Using The System Controller - Silicon Graphics POWER CHALLENGE User Manual

Chapter 5: Having Trouble?

Using the System Controller

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The System Controller has three basic operating modes:
• It acts as a control conduit when directed by an operator to power off or
boot up the system. It actively displays a running account of the boot
process and flags any errors encountered. It sends the master CPU a
message when a system event such as power off or a reboot is initiated.
• When operating conditions are within normal limits, the System
Controller is a passive monitor. Its front panel LCD offers a running
CPU activity graph that shows the level of each on-board
microprocessor's activity. Previously logged errors are available for
inspection using the front panel control buttons to select menus.
• The System Controller can also act independently to shut down the
system when it detects a threatening condition. Or it can adjust
electromechanical parameters (such as blower fan speed) to
compensate for external change. Error information stored in the log is
available in both the On and Manager positions. Service personnel can
use the Manager key position functions to probe for system error
information.
When a system fault occurs in the cardcage, ventilation system, or power
boards, the System Controller turns off the power boards but leaves the 48 V
and V5_AUX on. This allows the yellow fault LED to remain lit and the
System Controller to continue functioning. If, for example, the System
Controller displays the error message
do a visual inspection of POKA indicator LEDs throughout the system to
locate the failed component.
If the system shuts down because an OVER TEMP condition occurs,
Note:
the entire system shuts down. To find the fault, turn the key off and then on
again. The LCD screen should show the OVER TEMP error; however, if the
system is not given enough time to cool below the switch-off point, the
System Controller will shut down again.
The System Controller also shuts down the entire system if a 48 V
overvoltage fault occurs. If the System Controller removes power due to an
overvoltage condition, the operator must execute the log function, turn the
power off, and then turn it back on again. These steps are necessary to
successfully power on the system. The purpose of this function is to prevent
, your service provider can
POKA FAIL