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To look up part numbers and view component diagrams, see Chapter 10, "Parts
Information" on page 457. The beginning of that chapter provides a parts index with the
predominant field replaceable units (FRUs) listed by name. The remainder of the
chapter provides illustrations of the various assemblies and components that make up
the system.
Electronic Service Agent for the RS/6000
Service support for the system can be enhanced through the use of the application
program, Electronic Service Agent for the RS/6000. This application provides a number
of advantages for the customer, including automatic error reporting and analysis without
customer intervention. The Electronic Service Agent kit ships with the system and
includes the following:
v Electronic Service Agent for the RS/6000 program on CD-ROM
v Electronic Service Agent for the RS/6000 User's Guide
If the user's guide is not included, it can be downloaded from the following Web site:
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/aix/.
Using the Service Processor and Electronic Service Agent Features
The service processor and Electronic Service Agent features protect users against
unnecessary system downtime by advising support personnel (both internal and
external) of any unexpected changes in the system environment. In combination, the
two features provide a flexible solution to automated system maintenance.
Service Processor
The service processor runs on its own power boundary and continually monitors
hardware attributes, the AIX operating system, and the environmental conditions within
the system. Any system failure which prevents the system from coming back to an
operational state (a fully functional AIX operating system) is reported by the service
processor. The service processor is controlled by firmware and does not require the AIX
operating system to be operational to perform its tasks. If any system failures are
detected, the service processor can take predetermined corrective actions. The
methods of corrective actions are:
v Surveillance
v Call home
v AIX operating system monitoring
Surveillance is a function in which the service processor monitors the system through
heartbeat communication with the system firmware. The heartbeat is a periodic signal
that the firmware can monitor. During system startup, the firmware surveillance monitor
is automatically enabled to check for heartbeats from the firmware. If a heartbeat is not
detected within a default period, the service processor cycles the system power and
attempts to restart until the system either restarts successfully, or a predetermined retry
threshold is reached. In the event the service processor is unsuccessful in bringing the
system online (or in the event that the user asked to be alerted to any service
processor-assisted restarts), the system can call home to report the error.
Eserver pSeries 630 Models 6C4 and 6E4 Service Guide
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