Order Number: EKT8030OP. C01
This manual is intended for the system manager or system operator
and covers the basic operation of these AlphaServer systems. The
systems with the latest Alpha chip, the 21264, are offered 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 Compaq
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
agr eem ent .
1998 Compaq Computer Corporation.
All rights reserved. Printed in the 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 area may cause interference, in which case the user at his own 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 maintain international regulatory compliance.
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 Gert der Funkstrgrenzwertklasse A. In Wohnbereichen knnen bei
Betrieb dieses Gertes Rundfunkstrungen auftreten, in welchen Fllen der Benutzer fr
entsprechende Gegenmanahmen verantwortlich ist.
Avertissement! Cet appareil est un appareil de Classe A. Dans un environnement rsidentiel,
cet appareil peut provoquer des brouillages radiolectriques. Dans ce cas, il peut tre demand
l'utilisateur de prendre les mesures appropries.
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 System Front View...................................................................................3-6
3.4 System Rear View....................................................................................3-8
3.5 System Components............................................................................... 3-10
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 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 Preparation...............................................................................................5-2
5.1.1 Set os_type Environment Variable .................................................... 5-2
5.1.2 Set console Environment Variable.....................................................5-3
5.1.3 Set auto_action Environment Variable .............................................. 5-4
5.2 Selecting a Boot Device ........................................................................... 5-6
5.2.1 Show Config and Show Device Commands (for OpenVMS and
DIGITAL UNIX Systems..................................................................5-8
5.2.2 Boot Environment Variables (for OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX
Systems).......................................................................................... 5-11
5.2.3 Boot Path for Windows NT Systems ............................................... 5-12
5.3 Booting OpenVMS................................................................................. 5-14
5.4 Booting DIGITAL Unix......................................................................... 5-16
5.5 Booting Windows NT ............................................................................ 5-18
5.5.1 Effect of SRM Console auto_action Environment Variable ............. 5-18
5.5.2 Effect of AlphaBIOS Auto Start and Auto Start Count Options ....... 5-20
5.5.3 Effect of AlphaBIOS Password Option............................................ 5-22
Chapter 6 System Troubleshooting
6. 1 Troubleshooting During Power-Up...........................................................6-2
6.2 Troubleshooting During Booting..............................................................6-4
6. 3 Troubleshooting a PCI Shelf .................................................................... 6-6
6. 4 Troubleshooting an XMI Plug-In Unit......................................................6-8
6. 5 Troubleshooting a Futurebus+ Plug-In Unit............................................ 6-10
6.6 Troubleshooting a BA655 Plug-In Unit .................................................. 6-12
6.7 Troubleshooting a Battery 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 Lines NODE# and TYP........................................................... 6-22
6.12 Self-Test Lines ST and BPD .................................................................. 6-24
6.13 Self-Test Lines 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 ................................................................................. 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 Halt ................................................................................................. 7-33
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 ..................................................................................... 7-44
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 ................................................................................. 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 the SRM
Console....................................................................................................8-4
8.3 Keyboard Conventions and Help..............................................................8-8
8.4 Starting AlphaBIOS Setup ..................................................................... 8-10
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 Windows 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
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
41 System Self-Test Display ......................................................................... 4-6
42 Sample Show Configuration Command with a KFE70 ............................. 4-8
4-3 Sample Show Configuration Command with a KFE72 ........................... 4-12
44 Show Device Command......................................................................... 4-14
51 Setting os_type for OpenVMS..................................................................5-2
52 Setting os_type for DIGITAL UNIX ........................................................ 5-2
53 Setting os_type for Windows NT ............................................................. 5-2
54 Set Console to Graphics for DIGITAL UNIX Systems ............................. 5-3
55 Set Console to Both for Windows NT Systems.........................................5-3
56 Setting the auto_action Environment Variable ......................................... 5-4
57 Show Configuration and Show Device for OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX
Systems.................................................................................................... 5-8
58 Viewing and Setting Boot Environment Variables for OpenVMS and
DIGITAL UNIX Systems....................................................................... 5-11
59 OpenVMS Boot ..................................................................................... 5-14
510 DIGITAL UNIX Boot ............................................................................ 5-16
61 Sample Self-Test Display, Failing DWLMA Adapter...............................6-9
62 Show Power Command .......................................................................... 6-15
vii
63 Testing Sequence ................................................................................... 6-18
