Self-Tests - North Star DIMENSION Service Manual

DIAGNOSTICS
Self-tests
Self-test Self-tests are integrity tests of central module critical
Definition
hardware. They are invoked each time the central module
is turned on. The test programs are stored within the
central board boot PROM. When central module power is
turned on, the programs load and test the hardware
automatically. When the tests are complete, the boot PROM
attempts to read in valid boot code from the diskette or
fixed disk drives.
The tests execute very quickly and their operation is
transparent to a system user. They do not impede a user's
access to the computer, but they do provide assurance that
the system is functioning properly.
Interfacing
The self-tests permit service diskettes to be loaded from the
With Service diskette drive prior to reading a boot code. This feature
Diskettes
enables extended hardware tests to be run.
Error If the self-tests detect a problem, specific errors are not
Reporting
shown. Testing stops, the system status LED (located on
the front panel of the central module) turns off, and the
computer fails to load the operating system. A successful
test results in a normal operating system boot.
Test Self-tests of the central board check the following:
Features
* PROM checksum
* Dynamic RAM (non-destructive)
* Processor internal register mapping
* Fixed disk buffer
DIMENSION Service Manual 3-3