software copyright.

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

Copyright © Digital Equipment Corporation 1991, 1992
All Rights Reserved.

Printed in U.S.A.

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 computing device pursuant to
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such radio frequency
interference when operated in a commercial environment.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause
interference, in which case the user at his own expense may
be required to take measures to correct the interference.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment
Corporation: DEC, DSA, DSDF, HSC, HSC50, HSC70,
KDA, KDA50, KDB50, KDM, MicroVAX, PDP-11, RA, SA,
SDI, UDA, UNIBUS, VAXsimPLUS, and the DIGITAL logo.

Contents

Introduction and Related

Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

RA7x Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Thermal Stabilization Specifications . . 3
Setting Capacity Indicator Switch . . . 4

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

RA7x Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

SA7x Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

RA7x Electronics Block Diagrams . . . 15

RA71-RA73 Support . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

RA7x Drive Status Information . . . . . 19

OCP Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Drive Error Codes and Fault Numbers 34

iii

iv Contents

Figures

1 RA71/RA72 Capacity Indicator Switch 5

2 Drive Internal Error Log . . . . . . . . . . 7

3 Troubleshooting Flowchart . . . . . . . . 9

4 RA70 Exploded View . . . . . . . . . . . 11

5 RA71-RA73 Exploded View . . . . . . . 12

6 SA7x Enclosure Exploded View . . . . 14

7 RA70 Electronics—Simplified Block

Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

8 RA71-RA73 Electronics—Simplified

Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

9 RA7x Drive Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

10 RA7x Response Opcode (Byte 1) . . . 21
11 RA7x Lower Unit (Byte 2) and High

Unit and Subunit Mask (Byte 3) . . . . 21

12 RA7x Request Byte (Byte 4) . . . . . . . 22

13 RA7x Mode Byte (Byte 5) . . . . . . . . 23

14 RA7x Error Byte (Byte 6) . . . . . . . . . 24

15 RA7x Controller Byte (Byte 7) and

Retry Count (Byte 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

16 RA7x Previous Command Opcode

(Byte 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

17 RA7x Drive State Byte (Byte 10) . . . . 27

18 RA7x Current Cylinder Address (Bytes

11 and 12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

19 RA7x Current Group (Byte 13) . . . . . 28

20 RA7x Drive Error Code (Byte 14) . . . . 28

21 RA70 OCP Code Byte; RA71-RA73

Fault Number Byte (Byte 15) . . . . . . 28

22 SA7x OCP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Contents v

Tables

1 Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . 1

2 RA7x Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . 2

3 Thermal Stabilization Times . . . . . . . 3

4 RA7x Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

5 SA7x Part Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

6 VAX Diagnostics for RA71-RA73 . . . . 16

7 Operating Systems for RA71-RA73 . . 17

8 SDI Controllers for RA71-RA73 . . . . . 18

9 Retired VAX Supervisor Programs . . . 18

10 OCP Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 1

Introduction and Related Documentation

This guide contains quick-reference information for RA7x
disk drives (RA70, RA71, RA72, and RA73) and SA7x
enclosures.

For more complete information about RA7x disk drives and
SA7x enclosures, see the related documentation listed in
Table 1.

Table 1 Related Documentation
Document Title Order number

RA70 Disk Drive Technical

Description Manual EK–ORA70–TD
DSA Troubleshooting Flowchart EK–DSATF–TM
BA27 Field Maintenance Print Set MP–01429
SA7x Support Print Set EM–01435
SA7x Field Maintenance Print Set MP–01435
SAxxx Storage Array Configuration

Guide EK–SAXXX-CG
SA7x Enclosure User Guide EK–OSA7X–UG
SA7x Enclosure Service Manual EK–OSA7X-SM
RA7x Disk Drive Service Manual EK–ORA7X-SM
RA70 Field Maintenance Print Set MP–01428
RA71/RA72 Support Print Set EM–01434
RA71/RA72 Field Maintenance Print

Set MP–01434
RA73 Field Maintenance Print Set MP–01439
RA73 Support Print Set EM–01439

2 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

RA7x Characteristics

Table 2 lists the characteristics of RA70 and RA71-RA73
disk drives.

Table 2 RA7x Characteristics
Characteristics RA70 RA71 RA72 RA73

Total Number of Heads

12 15 21 22

Number of Data Heads

11 14 20 21

Number of Dedicated Servo Heads

1 1 1 1

Surfaces Containing Data and Embedded Servo
Information

11 14 20 21

Formatted Data Storage Capacity

280
MB

700
MB

1.0
GB

2.0
GB

Although RA70 and RA71-RA73 disk drives are very similar
in appearance, they differ structurally and electronically.
The RA70 shoe plate is not interchangeable with those for
the RA71-RA73 disk drives. None of the RA7x HDAs or
ECMs are interchangeable.

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 3

Thermal Stabilization Specifications

When condensation is visible on the enclosure or the disk

drive, stabilize the unit in the operating environment for six
hours, or until the condensation is no longer visible.

When condensation is not visible on the enclosure or
disk drive or enclosure, see Table 3 for correct thermal
stabilization times.

Table 3 Thermal Stabilization Times
Temperature

Range Degrees
C

60 to 66 140 to 151 3 hours
50 to 59 122 to 139 2 hours
40 to 49 104 to 121 1 hour
30 to 39 86 to 103 30 minutes

18 to 29 65 to 85 No stabilization

10 to 17 50 to 64 30 minutes

0 to 9 32 to 49 1 hour
–10 to –1 14 to 31 2 hours
–20 to –11 –4 to 13 3 hours
–30 to –21 –22 to –5 4 hours
–40 to –31 –40 to –21 5 hours

Temperature
Range Degrees
F

Minimum
Stabilization
Time

required

4 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Setting Capacity Indicator Switch

Set the Capacity Indicator switch on the RA71 and RA72
disk drives, shown in Figure 1, as follows:

NOTE
The capacity indicator switch has no function on an
RA73.

• RA71 (700 MB)

Capacity Indicator switch should be up (on).

• RA72 (1 GB)

Capacity Indicator switch should be down (off).

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 5

UNIT SELECT SWITCHES

CAPACITY INDICATOR SWITCH

Figure 1 RA71/RA72 Capacity Indicator Switch

TOP COVER HDA

CHASSIS

COM-R002

6 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Troubleshooting

This section includes troubleshooting tips, an example of
a drive internal error log (Figure 2), and a troubleshooting
flowchart (Figure 3).

Tips for DSA Troubleshooting

Observe the following tips when troubleshooting DSA
products:

• Avoid formatting new HDA units.

• Note that EDC errors are not drive problems.

• Note that forced errors are not necessarily HDA

problems.

• Avoid running standalone diagnostics unless drive

or system error logs are unavailable and all other
troubleshooting techniques have failed.

• Ensure that equipment is thermally stabilized before

attempting to power up.

• Use proper ESD grounding methods. Equipment is

highly susceptible to static damage.

• Adhere to the service delivery strategy as outlined in

specific component service manuals.

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 7

Figure 2 Drive Internal Error Log

Error Log Entries for Drive 0

Select starting entry location [(7), 1-191] ? 8
Enter how many error log entries to display [(191), 0-191] ? 30
Pause and prompt after every 10 error log entries [(Y), N] ? Y

Drive 

Max#Entries

Type

RA70 191 580 125000

Entry

Entry

Count

Loctn

(D)

(D)

8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

191

(D) = decimal, (A) = ASCII, (H) = hex

Seeks/Power-on

(D)

Err 

Typ
(A)

2 00

DE

3

DE

3

DE

3
3
3
3
3
2

Err 
Code

(H)

39
E7
E9
00
00
00
00
00

(D)

Seek 

Count 

(D)

453122
452446
452446
451699
451699
451616
451616

MFG 
Code

(H)

0

0

Cum. Seeks

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 passed.test
32
33
34
00
00
00
00
00

Cum. Power-on

(D)

Drive-Specific Hex Data
Byte 0-9, right to left

00 00 09 0A 00 00 00 04 32 58
00 00 09 04 FF FB 0B 05 42 75
00 00 09 03 FF FB 0B 05 12 9D
00 00 09 02 02 F6 05 04 79 A0
00 00 09 01 02 F6 05 04 7A BB
00 00 09 00 00 00 00 00 42 A0
00 00 09 00 00 00 00 00 40 C0
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00

(D)

7200

(H)

Minutes

(H)

00001C20

Drive Err 

Message

(A)

wrg&off.trk
inc.lhd.sek
exp.sek.tmr
drv.sys.ini
exp.onl.atn
drv.sys.ini
drv.pwr.rst
passed.test