64 Self-Test Results .................................................................................... 6-20
65 Self-Test Results: Node# and TYP ......................................................... 6-22
66 Self-Test Results: ST and BPD.............................................................. 6-24
67 Self-Test Results: C0, C1, C2,...,Cn ..................................................... 6-26
68 Self-Test Results: ILV and MB ............................................................. 6-28
69 Self-Test Results: Identification Line .................................................... 6-30
610 Sample System Hardware Configuration................................................ 6-32
611 Sample Output of Show Network Command .......................................... 6-34
612 Sample Output of Show Device Command ............................................ 6-36
613 Sample Test Commands......................................................................... 6-38
614 Sample Test Command, System Test ..................................................... 6-40
615 Sample Test Command, I/O Subsystem Test .......................................... 6-42
616 Sample Test Command, I/O Adapter Test .............................................. 6-44
617 Sample Test Command, Memory Module Test ...................................... 6-45
618 Sample Test Command, Testing Devices ............................................... 6-46
619 Testing Network Adapters...................................................................... 6-48
620 Sample Summary Error Report .............................................................. 6-50
621 Sample Full Error Report ....................................................................... 6-52
71 AlphaBIOS Command ........................................................................... 7-14
72 Boot Command...................................................................................... 7-15
73 Building the EEPROM........................................................................... 7-16
74 Building the Nonvolatile RAM .............................................................. 7-17
75 Building the SEEPROM......................................................................... 7-18
76 Clear EEPROM Command..................................................................... 7-19
77 Clear ........................................................................................ 7-20
78 Clear Screen Command.......................................................................... 7-21
79 Continue Command ............................................................................... 7-22
710 Crash Command .................................................................................... 7-24
711 Create Command ................................................................................... 7-25
712 Date Command ...................................................................................... 7-26
713 Deposit Command ................................................................................. 7-27
714 Examine Command................................................................................ 7-30
715 Halt Comand.......................................................................................... 7-33
716 Help Command...................................................................................... 7-34
717 Initialize Command................................................................................ 7-36
718 Prcache Command ................................................................................. 7-38
719 Run Command ....................................................................................... 7-41
720 Runecu Command.................................................................................. 7-43
721 Set EEPROM Command ........................................................................ 7-44
722 Set ............................................................................................ 7-45
723 Set Host Command ................................................................................ 7-47
724 Set Power Command.............................................................................. 7-48
725 Set SEEPROM Command...................................................................... 7-49
viii
726 Show Configuration Command .............................................................. 7-50
727 Show CPU Command ............................................................................ 7-51
728 Show Device Command......................................................................... 7-52
729 Show EEPROM Command .................................................................... 7-53
730 Show Command....................................................................... 7-54
731 Show Memory Command....................................................................... 7-55
732 Show Network Command ...................................................................... 7-56
733 Show Power Command .......................................................................... 7-57
734 Show SEEPROM Command .................................................................. 7-58
735 Start Command ...................................................................................... 7-59
736 Stop Command ...................................................................................... 7-60
737 Test Command....................................................................................... 7-61
738 Type Command ..................................................................................... 7-63
739 Vga Command ....................................................................................... 7-64
740 Comment (#) Command......................................................................... 7-65
B1 Booting LFU from CD-ROM .................................................................. B-2
B2 List Command ........................................................................................ B-4
B3 Update Command ................................................................................... B-6
B4 Exit Command...................................................................................... B-10
B5 Display and Verify Commands ............................................................. B-12
B6 Updating an " Unknown" Device .......................................................... B-14
B7 Modify Command................................................................................. B-18
Figures
11 AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 Systems ....................................................... 1-2
12 Accessing Firmware at the Console Device..............................................1-4
