IBM eServer i5 Manual page 4

Architecture
Permanent
The Service Processor
Standard built-in, independent component of every eServer i5 or p5
Own processor, memory and boot code
NVRAM stores the "firmware" and the LPAR configuration
Architecture
Permanent
The Service Processor (aka SP)
Once main power is connected ...
The SP activates its own "firmware" operating system
Control panel shows C1xx progress codes
Gathers vital product data (VPD) from the electronic components in the server
Runs diagnostic routines to verify its hardware and firmware
Control panel shows 01 and the green power LED is flashing
The server is in "SP Standby" mode
The server is ready to interface with HMC
Service Processor
Processor Complex
NVRAM
Temporary
Service Processor
Processor Complex
NVRAM
Temporary
Main I/O
Storage Subsystem
Main I/O
Storage Subsystem
iSeries. mySeries.
7
iSeries. mySeries.
8