1 2 3 4 5 6

1. Drive error code—see “Drive error codes and fault numbers” in this guide for an explanation of 
these codes

2. Manufacturing code (OCP code)—see the OCP error codes table in this guide for an expla-
nation of these codes

3. Logic Processor Number of Minutes (bytes 9, 8, 7, and 6)

4. Servo Processor Destination Cylinder (bytes 5 and 4)

7 8 9

5. Servo Processor Destination Logical Head Number (byte 3)

6. Servo Processor Physical State Number (byte 2)—see the following page for a list of physical 
state numbers

7. Logic Processor Logical State Bit Flags (byte 1)—see the following page for a list of logical 
state bit numbers

8. Logic Processor Fault Number (byte 0)

9. Drive error message—see "Drive error codes and fault numbers" in this guide for a translation 
of these error messages

COM-0211

8 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Servo Processor Physical State Numbers (Byte 2)

00–reset
01–retract (unload heads)
02–spin-up motor
03–spin-down motor
04–detent (track follow)
05–seek to cylinder
06–return to cylinder zero (load heads)
07–recalibrate
08–diagnostic

The following State Numbers apply only to the
RA73:

09–fault
0A–PLL lock

Logic Processor Logical State Bit Flags (Byte 1)

Bit 07–hard error
Bit 06–soft fault
Bit 05–internal read/write ready
Bit 04–drive timing enabled
Bit 03–logical attention
Bit 02–logical topology state
Bit 01–logical available state
Bit 00–logical available state

NOTE
For more information about the physical state numbers
and logical state bit flags, see the RA7x Disk Drive
Service Manual.

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 9

Figure 3 Troubleshooting Flowchart

Talk to the system operator.

Check the OCP for fault indications.

Run VAXsimPLUS.

Analyze the HSC Console Log.

Analyze the Host Error Log.

Analyze the Drive Internal Error Log.

Correlate error codes to the probable failing FRU.

Use host-based diagnostics as a last resort.

Identify prime suspect FRU.

Replace failing FRU.

Verify that the drive is operational.

COM-R080

10 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

RA7x Parts

Table 4 lists RA7x part numbers. Figures 4 and 5 shows
exploded views for RA70 and RA71-RA73 disk drives.

Table 4 RA7x Part Numbers
Part Part Number

RA70 Disk Drive

ECM
HDA
Shoe plate

RA71 Disk Drive

ECM
HDA
Shoe plate

RA72 Disk Drive

ECM
HDA
Shoe plate

RA73 Disk Drive

ECM 54-21396-01
HDA 70-28699-01
Shoe plate 70-29408-01

70-22494-01
70-21946-01
70-22474-01

54-20826-01
70-28492-01
70-29408-01

54-20826-01
70-28492-02
70-29408-01

RA7x Disk Drive

Electronically conductive field
service grounding kit

29-11762

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 11

Figure 4 RA70 Exploded View

SHOCK
ISOLATOR

SCREW

ELECTRONIC
CONTROL
MODULE

CHASSIS

GROMMET
BUSHING

SCREW
FOR SHOE
PLATE
ATTACHMENT

TOP
COVER/HDA

BASEPLATE
CORNER
POSTS

MODULE
RETENTION
KEP NUT

SHOE
PLATE

COM-R004

12 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Figure 5 RA71-RA73 Exploded View

HDA
ASSEMBLY

SHOCK
ISOLATOR

CHASSIS

ECM

SHOE
PLATE

CXO-3519A-MC_R

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 13

SA7x Parts

Table 5 contains a list of part numbers. Figure 6 shows an
exploded view of an SA7x enclosure.

Table 5 SA7x Part Numbers
Part Part Number

Chassis (enclosure assembly) 70-23901-01
Drive position filler 70-23970-01
Fan assembly 70-24440-01
Frame assembly 70-23913-01
OCP

assembly
cable, long 80 cm (31.5 in)

cable, short 35.6 cm (14 in)
Power cord 17-00442-19
Power harness 70-26255-01
Power supply H7869-AK
Pushbutton switch

with green LED 12-12717-13
Pushbutton switch cap

left front

left rear

right front

right rear
SDI Cables

External cable assembly

Internal cable assembly

Internal SDI cable harness
Transition board

Board 1

Board 2
Transition interface cables 17-02147-01

70-25696-01
70-26254-02
70-26254-01

12-14027-14
12-14027-15
12-14027-13
12-14027-12

70-26257-01
70-26256-01
17-01699-01

54-19171-01
54-19015-01

14 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Figure 6 SA7x Enclosure Exploded View

RIGHT REAR
DISK DRIVE

LEFT REAR

POSITION

DISK DRIVE
POSITION

REAR
COVER
(NOT
SHOWN)

POWER
SUPPLY

CHASSIS

FAN

TRANSITION
BOARD 2

TRANSITION
BOARD 1

OPERATOR
CONTROL
PANEL

RA70 DISK
DRIVE SHOWN

MOUNTING
SCREWS

FRAME

DRIVE POWER
SWITCH PANEL

LEFT FRONT
DISK DRIVE
POSITION

RIGHT FRONT
DISK DRIVE
POSITION

FRONT
COVER

CXO-1845D_S_R

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 15

RA7x Electronics Block Diagrams

Figures 7 and 8 are electronics block diagrams for RA70
and RA71-RA73 disk drives.

Figure 7 RA70 Electronics—Simplified Block Diagram

Logic Read/Write Module

Power J4

Port B J2

Port A J1

Remote
OCP J3

I/O Logic

Local OCP

Read/Write

HDA

Servo/Spindle

Servo/Spindle Module

COM-R082

Figure 8 RA71-RA73 Electronics—Simplified Block

Diagram

Electronic Control Module

Power J4

Port B J2

Port A J1

Remote
OCP J3

I/O Logic

Local OCP

Read/Write

Servo/Spindle

HDA

COM-R081

16 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

RA71-RA73 Support

Tables 6, 7, and 8 list the minimum versions of operating
systems, diagnostics, and SDI controllers that support
RA71-RA73 disk drives in Release 43.

The diagnostics and VAX supervisor programs in Table 6
all recognize RA71-RA73 disk drives. The retired VAX
Supervisor programs in Table 9 do not recognize RA71­RA73 disks drives. However, they will properly test and
operate the RA71-RA73 disk drives with the above disk
drive diagnostics when the disk drives are "attached as
RA70 disk drives" during program setup.

Table 6 VAX Diagnostics for RA71-RA73
Diagnostic

Supervisor Description Version

EVRAE Generic MSCP Exerciser 4.3
EVRLB UDA/KDB50 Basic Disk

Formatter

EVRLF UDA/KDB50 Basic

Subsystem Diagnostic

EVRLG UDA/KDB50 Disk Drive

Exerciser

EVRLJ VAX UDA/KDB50/KDM70

Exerciser

EVRLK VAX Bad Block Replace

Utility

EVRLL VAX Disk Resident Error

Log Utility

EVRLM KDM70 EEPROM Update

Utility
EVRLN DUP Control Program 1.6
EBSAA Supervisor, 8200, 8250,

8300, 8550 (Bereta)
ELSAA Supervisor, 5800, 6000-2xx,

6000-3xx
EMSAA Supervisor, 6000-5xx 14.4-PT1
ERSAA Supervisor, 6000-4xx 14.4-PAT1
EVSBA VAX Diagnostic Autosizer 7.5
EVSBB VAX Online Autosizer 4.0

8.3

10.4

10.3

4.3

4.3

3.3

1.6

14.4-PAT1

14.4-PAT1

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 17

Table 7 Operating Systems for RA71-RA73
Operating

Systems
Software

RA71/RA72
Minimum
Version

VMS 5.4-2

1

RA73
Minimum
Version

5.5-2
VAXsimPLUS 1.6 2.0
ULTRIX-32 4.2 4.3
VAXELN 4.3 4.3-x
VAX System V 3.2.1 Not planned

1

The Error Log Formatter (ERF) Version 5.4-2 must be
upgraded to Version 5.4-2 (0001) to support RA71-RA72.
Version 5.5-2 is required to support the RA73 disk drive.