13 Sample System Architecture .................................................................... 1-6
21 Sample System Footprint ......................................................................... 2-2
22 Sample 8200 System ................................................................................ 2-4
23 System Front View...................................................................................2-6
24 System Rear View....................................................................................2-8
25 Processor System Unit ........................................................................... 2-10
26 TLSB Card Cage.................................................................................... 2-11
27 Cabinet Control Logic Panel .................................................................. 2-12
28 Accessing the Console Load Device....................................................... 2-14
29 Power System ........................................................................................ 2-16
210 Control Panel ......................................................................................... 2-18
211 Circuit Breaker ...................................................................................... 2-20
212 System Options ...................................................................................... 2-22
31 Sample System Footprint ......................................................................... 3-2
32 Sample System.........................................................................................3-4
33 System Front View...................................................................................3-6
ix
34 System Rear View....................................................................................3-8
35 Accessing the Console Load Device....................................................... 3-10
36 Power System ........................................................................................ 3-12
37 TLSB Card Cage.................................................................................... 3-14
38 Control/Status and I/O Connections ....................................................... 3-16
39 Cabinet Airflow ..................................................................................... 3-18
310 System Options ...................................................................................... 3-20
311 Control Panel Keyswitch........................................................................ 3-22
312 Control Panel Indicator Lights ............................................................... 3-24
313 Circuit Breaker and AC Power Indicators............................................... 3-26
41 I/O Subsystem..........................................................................................4-2
42 I/O Port Modules......................................................................................4-4
43 Hose Numbering Scheme for KFTIA and KFTHA ................................... 4-7
44 PCI/EISA Slot Configuration with the KFE70........................................ 4-16
45 PCI Slot Configuration with the KFE72 ................................................. 4-17
46 KFE70 Modules ..................................................................................... 4-18
47 KFE72 Modules ..................................................................................... 4-19
51 Boot Devices............................................................................................5-6
52 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Auto Start Enabled .................................. 5-12
53 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Auto Start Disabled ................................. 5-18
54 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Auto Start Enabled .................................. 5-20
55 AlphaBIOS Boot Screen with Startup Password Selected....................... 5-22
61 Power-Up Troubleshooting Flowchart......................................................6-2
62 Power-Up Troubleshooting Steps ............................................................. 6-3
63 Booting Troubleshooting Flowchart (OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX)....6-4
64 Troubleshooting Steps During Booting (OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX)6-5
65 PCI Shelf in a BA655 PIU........................................................................6-6
66 PCI Shelf in an 8200 ................................................................................ 6-7
67 Troubleshooting Steps in PCI Shelf..........................................................6-7
68 Troubleshooting an XMI Plug-In Unit......................................................6-8
69 FBUS+ PIU Troubleshooting 48V LED Off ........................................ 6-10
610 FBUS+ PIU Troubleshooting MOD OK LED Off ............................... 6-11
611 SCSI Indicator LEDs.............................................................................. 6-12
612 Battery Plug-In Unit............................................................................... 6-14
613 Determining Self-Test Results................................................................ 6-16
81 AlphaBIOS Functions .............................................................................. 8-2
82 8200 Control Panel .................................................................................. 8-4
83 8400 Control Panel .................................................................................. 8-5
84 Typical First-Level Help Screen...............................................................8-8
85 Second-Level Help Screen ....................................................................... 8-9
86 Boot Screen ........................................................................................... 8-10
87 AlphaBIOS Setup Screen ....................................................................... 8-11
88 Display System Configuration Screen .................................................... 8-12
89 System Board Configuration .................................................................. 8-14
x
810 Hard Disk Configuration ........................................................................ 8-16
811 PCI Configuration.................................................................................. 8-18
812 Advanced PCI Information..................................................................... 8-20
813 EISA Configuration ............................................................................... 8-21
814 SCSI Configuration................................................................................ 8-22
815 Memory Configuration........................................................................... 8-24
816 Integrated Peripherals ............................................................................ 8-25
