Table of Contents
Advertisement
Platform Management Features
5.
Platform Management Features
This section explains BIOS and firmware (FW) requirements that drive specific hardware
implementations of the platform. To a large extent, this is background information.
5.1
BIOS Feature Overview
®
The Intel
Server Board S5500WB product uses the AMI Aptio v3.x code base.
5.1.1
EFI Support
The platform BIOS is compiled to support the 64-bit EFI environment, natively. This allows
operating systems that are EFI-aware to take advantage of the EFI-boot process in a native 64-
bit environment. It is expected this will reduce the time required to boot the platform to those
operating systems. Additionally, any utilities that make use of the EFI environment provided by
the platform BIOS need to support either the native 64-bit environment or make use of the EFI
byte code (EBC). Of course, to maintain compatibility with legacy operating environments, a
legacy boot option is provided.
5.1.2
BIOS Recovery
The platform BIOS supports a BIOS Recovery Mode Jumper. The BIOS samples this jumper
during POST through a GPIO and, if set, defaults to a recovery mode of operation that allows
restoration of the BIOS Flash to a full operational state.
The platform BIOS supports a Reset BIOS Configuration Jumper. The BIOS samples this
jumper during POST through a GPIO and, if set, resets its configuration information stored in
Flash memory.
5.2
BMC Feature Overview
The server management subsystem consists of multiple components including several
interconnected microcontrollers. The subsystem monitors platform sensors (temperatures,
voltages, fans, hard drives, and so forth); implements platform acoustics, power, and thermal
management policies; provides an intelligent LCD front-panel; and provides facilities for remote
and local management.
The server management subsystem is available when the system is connected to wall power
but not fully operational (S5 state); when the system is in a S1 sleep state or when the system
is fully operational (S0 state).
5.2.1
Server Engines Pilot II Controller
The center of the server management subsystem is the Server Engines Pilot II integrated
Baseboard Management Controller. This device provides support for many platform functions
including system video capabilities, legacy Super I/O functions, and also provides an ARM 926-
EJ microcontroller to host the embedded server management firmware stack.
40
Intel order number E53971-008
Intel® Server Board S5500WB TPS
Revision 1.9
Hide quick links:
Advertisement
Table of Contents