18 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Table 8 SDI Controllers for RA71-RA73
SDI

Controller

HSC40
(CRONIC)

HSC50
(CRONIC)

HSC60
(CRONIC)

HSC70
(CRONIC)

HSC90
(CRONIC)

KDM70 SW Version 30 (3.0)

KDA50 SW Version 8

KDB50 SW Version 20

UDA50A SW Version 6

Minimum
Version

V600

V410

V600

V600

V600
K.SI Interface SW Version 12
K.SDI Interface SW Version 39/40

HW Version 17

HW Version 4

HW Version 28

HW Version 0

Table 9 Retired VAX Supervisor Programs
Supervisor

Program Description

ECSAA Supervisor, 750
EDSAA Supervisor, 8600, 8650
EJSAA Supervisor, 8820/30/40
ENSAA Supervisor, 725, 730
ESSAA Supervisor, 780, 785
EWSAA Supervisor, 9000
EBSAA Supervisor, 8530, 8550, 8700, 8800,

8820N

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 19

RA7x Drive Status Information

Figures 9 through 22 disk drive status information diagrams
for the RA7x disk drives. These drives format the drive
status bytes as shown in Figure 9. Note that Byte 15
contains different data for RA70 and RA71-RA73 disk
drives. Byte 15 contains the OCP code for an RA70 disk
drive; for RA71-RA73 drives, byte 15 contains the fault
number.

NOTE
Unless specifically stated otherwise, the status
information diagrams apply to the same bytes for all
RA7x drives.

20 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Figure 9 RA7x Drive Status

MSB

BYTE 1
BYTE 2
BYTE 3
BYTE 4

BYTE 5
BYTE 6
BYTE 7

BYTE 8
BYTE 9

BYTE 10
BYTE 11
BYTE 12
BYTE 13
BYTE 14
BYTE 15

NOTE: IF DRIVE IS RA70, BYTE 15 CONTAINS OCP CODE. IF DRIVE IS

RA71/RA72/RA73, BYTE 15 CONTAINS FAULT NUMBER.

RESPONSE CODE

UNIT NO.

SUBUNIT MASK

OA

RR

W4 W3 W2W1DD FO

DE

RE

S4

S3 S2 S1 C1 C2

PREVIOUS COMMAND CODE

LOW CYLINDER ADDRESS
HIGH CYLINDER ADDRESS

DRIVE ERROR CODE

EL

DR SR

PE

DF

WE

RETRY COUNT

DRIVE STATE

CURRENT GROUP

SEE NOTE

HI UNIT NO.

PS
DB S7

C3

LSB

REQUEST BYTE

RU

MODE BYTE
ERROR BYTE

CONTROLLER BYTE

C4

SEEK AND RECALL

GENERIC
STATUS BITS

EXTENDED DRIVE
STATUS BYTES

CXO-3521A-TI_R

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 21

Figure 10 RA7x Response Opcode (Byte 1)

X X X X X X X X

Byte 1 — Response Opcode

COM-R055

Figure 11 RA7x Lower Unit (Byte 2) and High Unit and

Subunit Mask (Byte 3)

Byte 3

0 0 0 1 X X X X

Byte 2

X X X X X X X X

Drive select unit number

Subunit 0 mask (subunit 0 reporting this status)
Subunit 1 mask (not used)

Subunit 2 mask (not used)
Subunit 3 mask (not used)

COM-R056

22 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Figure 12 RA7x Request Byte (Byte 4)

X X X X X X X X

Byte 4

(RU) 0 = Run/Stop switch out
1 = Run/Stop switch in

(PS) 0 = Port switch out
1 = Port switch in

(PB) 0 = Port A receivers enabled
1 = Port B receivers enabled

(EL) 0 = No loggable information in extended status area
1 = Loggable information in extended status area

(SR) 0 = Spindle not ready (not up to speed)
1 = Spindle ready

(DR) 0 = No diagnostic is being requested from the host
1 = There is a request for a diagnostic to be loaded into 
the drive microprocessor memory

(RR) 0 = Drive requires no recalibrated command
1 = Drive request recalibrated command

(OA) 0 = Drive on-line or available to current controller
1 = Drive unavailable (it is already on-line to another
controller)

Request Byte

COM-R057

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 23

Figure 13 RA7x Mode Byte (Byte 5)

X X 0 X

X X X X

Byte 5 Mode Byte

(S7) 0 = 512-Byte sector format (16 bit)
1 = 576-Byte sector format (18 bit)
(no current plan to implement 18 bit)

(DB) 0 = DBN area access disabled
1 = DBN area access enabled

(FO) 0 = Formatting operations disabled
1 = Formatting operations enabled

(DD) 0 =Drive enabled by controller error routine or diagnostic
1 = Drive disabled by controller error routine or diagnostic
(Fault Light = ON)

(W1) 0 = Write Protect switch for subunit 0 is out
1 = Write Protect switch for subunit 0 is ON

(W2) Not implemented

(ED1) Error log disable (set by 2-board controller diagnostics)

(ED0) Error log disable (set by 2-board controller diagnostics)

COM-R058

24 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Figure 14 RA7x Error Byte (Byte 6)

X X X X

X 0 0 0

Byte 6 Error Byte

(WE) 0 = No error
1 = Write lock error (attempt to write while 
write protected)

(DF) 0 = No error
1 = Drive failure during initialization

(PE) 0 = No error
1 = Level 2 protocol error (improper command 
codes or parameters issued to drive)

(RE) 0 = No error
1 = SDI receive error on SDI transmission 
line(s) from controller

(DE) 0 = No error
1 = Drive error (drive Fault light may be on 
—possibly clearable via DRIVE CLEAR 
command)

COM-R059

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 25

Figure 15 RA7x Controller Byte (Byte 7) and Retry

Count (Byte 8)

0 0 0 1 X X X X

X X X X X X X X Byte 8 Retry Count/Failure Code

Byte 7 Controller Byte

0000 = Normal drive operation

1000 = Drive off-line (under control of a diagnostic)

1001 = Drive off-line (another drive has same unit select
identifier)

(S1) 1 (not used)
(S2) 1 (not used)

(S3) 1 (not used)
(S4) 1 (not used)

COM-R060

26 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Figure 16 RA7x Previous Command Opcode (Byte 9)

X X X X X X X X Byte 9 Last Opcode

(Extended drive status byte)

Opcode of the last previous level 2 drive command 
decoded by the drive (received from the SDI controller)

COM-R061

Last Level 2 Drive Commands

The following is a list of the last level 2 drive commands
decoded by the drive (received from the SDI controller).

81—change mode
82—change controller flags
03—diagnose
84—disconnect (drive)
05—drive clear
06—error recovery
87—get common characteristics
88—get subunit characteristics
0A—initiate seek
8B—on line
0C—run
8D—read memory
8E—recalibrate
90—topology
0F—write memory
FF—select group (level 1 command, processed by
firmware seek head select subroutines)

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 27

Figure 17 RA7x Drive State Byte (Byte 10)

X X X X X X X X

Byte 10

AV 1 = Available asserted

OL 1 = Drive in on-line status

TP 1 = Drive executing level 2 topology command

AT 1 = Attention asserted

TG 1 = Sector + index timing enabled for transmission 
via RTDS line

RW 1 = Drive is internal read/write ready

SF 1 = Soft fault detected; possibly clearable via 
level 2 clear command

HE 1 = Hard error; drive must be power-cycled to attempt 
to clear this error

Drive State Bit Flags
Contains a number representing state 

of drive at time of error

COM-R062

Figure 18 RA7x Current Cylinder Address (Bytes 11

and 12)

Byte 11Byte 12

X X X X X X X X

X X X X X X X X

Cylinder requested during last seek command

COM-R063

28 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Figure 19 RA7x Current Group (Byte 13)

X X X X X X X X

Byte 13

Group number currently selected 
(will be read/write head number in 
an RA7x)

COM-R064

Figure 20 RA7x Drive Error Code (Byte 14)

X X X X X X X X

Byte 14 Drive Error Code

COM-R065

Figure 21 RA70 OCP Code Byte; RA71-RA73 Fault

Number Byte (Byte 15)

X X X X X X X X

Byte 15 OCP/fault number code indicates to 

module repair centers (as close as 
possible) area of logic specifically in 
question

COM-R066

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 29

Figure 22 SA7x OCP

d i g i t a l

LEFT
REAR

Run Fault

O O

/Set No.

Ready

O



Unit No. Write

000

Protect

O O

PORT SWITCHES

A B

O

LEFT
FRONT

O O

Run Fault

/Set No.