817 Updating Firmware ................................................................................ 8-26
818 LFU Load Screen................................................................................... 8-27
819 Hard Disk Setup Screen ......................................................................... 8-28
820 Create New Partition Dialog Box ........................................................... 8-30
821 Delete Partition Dialog Box ................................................................... 8-31
822 Formatting a FAT Partition .................................................................... 8-32
823 Standard Formatting............................................................................... 8-33
824 Standard CMOS Setup Screen................................................................ 8-34
825 Advanced CMOS Setup Screen.............................................................. 8-36
826 Installing Windows NT .......................................................................... 8-38
827 Utilities Selection................................................................................... 8-40
828 Run Maintenance Program Dialog Box .................................................. 8-41
829 Operating System Selections.................................................................. 8-42
830 Primary Operating System ..................................................................... 8-44
831 Operating System Selection Setup.......................................................... 8-46
Tables
1 AlphaServer GS60/140 and 8200/8400 Documentation............................ xvi
21 Electrical Characteristics..........................................................................2-3
22 Environmental Characteristics..................................................................2-3
23 Control/Status and I/O Connections ....................................................... 2-13
24 Control Panel Pushbuttons ..................................................................... 2-18
25 Control Panel Indicator Lights ............................................................... 2-19
31 Electrical Characteristics..........................................................................3-3
32 Environmental Characteristics..................................................................3-3
33 Keyswitch Positions ............................................................................... 3-23
34 Control Panel Indicator Lights ............................................................... 3-25
41 EISA Bus Configuration Procedure Summary ........................................ 4-18
51 Boot Devices............................................................................................5-3
61 SCSI Disk Drive .................................................................................... 6-13
62 SCSI Power Supply................................................................................ 6-13
63 System Configuration for Example 6-4 .................................................. 6-21
64 I/O Subsystem Configuration for Example 64 ...................................... 6-21
65 Test Command Options.......................................................................... 6-39
66 Test Command Environment Variables.................................................. 6-39
xi
71 SRM Console Command Language Syntax .............................................. 7-4
72 SRM Console Special Characters ............................................................. 7-6
73 Environment Variables........................................................................... 7-10
74 Deposit Command Options .................................................................... 7-28
75 Device Name and Address Space Options .............................................. 7-29
76 Examine Command Options................................................................... 7-31
77 Device Name and Address Space Options .............................................. 7-32
78 Test Command Options.......................................................................... 7-59
A1 DIGITAL UNIX Boot Options................................................................ A-1
A2 OpenVMS Alpha Boot Options ............................................................... A-2
C1 Number of Drives You Can Use in a Drive Group for Each RAID Level C-8
C2 How the Capacity of Each Drive Affects the Capacity of the Drive
Group .................................................................................................... C-8
C3 Host Adapter Parameters....................................................................... C-13
xii
Preface
This manual describes both the Compaq AlphaServer GS60 and GS140 systems as
well as the AlphaServer 8200 and 8400 systems. The AlphaServer 8200 and 8400
systems were introduced by Digital Equipment Corporation in 1995. Now Compaq
Computer Corporation, with the introduction of the Alpha 21264 chip, is calling the
latest offering Compaq AlphaServer Global Solutions (GS) systems.
The Compaq AlphaServer GS60 and GS140 systems offer all the robust
features of the current 8200/8400 product plus the fastest processors in the
industry, the Alpha 21264 (EV6), a new blue enclosure, and a Compaq
AlphaServer brand name. The GS60 offers the same five-slot system bus with
support for up to six CPUs, up to 12 Gbytes memory, and the same I/O options
supported by the AlphaServer 8200. The GS140 has the same nine-slot system
bus with support for up to 14 CPUs, up to 28 Gbytes memory, and the same
I/O options as the AlphaServer 8400.
This manual was originally written to describe the DIGITAL AlphaServer 8200
and 8400 systems. Although the console displays in this book show an 8200 or
8400 system, the same examples and descriptions apply to 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 upgraded to the new GS60 and
GS140 systems, respectively, with simple to install CPU module upgrades and
minimal operating system updates.
xiii
Example 1 Sample GS140 Console Display
BA@987)('&%$#"! PQ@A
77IIRRVaR
UV!
AAA88R@
UV"
AA8A8R@
UV#
AA8A8R@
9 R9E
9!`IE
9$`IE
9%
9&
9'R9E
AEU7
7!7 EHX
!C8!C8"C8
9i7viUssCU!$ $&%"%9sX%#!!UAR!))(
#0$)0%$
UTQIX!!QsXIUR7HqrsX!#)!@wuwiWPE`R7HqrsX!$ !
UsUswi3PE($!'' %"QU3QsXIU(0$#0#)Ussps!!))(
9twuwuEQiris|
4"""
Indicates the type of system, the number of processors, the CMOS technology and
speed, and the console firmware version.
Intended Audience
This manual is written for the system manager or system operator who has training in
systems management and is running a Compaq AlphaServer GS60 or GS140 system or
an AlphaServer 8200 or 8400 system.
Document Structure
This manual uses a structured documentation design. Topics are organized into small
sections for efficient online and printed reference. Each topic begins with an abstract.