O O

O O

SERIAL NO.
LABEL FOR
LEFT REAR
DISK POSITION

SERIAL NO.
LABEL FOR
LEFT FRONT
DISK POSITION

O

002

Unit No. Write



Ready

O

001

O

003

O O

Protect

O O

O O

PORT SWITCHES

Unit Select

A B

O

O

O

SERIAL NO.
LABEL FOR
RIGHT REAR
DISK POSITION

SERIAL NO.
LABEL FOR
RIGHT FRONT
DISK POSITION

FRONT
COVER

PC DRIVE
POWER SWITCHES

RIGHT
REAR

RIGHT
FRONT

LEFT

LEFT

REAR

FRONT

RIGHT
REAR

RIGHT
FRONT

COM-0204

30 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

OCP Error Codes

Table 10 lists the error codes displayed by the OCP lights.
The next section, "Drive Error Codes and Fault Numbers,"
describes each error code and the most probable cause of
the error.

Table 10 OCP Error Codes
Description

and
FRUs

00–No error

01–Logic input/output module

Note1– – – – – On

02–SDI PSID interface

ECM – – – – On –

SDI
con­troller

SDI
cable

03–SDI gate array

ECM – – – – On On

04–MC 6803 microcomputer

ECM – – – On – –

05–27264 UVPROM

ECM – – – On – On

06–2716 static RAM

ECM – – – On On –

07–X2816A EEPROM

ECM – – – On On On

08–Bus decoders and drivers

Note1– – On – – –

09–ZXENDEC

ECM – – On – – On

Run
Stop Fault Ready

– – – – – –

– – – – On –

– – – – On –

Write
Protect

PortAPort

B

1

Obtain the drive error code from the host error log, the
internal drive error log, or the HSC console. Refer to the
next section "Drive Error Codes and Fault Numbers."

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 31

Table 10 (Continued) OCP Error Codes
Description

and
FRUs

SDI

Run
Stop Fault Ready

Write
Protect

PortAPort

B

– – On – – On
con­troller

0A–Analog signal processor

ECM – – On – On –

HDA – – On – On –

0B–Detector qualifier

Note1– – On – On On

11–Servo module digital circuits

ECM – On – – – On

HDA – On – – – On

12–Servo gate array

ECM – On – – On –

13–TMS 32020 processor

ECM – On – – On On

14–Static RAM

ECM – On – On – –

15–Servo analog

ECM – On – On – On

HDA – On – On – On

16–Voltage controlled oscillator (VCOO)

ECM – On – On On –

HDA – On – On On –

17–Spindle motor control chip

ECM – On – On On On

HDA – On – On On On

18–Spindle power amp

ECM – On On – – –

HDA – On On – – –

19–Actuator power amp

1

Obtain the drive error code from the host error log, the
internal drive error log, or the HSC console. Refer to the
next section "Drive Error Codes and Fault Numbers."

32 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Table 10 (Continued) OCP Error Codes
Description

and
FRUs

Run
Stop Fault Ready

Write
Protect

PortAPort

B

ECM – On On – – On
HDA – On On – – On

1A–Actuator analog

ECM – On On – On –
HDA – On On – On –

1B–A-D and D-A converters

ECM – On On – On On
HDA – On On – On On

1C–Analog MUXs

ECM – On On On – –
HDA – On On On – –

1E–HDA Capacity Indicator switch setting

ECM – On On On On –
HDA – On On On On –

Note2– On On On On –

1F–Head/disk assembly

HDA – On On On On On
ECM – On On On On On

30–Microprocessor module

ECM On On – – – –

31–OCP module

ECM On On – – – On

Note1On On – – – On

32–Fault module

Note1On On – – On –

33–Spindle motor control module

Note1On On – – On On

1

Obtain the drive error code from the host error log, the
internal drive error log, or the HSC console. Refer to the
next section "Drive Error Codes and Fault Numbers."

2

Verify that the HDA Capacity Switch setting is as described
in "Setting the Capacitor Indicator Switch" section.

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 33

Table 10 (Continued) OCP Error Codes
Description

and
FRUs

Run
Stop Fault Ready

Write
Protect

PortAPort

B

34–Digital signal processor module

ECM On On – On – –
HDA On On – On – –

35–SDI module

ECM On On – On – On

SDI

On On – On – On

cable

SDI

On On – On – On
con­troller

36–Microprocessor unit module

Note1On On – On On –

37–Diagnostic module

ECM On On – On On On

HDA On On – On On On

3E–Debug error trap

Note1On On On On On –

3F–Power supply

ECM On On On On On On
Power

On On On On On On
supply

Note1On On On On On On

1

Obtain the drive error code from the host error log, the
internal drive error log, or the HSC console. Refer to the
next section "Drive Error Codes and Fault Numbers."

34 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

Drive Error Codes and Fault Numbers

00—Internal Error Log Events

Error Description: The following fault numbers (FNs)

may appear in the drive internal error log with a drive
error code of "00" (not a drive error):

FN: 00—passed.test.—no drive detected fault
FN: 20—drv.sys.rst.—valid drive system reset
FN: 3E—rdg.off.trk.—read gate and off track

The drive will not post a recoverable read-and-off-track
error to prevent interruption to the controller. This
allows the controller to execute all of its available
retry/error recovery sequences to the drive and if
necessary, retrieve user data during a recoverable
error.
FN: A0—drv.sys.ini.—valid drive system initialize.
The drive received an INIT pulse from the controller via
the SDI RTCS line.
FN: BB—exp.onl.atn.—expired on-line timer with
attention.
While in the on-line state, the drive timed out the
controller and raised attention. A second timeout
occurred and the drive performed a disconnect to the
SDI and went to the available state. This is usually the
result of a host failure, a controller failure, or SDI cable
disconnection.
FN: BC—inv.sys.ini.—invalid or spurious SDI INIT.
The drive received a SDI initialize pulse (via RTCS
line) and discontinued the drive clock (per SDI
specification), but the controller did not clear SDI INIT
after the drive responded with discontinued clocks.

FN: C0—drv.pwr.rst.—drive power reset
FN: 28—int.brt.ers.—initiate burst write erase
FN: 29—ini.brt.wrt.—initiate burst write
FN: 2A—passed.brwt.—burst write complete
Most Probable Cause: Refer to specific Fault Number

(FN) above.

03—Spin-Up Timeout

Error Description: The I/O processor has instructed

the spindle subsystem to spin up, but the spindle
subsystem has not indicated up to speed within 15
seconds.

FN: 70—exp.sup.tmr.—expired spinup timer

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 35

FN: 72—exp.pur.tmr.—expired purge cycle timer)
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

04—Spin-Up Actuator Fault

Error Description: Prior to a spinup operation, the

drive firmware performs some actuator tests. A failure
during this test will result in this error and the drive will
abort any further attempts to spin up the disks.

FN: 6F—sup.svo.dgn.—spinup servo diagnostic fault)
Most Probable Cause: HDA, ECM

05—Power Supply

Error Description: The drive has detected changes

in PWR OK resulting from the detection of ACOK or
changes detected by the on board +12v and +5v dc
sensor circuits. This may cause all of the operator
control panel (OCP) indicators to stay on.

FN: 3F—inv.drv.pwr.—invalid or spurious drive power
Most Probable Cause: SA7x Power Supply, Internal

SA7x cables, ECM, site power problems

06—Microcode Fault

Error Description: The I/O processor tried to access

an unused ROM location due to a hardware problem
or a software error internal to the drive.

FN: Not Appropriate
Most Probable Cause: ECM

36 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

07—Frame Sequence Error

Error Description: There are three transmission error

types that are reported as sequence errors:

• A message continuation frame or message end
frame was decoded before a message start
frame.

• Two message start frames were decoded in a
row.

• Less than two frames, a message start frame
and a message end frame, or more than 63
frames have been decoded before a message
end frame.

FN: A1—grp.frm.seq.—group select frame sequence
error

FN: AB—str.frm.seq.—start frame sequence error
FN: AC—con.frm.seq.—continue frame sequence error
FN: AD—end.frm.seq.—end frame sequence error
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI

cable

08—Level 2 Message Checksum Error

Error Description: The last level 1 frame transmitted

as a result of a level 2 command is the message end
frame. The lower eight bits of the end frame contain
a checksum for the entire level 2 message. This error
occurs if the checksum calculated by the drive does
not match the checksum transmitted as part of the
message end frame.

FN: A5—inc.cmd.cksm—incorrect command packet
checksum
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

09—SDI Message Framing Error

Error Description: The upper eight bits of the control

frame did not match one of the nine possible framing
codes as defined in the SDI specification.

FN: A4—inv.frm.code.—invalid frame code
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI

cable

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 37

0A—SDI Command Opcode Parity Error

Error Description: The opcode in a level 2 SDI

command was received with incorrect parity. The
opcode byte must be even parity.

FN: B3—inc.opc.prty—incorrect command opcode
parity
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

0B—Invalid Opcodes

Error Description: One of two conditions have been

detected:

• The opcode received in the level 2 command was
not one of the 16 possible opcodes.

• The opcode received in the level 2 command was
one of the 16 possible opcodes, but the opcode
parity was wrong.

FN: B2—inv.cmd.opcd.—invalid command packet
opcode
FN: B7—inv.lv1.opcd.—invalid level 1 command
opcode
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

0C—Command Length Error

Error Description: The byte count for any given level

2 command is incorrect.

FN: A3—inv.cmd.byct.—invalid command packet byte
count
FN: B1—inv.cmd.byct.—invalid command packet byte
count
FN: B6—inc.lv1.byct.—invalid level 1 command packet
byte count
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

38 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

0E—Real-Time Command Contains Invalid Head
Address

Error Description: A real-time command is one of the

SDI level 1 data transfer commands. If the low byte of
any of these commands indicates an invalid head, this
error occurs.

FN: A2—inv.grp.num.—invalid group select (head)
number
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

13—Spindle Fault

Error Description: The motor control circuit has

detected a condition that could prevent the spindle
from spinning at a safe speed.

FN: 63—ast.smc.flt.—asserted spindle motor control
fault

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

14—Spindle Over Current

Error Description: The current being used by the

spindle motor is too high.

FN: 61—ast.smc.pwr.—asserted spindle motor control
power
FN: 62—neg.smc.pwr.—negated spindle motor control
power
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA, SA7x power
supply

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 39

16—Guard Band Error

Error Description: During normal operation, the

heads have moved into the inner or the outer guard
band area. If the servo system is in the process
of loading or unloading heads (for example: the
positioner is moving from the landing zone or to the
landing zone), the I/O processor will mask out the
guard band signals internal to the GASP gate array
and thus prevent a servo fault from occurring.

FN: 46—out.grd.bnd.—outer guard band fault
FN: 47—inn.grd.bnd.—inner guard band fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

40 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

17—Invalid or Inconsistent Parameters

Error Description: One or more of the parameters

sent by the controller as part of the level 2 command is
invalid or inconsistent.

FN: 18—inv.gbd.cyl.—invalid guard band cylinder
access

FN: AE—inc.sct.fmt.—incorrect drive sector format
FN: B8—inv.lv1.grp.—invalid level 1 group select

(head) number

FN: C2—inv.sct.fmt.—invalid drive sector format
FN: C3—inv.dmr.num.—invalid diagnose memory

region number
FN: C4—inc.dmr.num.—incorrect diagnose memory
region number

FN: C6—inv.top.disc.—invalid topology disconnect
FN: C7—err.flg.astd.—generic error bit flag asserted
FN: C9—inv.lv1.num.—invalid error recovery level

number
FN: CB—inv.grp.num.—invalid group select (head)
number level 2
FN: CC—inv.cyl.adr.—invalid cylinder address number
level 2
FN: CD—inv.dgn.cyl.—invalid diagnostic cylinder
access
FN: D0—inv.rmr.num.—invalid read memory region
number
FN: D1—inv.rmr.ofst.—invalid read memory region
offset
FN: D3—inv.wmr.byct.—invalid write memory region
byte count
FN: D4—inv.wmr.num.—invalid write memory region
number
FN: D5—inv.wmr.ofst.—invalid write memory region
offset

FN: D6—inv.wmr.siz.—invalid write memory region size
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI

cable

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 41

18—Opcode/Parameter Invalid/Inconsistent with Drive
State

Error Description: The level 2 command received

from the controller is valid, but the command itself or
a parameter contained in the command is inconsistent
with the drive’s current state or physical status.

FN: 68—asup.bkd.ctrl.—spinup blocked by the
controller

FN: 69—sup.bkd.dgn.—spinup blocked by diagnostic
FN: B4—inc.cmd.flt.—incorrect command drive fault

state
FN: B5—inc.cmd.lsn.—incorrect command drive logical
state number
FN: B9—inv.svo.hsw.—invalid level 1 servo head
switch

FN: C1—drv.wrt.prtd.—drive write protected
FN: C5—inc.drst.top.—incorrect drive state—NOT

topology

FN: C8—flt.not.negd.—fault or error not cleared
FN: CA—inv.svo.rcv.—invalid servo error recovery
FN: CE—inv.svo.sek.—invalid servo seek
FN: CF—run.sw.stop.—run switch in ’STOP’ position
FN: D2—inv.run.lsn.—invalid run logical state number
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI

cable

1D—Actuator Over Speed Error

Error Description: During course positioning mode

the positioner velocity was greater than design
specifications.

FN: 4B—act.ovr.spd.—actuator over speed
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

1E—Actuator Over Current Error

Error Description: The current being used by the

read/write head actuator is too high.

FN: 4C—act.ovr.cur.—actuator over current
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

42 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

1F—Sector Overrun Error

Error Description: The internal read gate or write

gate was asserted and a sector pulse or an index
pulse occurred.

FN: 51—sct.ovr.run.—sector over run
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI

cable, HDA

25—Off Track Error

Error Description: During track following mode, the

DSP processor determined that the read/write heads
are not within track center line tolerances.

FN: 4D—svo.off.trk.—servo off track error
Most Probable Cause: HDA, ECM

26—Spindle Speed Error

Error Description: The spindle speed is not operating

within design specifications. The nominal spindle
speed is 4000 r/min for the RA70 and 3600 r/min for
the RA71/RA73 disk drives.

FN: 6E—inc.sup.svo.—incorrect spinup servo state
number
FN: 71—inc.sup.psn.—incorrect spinup physical state
number
FN: 73—inc.pur.psn.—incorrect purge cycle physical
state number
FN: 77—inc.run.psn.—incorrect run physical state
number

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

27—HDA Over Temperature

Error Description: The temperature inside the HDA

has exceeded the maximum allowed for safe operation.

FN: 4F—hda.ovr.tmp.—head disk assembly over
temperature
Most Probable Cause: SA7x fan, HDA, ECM.
Be sure the disk is operating within the environmental
specifications.

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 43

28—Module Over Temperature Error

Error Description: Sensing circuits on the ECM have

detected temperatures that exceed the maximum
allowed for safe and reliable operation.

FN: 4E—snk.ovr.tmp.—heat sink assembly over
temperature
FN: 3C—xep.ovr.tmp.—module exception over
temperature error
FN: 3D—com.ovr.tmp.—module common over
temperature error
Most Probable Cause: SA7x fan, ECM, HDA. Be
sure that the disk is operating within the environmental
specifications.

31—Read Gate and Write Gate Error

Error Description: The SDI gate array detected both

internal read gate and write gate at the same time.

FN: 5A—rdg&wrs.ast.—read state and write state both
asserted
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

32—Read/Write While Faulted

Error Description: Even though the drive is in a

faulted condition, the drive detected either RTCS read
gate or RTCS write gate.

FN: 52—flt&rdg.wrg.—fault and read gate or write gate
both asserted
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

44 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

33—Attempt to Write Through Bursts

Error Description: The read/write heads were over

the embedded burst area of the sector, and the internal
write gate was asserted.

FN: 53—wrg&brt.prt.—write gate and burst protection
both asserted
Most Probable Cause: SDI controller, ECM, SDI
cable

NOTE

See Table 9 and verify the minimum controller revision.
34—Data Encoder/Decoder Error

Error Description: A failure of the data

encoder/decoder custom chip or some of its associated
circuitry.

FN: 5C—enc.pls.flt.—encoder pulse fault (RWENDEC)
Most Probable Cause: ECM

35—Write Unsafe

Error Description: A condition exists with the write

data path (for example: read/write heads, preamp
chips, flex circuit, etc.) which would prevent the drive
from correctly writing data to the disk surface.

FN: 5B—wrg&wrt.uns.—write gate and write unsafe
both asserted

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

39—Write and Off Track

Error Description: While write gate was asserted, the

read/write heads moved off track.

FN: 58—wrg&off.trk.—write gate and off track both
asserted
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 45

3A—Write and Write Protected

Error Description: The drive was write protected and

detected the assertion of the internal write gate.

FN: 59—wrg&wrt.prt.—write gate and write protection
both asserted
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

3B—AGC Fault

Error Description: Either the automatic gain control

(AGC) circuit has failed or read signal amplitude
variations have far exceeded the capability of the AGC
circuit to maintain a proper signal lock. The latter of
these may be caused by a severe signal degradation
ratio (SDR, erasure) from a defective HDA.