You can quickly gain a comprehensive overview by reading only the abstracts. Next is
an illustration or example, which also provides quick reference. Last in the structure are
descriptive text and syntax definitions.
xiv
This manual has eight chapters and three appendixes, as follows:
Chapter 1, Introduction, provides a brief overview of the AlphaServer 8200
and AlphaServer 8400 hardware, firmware, and system architecture.
Chapter 2, AlphaServer 8200 System, and Chapter 3, AlphaServer 8400
System, give a basic introduction to your system and its parts.
Chapter 4, I/O Subsystems, describes the AlphaServer 8200 and AlphaServer
8400 systems' I/O design.
Chapter 5, Booting an Operating System, tells how to start running the
Windows NT, OpenVMS, and DIGITAL UNIX operating systems.
Chapter 6, System Troubleshooting, provides basic troubleshooting
procedures.
Chapter 7, SRM Console Commands, lists the SRM console commands with
an example of each command.
Chapter 8, AlphaBIOS Firmware, describes the AlphaBIOS menu selections
and boot screen.
Appendix A, OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX Boot Options, lists the options
used with the boot command for OpenVMS and DIGITAL UNIX to control
various phases of booting.
Appendix B, Updating Firmware, explains how to run the Loadable Firmware
Update (LFU) utility.
Appendix C, Running Configuration Utilities 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 EKT8030OP
Site Preparation Guide EKT8030SP
AlphaServer GS60/8200 Installation Guide EKT8230IN
AlphaServer GS140/8400 Installation Guide EKT8430IN
KFE72 Installation Guide EKKFE72IN
AlphaServer GS60/140 8200/8400 Windows NT EKT8WNTRN
Administrator's Guide and Release Notes
Service Information Kit QZ00RACGC
Service Manual (hard copy) EKT8030SV
Service Manual (diskette) AKQKNFBCA
AKQUW7BCA
AKQUW6BCA
Reference Manuals
System Technical Manual EKT8030TM
System Technical Manual Supplement: CPU EKT8030TS
System Technical Manual Supplement: Memory EKMS7CCTS
DWLPA/DWLPB PCI Adapter Technical Manual EKDWLPATM
Upgrade Manuals for All Systems
KN7CC CPU Module Installation Card EKKN7CCIN
KN7CD CPU Module Installation Card EKKN7CDIN
KN7CE CPU Module Installation Card EKKN7CEIN
KN7CF CPU Module Installation Card EKKN7CFIN
KN7CG CPU Module Installation Card EKKN7CGIN
MS7CC Memory Installation Card EKMS7CCIN
KFTHA System I/O Module Installation Guide EKKFTHAIN
KFTIA Integrated I/O Module Installation Guide EKKFTIAIN
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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
Introduction 1-1
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
8400 8200
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1-2 AlphaServer 8200/8400 Operations Manual
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
Introduction 1-3
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 operating 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
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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.
Introduction 1-5
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
Processors Memory
System Bus
I/O I/O Bus
Port Adapter
I/O Bus
I/O
I/O I/O
Controller
Controller Controller
Devices
Devices
Devices
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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 power-
up, 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 13, 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..
Introduction 1-7
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
AlphaServer 8200 System 2-1
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
Expander System Expander
Cabinet Cabinet Cabinet
170 cm (67 in)
170 cm (67 in)
170 cm (67 in)
60 cm (23.6 in) 60 cm (23.6 in) 60 cm (23.6 in)
Rear
Clearance
75 cm (29.5 in)
Expander System Expander Depth
92.5 cm
Cabinet Cabinet Cabinet 267.5 cm
(36.4 in)
(106 in)
Width
180 cm (71 in) Front
Clearance
100 cm (40 in)
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The values in Table 21 and Table 22 apply to the system cabinet only. The values
are configuration dependent.
Table 2-1 Electrical Characteristics
Electrical Specification
Single-phase AC input voltage 202240 (208) North America
(nominal) 202240 (230) Europe/AP
202240 (202) Japan
Nominal frequency 5060 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 10C35C -40C66C
(50F95F) (-40F to 151F)
Relative humidity 1090% 1095%
Altitude 02.4 km 09.1 km
(08000 ft) (030,000 ft)
AlphaServer 8200 System 2-3
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
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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).
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