FN: 5D—agc.lck.flt.—automatic gain control lock fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

3C—Servo Faults

Error Description: There are hardware-detected

inconsistencies with the servo system. These are
divided into two categories: actuator faults and servo
faults.

FN: 57—hrd.svo.flt.—hard servo fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

41—SDI Command/Response Timeout

Error Description: The drive detected the start of an

incoming SDI command or the transmission of an SDI
response, but the operation did not complete within a
specified time period.

FN: A8—exp.rsp.tmr.—expired response packet timer
FN: A9—exp.cmd.tmr.—expired command packet timer
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI

cable

46 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

43—TCR and R/W Ready Out L

Error Description: Transfer command received (TCR)

and read/write ready out L indicates the drive received
a data transfer command and read/write ready was not
asserted.

FN: 50—tcr&r/w.rdy.—TCR and NOT read/write ready
both asserted
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

44—Format Command and Format Not Enabled

Error Description: An SDI level 1 select track and

format on index or format on sector or index command
was decoded by the SDI gate array, but the enable
format bit was not set.

FN: 55—fmt.w/o.ena.—format command without format
enabled error
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

4B—Index Error

Error Description: Index was detected when it should

not have been or was not detected when it should
have been.

FN: 56—idx.pls.flt.—index pulse fault
Most Probable Cause: HDA, ECM

4C—External Hardware Fault

Error Description: The gate array or the ground

connection on the ECM is broken.

FN: 5E—ext.hrd.flt.—external hardware fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 47

4D—Write and Bad Embedded

Error Description: The drive internal write gate is

asserted and embedded bursts are not valid.

FN: 54—wrg&emb.bad.—write gate and embedded
NOT OK both asserted

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

4F—SDI Transmit Error—Pulse Error

Error Description: Extra or missing pulses on the SDI

write command line (data pulse error) or the RTCS line
(control pulse error) were detected.

FN: 5F—tcr&pls.err.—TCR and pulse error both
asserted (PSID)
Most Probable Cause: ECM, SDI controller, SDI
cable

50—DSP Diagnostic Timeout

Error Description: There is not a specific error code

for a failure during the initialization section of the DSP
diagnostic. However, if the DSP fails to execute the
basic initialization, it is most likely hung (or lost) and
is not able to pass an error code to the I/O processor.
It is possible that the initialization completed and the
problem is with the analog loop test. Realize that the
effect is the same: the I/O processor detects diagnostic
timeout due to the fact the DSP does not respond with
diagnostic complete or error detected.

FN: 84—exp.exc.tmr.—expired servo (DSP) execute
timer

Most Probable Cause: ECM

51—Byte/Sector Counter Failure

Error Description: Reported any time the counter is

checked and is incorrect.

FN: E5—inv.sct.ctr.—invalid sector counter
Most Probable Cause: ECM

48 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

60—Read/Write Head Select Failure

Error Description: One of two conditions occurred.

While trying to select a specific head to read or write,
the DSP detected a soft servo fault and as such could
not complete the head switch operation, or the I/O
processor timed out waiting for the DSP to complete
the head switch operation. Realize that if the drive
detects any other faults, these faults are reported with
the real-time error code associated with the error.

FN: F2—inv.dgn.cnt.—invalid diagnostic (head) bit
error count
FN: F3—inc.dgn.cnt.—incorrect diagnostic (track) bit
error count

FN: F5—exp.dgn.sct.—expired diagnostic sector timer
FN: FA—exp.dgn.rws.—expired diagnostic read/write

sector timer

FN: FE—inc.dgn.rdy.—incorrect diagnostic ready
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 49

61—Drive Capacity Configuration Error

Error Description: One of two conditions occurred.

Either the HDA capacity indicator switch on the
RA71/RA72 disk drive was set incorrectly, or the
ECM logic cannot determine whether the HDA is an
RA71 disk drive (700 MB storage capacity) or an RA72
disk drive (1 GB storage capacity).

If the HDA capacity indicator switch was set incorrectly,
the drive will spin down and you will be unable to spin
it up again until you set the switch correctly. You will
receive fault number 19. Verify the switch setting.
If the HDA is an RA71, the switch should be in the
on position (up). If the HDA is an RA72, the switch
should be in the off position (down). See the section
on setting RA71/RA72 capacity indicator switch and
refer to Figure 1.

If the capacity indicator switch is set correctly and you
obtain fault number 1A, this indicates that the head
table, which defines whether the drive is an RA71 or
an RA72, cannot be read from the HDA. The problem
may be related to the ECM or HDA.

FN: 19—inc.hda.swi.—incorrect HDA capacity switch
setting
FN: 1A—inv.hda.type—invalid HDA type (can’t
determine HDA type)
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

50 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

62—Read Failure

Error Description: One of six possible conditions

occurred during the diagnostic read section of the test.
The six conditions are:

• Invalid sector number

• Expired sector timer

• Expired read sector timer

• Incorrect read sector

• Read diagnostic failure

• Incorrect sector error count

FN: F4—inv.dgn.sct.—invalid diagnostic read sector
number
FN: F6—inv.dgn.rsf.—invalid diagnostic read sector
fault
FN: F7—exp.dgn.rds.—expired diagnostic read sector
timer
FN: F8—inc.dgn.rds.—incorrect diagnostic read sector
number
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 51

67—Write Failure

Error Description: One of five possible conditions

occurred during the diagnostic write section of the test.
The five conditions are:

• Invalid sector number

• Expired sector timer

• Expired write sector timer

• Incorrect write sector

• Write diagnostic failure

FN: F9—inv.dgn.wsn.—invalid diagnostic write sector
number
FN: FB—inv.dgn.wsf.—invalid diagnostic write sector
fault
FN: FC—exp.dgn.wrs.—expired diagnostic write sector
timer
FN: FD—inc.dgn.wrs.—incorrect diagnostic write sector
number

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

85—External RAM Failure

Error Description: If, during any data verification

process, the data stored in the processor external
RAM location does not match the data that was written
to that location, the test is terminated and this error is
reported.

FN: E3—inv.dat.mem.—invalid external static RAM
memory
Most Probable Cause: ECM

52 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

86—Internal RAM Failure

Error Description: If during any data verification

process the data stored in the processor internal RAM
location does not match the data that was written to
that location, the test is terminated and this error is
reported.

FN: E4—inv.ram.mem.—invalid internal static RAM
memory

Most Probable Cause: ECM

87—UVPROM Checksum Failure

Error Description: This test calculates a checksum by

adding, without carry, all the locations of the UVPROM.
The sum is then compared to a stored value. If the
computed sum and the stored sum do not match, this
error will result.

FN: E2—inv.rom.sum.—invalid UVPROM checksum
Most Probable Cause: ECM

88—I/O Processor Sanity Failure

Error Description: This test verifies the I/O

processor’s ability to execute basic processor functions
including branch instructions, verifying interrupts, and
one of the general timers. Indications of this failure
are:

• The basic processor functions fail.

• The interrupt/timer test fails.

FN: E0—ins.mcu.dgn.—insane microprocessor
diagnostic

FN: E1—inv.ctr.int.—invalid counter over flow interrupt
Most Probable Cause: ECM

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 53

89—EEPROM Failure

Error Description: The I/O processor has detected a

failure with the EEPROM memory used to store drive
internal error log entries.

FN: 41—inv.log.fmt.—invalid EEPROM error log format
FN: 42—exp.pwc.tmr.—expired EEPROM page write

cycle timer
FN: 43—inc.pwc.dat.—incorrect EEPROM write page
cycle data
FN: 44—exp.bwc.tmr.—expired EEPROM byte write
cycle timer

Most Probable Cause: ECM

8A—GASP Mailbox Failure

Error Description: The I/O processor address and

data path lines to the GASP gate array are verified
in both normal mode and register mode, and the
hardware protocol (flags) and the data integrity of the
mailboxes is verified in register mode.

FN: EC—inv.dsp.bus.—invalid DSP bus test
FN: ED—inv.dsp.mbx.—invalid DSP mailbox test
Most Probable Cause: ECM

8B—DSP External RAM Failure

Error Description: During the data verification

process, the data stored in the DSP external RAM
location does not match the data that was written to
that location.

FN: EE—inv.dsp.mem.—invalid DSP memory test
Most Probable Cause: ECM

8C—Sector Pulse Failure

Error Description: A sector pulse error is reported if

the signal sector pulse H should be asserted and it is
not, or if the signal should not be asserted and it is.

FN: E6—inv.sct.pls.—invalid sector pulse
Most Probable Cause: ECM

54 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

8D—External Loop Back Failure

Error Description: External loop back failure occurs if

the signal Init Req H should be asserted and it is not,
or if it should not be asserted and it is.

FN: EA—ext.lop.tst.—invalid external loop back test
Most Probable Cause: ECM

94—Loop Back Frame Not Received

Error Description: Non-transfer command received

(NTCR) did not become asserted after an SDI frame
was sent.

FN: E7—int.lop.tst.—invalid internal SDI loop back test
Most Probable Cause: ECM

95—Loop Back Frame Code Incorrect

Error Description: The frame was received, but it is

not the same frame as was sent.

FN: E8—inv.frm.cod.—invalid response frame code
Most Probable Cause: ECM

96—Loop Back Frame Data Incorrect

Error Description: The frame was received correctly

and the frame code was correct, but the data that was
received did not match the data that was sent.

FN: E9—inv.frm.byt.—invalid response frame byte
Most Probable Cause: ECM

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 55

9A—Read and Off Track

Error Description: The heads were not fine-

positioned or locked on track (relative to the embedded
servo information) at the time a read operation was
ready to start. The drive took the necessary actions to
establish the on-track condition.

The drive will not post a recoverable read-and-off-track
error to prevent interruption to the controller. This
allows the controller to execute all of its available
retry/error recovery sequences to the drive and if
necessary, retrieve user data during a recoverable
error.

FN: 09—rdg&off.trk.—read gate and off track both
asserted

Most Probable Cause: HDA, ECM

9B—Write and Off Track

Error Description: While write gate was asserted, the

read/write heads moved off track.

FN: 58—wrg&off.trk.—write gate and off track both
asserted

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

A0 Illegal Diagnostic Sequence

Error Description: The controller issued an SDI

DIAGNOSE command to the drive. The drive
determined that the requested diagnostics tests were
not in correct sequence or out of context with the
current state of the drive (for instance, seek test while
drive spun down). It also indicates that one of the
diagnose error commands was executed without the
error log being in the correct state. This could be an
operator error if special controller diagnostics were
manually invoked and the user inadvertently entered
incorrect parameters.

FN: D9—ill.dgn.seq—illegal diagnostic sequence
Most Probable Cause: Operator error, ECM, SDI

controller

56 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

C6—PLO Failure

Error Description: The VCO clock is not in sync or

has fallen out of sync with the rotating disk.

FN: 48—plo.lck.flt.—PLO lock failure
Most Probable Cause: HDA, ECM

C9—Analog Loop Failure

Error Description: There are three possible

conditions that result in analog loop failure:

• The I/O processor could not complete a write to
the GASP gate array mailbox.

• The I/O processor could not complete a read of
the GASP gate array mailbox.

• The DSP could not complete the analog test or it
completed the test but with incorrect results. This
consists of three possible conditions:

– The DSP timed out waiting for the A/D

convert to complete.
– The DSP received an unexpected interrupt.
– The DSP found one or more of the

conversions were out of tolerance.

FN: 85—inc.exc.rsp.—incorrect DSP execute response
FN: EF—inv.dsp.dgn.—invalid DSP diagnose response
Most Probable Cause: ECM

CD—Track Count Error

Error Description: While in the course positioning

mode, both gray codes (gray code X and gray code
Y) changed during the same servo frame or one gray
code changed on two consecutive frames.

FN: 49—trk.ctr.flt.—track counter—gray codes out of
quad.
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 57

E0—Firmware Detected Fault - microprocessor Driver

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the microprocessor driver
(MCUDRV). The MCUDRV provides the interface to
the firmware timer functions and controls and monitors
the I/O processor hardware timer.

FN: 01—inc.opr.mode.—incorrect operating mode
FN: 02—inv.pwr.rst.—invalid power on reset
FN: 03—ctr/tmr.flt.—counter/timer test failure
FN: 04—int.ram.flt.—internal RAM test failure
FN: 05—inv.ctr.intr.—invalid or spurious counter

interrupt

FN: 06—inv.tmr.intr.—invalid or spurious timer interrupt
FN: 07—inv.cap.intr.—invalid or spurious input capture

interrupt

FN: 08—opn.tmr.num.—invalid open timer number
FN: 09—act.tmr.flt.—can’t open timer (already active)
FN: 0A—cls.tmr.num.—invalid close timer number
FN: 0B—chk.tmr.num.—invalid check timer number
FN: 0C—get.tmr.num.—invalid get timer number
FN: 0D—mcu.und.flt.—mcudrv module undefined fault
FN: 0E—mcu.und.flt.—mcudrv module undefined fault
FN: 0F—mcu.und.flt.—mcudrv module undefined fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM

58 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

E1—Firmware Detected Fault - Test Handler

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware

has detected an inconsistency in the test handler
(TSTHDR). The TSTHDR controls the drive when and
only when it is connected to the test device at the
manufacturing plant or a repair center.

FN: 10—inv.tsts.adr.—invalid test memory address
number
FN: 11—exp.tst.tmr.—expired test command received
timer
FN: 12—inv.tst.byct.—invalid test command packet
byte count
FN: 13—inv.tst.opcd.—invalid test command packet
opcode
FN: 14—inv.rdm.ofst.—invalid read memory address
offset
FN: 15—inv.rdm.byct.—invalid read memory data
count
FN: 16—inv.wrm.ofst.—invalid write memory address
offset
FN: 17—inv.wrm.byct.—invalid write memory data
count
FN: 18—inv.wrm.data.—invalid write memory data
(RAM didn’t change)
FN: 19—inv.exc.ofst.—invalid execute memory address
offset
FN: 1A—inv.exc.byct.—invalid execute memory data
count
FN: 1B—emp.exc.buf.—empty execute command
buffer (no arguments)

FN: 1C—ful.exc.buf.—full execute response buffer
FN: 1D—inv.fnc.num.—invalid SWI "trap" function

number

FN: 1E—tst.und.flt.—tsthdr module undefined fault
FN: 1F—tst.und.flt.—tsthdr module undefined fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 59

E2—Firmware Detected Fault - OCP Handler

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the OCP driver. This
driver provides the interface to the operator control
functions and determines what type of device is
connected to the drive’s remote front panel connector.

FN: 21—rxp.seq.err.—receive packet sequence error
FN: 22—rxp.ovr.run.—receive packet overrun error
FN: 23—inv.syn.byt.—invalid ’sync’ byte
FN: 24—inv.rxp.cnt.—invalid receive packet count
FN: 25—rxp.byt.ovr.—receive packet byte overrun
FN: 26—inv.rxp.sum.—invalid receive packet

checksum

FN: 27—inv.txp.cnt.—invalid transmit packet byte count
FN: 28—exp.txb.tmr.—expired transmit byte timer
FN: 29—exp.rxb.tmr.—expired receive byte timer
FN: 2A—rxb.frm.err.—receive byte framing error
FN: 2B—rxb.ovr.run.—receive byte over run error
FN: 2C—ocp.und.flt.—ocpdrv module undefined fault
FN: 2D—ocp.und.flt.—ocpdrv module undefined fault
FN: 2E—inv.fls.ers.—invalid flash memory erase
FN: 2F—inv.fls.pgm.—invalid flash memory program
Most Probable Cause: ECM, OCP, SA7x logic

60 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

E3—Firmware Detected Fault - OCP Driver

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the OCP driver. This
driver provides the interface to the operator control
functions and determines what type of device is
connected to the drive’s remote front panel connector.

FN: 30—ocp.flt.num.—invalid OCP logical state
FN: 31—inv.cmd.opc.—invalid command opcode
FN: 32—exp.rxp.tmr.—expired response packet timer
FN: 33—rtx.lst.rsp.—retransmit last response
FN: 34—inv.rsp.cnt.—invalid response packet byte

count
FN: 35—inc.rsp.opc.—incorrect response packet
opcode

FN: 36—inv.rsp.opc.—invalid response packet opcode
FN: 37—inv.ocp.lck.—invalid OCP interlock
FN: 38—exp.rsp.tmr.—expired response packet timer
FN: 39—rtx.lst.rsp.—retransmit last response
FN: 3A—ocp.und.flt.—ocphdr module undefined fault
FN: 3B—ocp.und.flt.—ocphdr module undefined fault
FN: 3C—ocp.und.flt.—ocphdr module undefined fault
FN: 3D—ocp.und.flt.—ocphdr module undefined fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM, OCP, or SA7x logic

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 61

E4—Firmware Detected Fault - Fault Handler

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the fault handler. This
handler monitors and controls the drive’s error logging
functions, both internal and external.

FN: 40—inv.drv.flt.—invalid or spurious drive fault
FN: 45—sft.svo.flt.—soft servo fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM

E6—Firmware Detected Fault - Spindle Motor Control
Driver

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the spindle motor control
(SMC) driver. The SMC provides the interface to the
drive’s spindle motor.

FN: 60—smc.flt.num.—smcdrv module undefined fault
FN: 64—inv.smc.lsn.—invalid spindle motor control

logical state number
FN: 65—inv.smc.num.—invalid spindle motor control
function number
FN: 66—inv.smc.lck.—invalid spindle motor control
lock

FN: 67—inv.smc.flt.—invalid spindle motor control fault
FN: 6A—sup.bkd.flt.—spinup blocked by drive hard or

soft fault
FN: 6B—sup.bkd.lsn.—spinup blocked by spin logical
state number

FN: 6C—smc.und.flt.—smcdrv module undefined fault
FN: 6D—smc.und.flt.—smcdrv module undefined fault
FN: 6E—smc.und.flt.—smcdrv module undefined fault
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

62 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

E7—Firmware Detected Fault - Spindle Motor Control
Handler

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the spindle motor control
(SMC) handler. The SMC controls and monitors the
spindle motor functions via the driver.

FN: 74—inc.lhd.rtz.—incorrect load heads return to
zero state

FN: 75—inc.lhd.sek.—incorrect load heads seek state
FN: 76—inc.lhd.rcl.—incorrect load heads recalibrate

state

FN: 78—exp.spn.tmr.—expired spin timer
FN: 79—inc.spn.psn.—incorrect spin physical state

number

FN: 7A—exp.uhd.tmr.—expired unload heads timer
FN: 7B—inc.uhd.psn.—incorrect unloads heads

physical state number

FN: 7C—exp.sdn.tmr.—expired spindown timer
FN: 7D—inc.sdn.psn.—incorrect spindown physical

state number

FN: 7E—exp.idl.tmr.—expired idle timer
FN: 7F—inc.idl.psn.—incorrect idle physical state

number

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

NOTE
If this error occurs on an RA70 disk drive with FN = 7C
when the drive is spun down, be sure the ECM revision
is J6 or higher (firmware revision 79 or higher).

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 63

E8—Firmware Detected Fault - DSP Driver

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the DSP driver. This
driver provides the interface to the DSP processor via
the servo gate array.

FN: 80—dsp.flt.num.—servo detected fault
FN: 86—exp.rmb.tmr.—expired read mailbox timer
FN: 87—inv.rmb.rsp.—invalid read mailbox response

opcode

FN: 88—exp.wmb.tmr.—expired write mailbox timer
FN: 89—une.wmb.rsp.—unaccepted write mailbox

response

FN: 8A—inc.dma.mode.—incorrect DSP memory mode
FN: 8B—vrf.dsp.mem.—verify DSP memory data
FN: 8C—inc.dsp.bus.—incorrect data bus pattern
FN: 8D—inc.dsp.mbx.—incorrect DSP mailbox pattern
FN: 8E—inc.h/c.num.—incorrect head/cylinder number
FN: 8F—svo.rwr.ast.—servo read/write ready asserted
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

64 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

E9—Firmware Detected Fault - DSP Handler

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the DSP handler. This
handler controls and monitors the servo functions via
the driver.

FN: 90—inc.dst.grp.—incorrect destination group
(head) number

FN: 91—inv.dsp.lsn.—invalid DSP logical state number
FN: 92—exp.dsp.tmr.—expired DSP state timer
FN: 93—inc.dsp.psn.—incorrect DSP physical state

number

FN: 94—inc.dsp.rsp.—incorrect DSP response opcode
FN: 95—inc.dsp.lsn.—incorrect DSP logical state

number

FN: 96—inv.svo.head—invalid servo head number
FN: 97—exp.dtn.tmr.—expired detent state timer
FN: 98—inc.dtn.psn.—incorrect detent physical state

number

FN: 99—inv.svo.cyl.—invalid servo cylinder number
FN: 9A—exp.rtz.tmr.—expired return to zero state

timer
FN: 9B—inc.rtz.psn.—incorrect return to zero physical
state number
FN: 9C—inc.rtz.cyl.—incorrect return to zero cylinder
number

FN: 9D—exp.sek.tmr.—expired seek state timer
FN: 9E—inc.sek.psn.—incorrect seek physical state

number

FN: 9F—inc.sek.cyl.—incorrect seek cylinder number
Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

EA—Firmware Detected Fault - SDI Driver

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the SDI driver. This
driver provides the interface to the controller and the
read/write hardware via the SDI gate array.

FN: A6—aut.snd.flt.—auto send mode fault
FN: A7—inv.rsp.byct.—invalid response packet byte

count

FN: AA—drv.not.rwr.—drive NOT read/write ready
FN: AF—inc.sct.num.—incorrect/invalid sector number
Most Probable Cause: ECM

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 65

EB—Firmware Detected Fault - SDI Driver

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the SDI driver. This
driver provides the interface to the controller and the
read/write hardware via the SDI gate array.

FN: 10—exp.idx.hsw.—expired index/sector pulse timer
(head switch)
FN: 11—inv.head.hsw—invalid physical head switch
(head switch)

FN: B0—inv.sdi.lsn.—invalid SDI logical state number
FN: BA—exp.idx.tmr.—expired index/sector timer
FN: BD—inv.spu.IRQ.—invalid or spurious IRQ

interrupt

FN: BE—inv.head.adr.—invalid physical head address
FN: BF—inv.head.num.—invalid logical head number
Most Probable Cause: ECM

ED—Firmware Detected Fault - SDI Handler

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the SDI handler. This
handler processes and performs SDI level 2 command
packets provided by the SDI driver. In addition, it
provides the SDI level 2 response packets to the SDI
driver.

FN: D7—inv.cpy.byct.—invalid buffer copy byte count
FN: D8—inc.sub.unt.—incorrect subunit mask bit
FN: DA—drv.hrd.flt.—drive hard fault—CANNOT be

cleared

Most Probable Cause: ECM

EE—Firmware Detected Fault - Diagnostic Driver

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the diagnostic driver. This
driver performs the drive’s power on reset diagnostics.

FN: EB—inv.dsp.drv.—invalid DSP driver response
Most Probable Cause: ECM

66 RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide

EF—Firmware Detected Fault - Diagnostic Handler

Error Description: The I/O processor firmware has

detected an inconsistency in the Diagnostic handler.
This handler performs the drive’s spinup diagnostics.

FN: 28—exp.dgn.bwd.—expired diagnostic drive burst
write timer
FN: 29—exp.dgn.bwh.—expired diagnostic head burst
write timer
FN: 2A—exp.dgn.bwk.—expired diagnostic seek burst
write timer
FN: 2B—exp.dgn.erd.—expired diagnostic drive burst
write erase timer
FN: 2C—exp.dgn.erh.—expired diagnostic head burst
write erase timer

FN: 2D—brt&off.trk— burst write and offtrack
FN: 2F—inv. head.tbl—invalid head table data (on the

head track)
FN: DB—exp.dgn.rnd.—expired diagnostic random
cylinder state timer
FN: DC—exp.dgn.sng.—expired diagnostic single
cylinder state timer
FN: DD—exp.dgn.avg.—expired diagnostic average
cylinder state timer
FN: DE—exp.dgn.ful.—expired diagnostic full cylinder
state timer
FN: DF—exp.dgn.hsw.—expired diagnostic head
switch state timer
FN: F0—inv.dgn.psn.—invalid diagnostic physical state
number
FN: F1—inc.dgn.lsn.—incorrect diagnostic logical state
number
Most Probable Cause: ECM

RA7x/SA7x Pocket Reference Guide 67

F2—Soft Servo Fault

Error Description: The DSP firmware has detected

an error.

FN: 4A—svo.grd.bnd.—soft servo fault or inner or
outer guard band

Most Probable Cause: ECM, HDA

FD—DSP Reset Failure

Error Description: The DSP is in the reset state

and the signal HOLDA L is asserted, or the DSP is in
the DMA/HOLD state and the signal HOLDA L is not
asserted.

FN: 81—ast.hld.ack.—asserted hold acknowledge from
DSP processor

FN: 82—inv.dma.num.—invalid DMA space number
FN: 83—neg.hld.ack.—negated hold acknowledge

from DSP processor

Most Probable Cause: ECM

FF—Debug Error Trap

Error Description: This error code is reserved for

engineering to test and debug the drive internal
firmware operations. Normally this error will not show
up in the field.

FN: FF—failed.test.—general failed test
Most Probable Cause: ECM