Detecting - IBM Power 710 Technical Overview And Introduction

Client control of the service environment extends to firmware maintenance on all of the
POWER processor-based systems. This strategy contributes to higher systems availability
with reduced maintenance costs.
This section provides an overview of the progressive steps of error detection, analysis,
reporting, notifying, and repairing that are found in all POWER processor-based systems.

4.3.1 Detecting

The first and most crucial component of a solid serviceability strategy is the ability to
accurately and effectively detect errors when they occur. Although not all errors are a
guaranteed threat to system availability, those that go undetected can cause problems
because the system does not have the opportunity to evaluate and act if necessary. POWER
processor-based systems employ System z® server-inspired error detection mechanisms
that extend from processor cores and memory to power supplies and hard drives.
Service processor
The service processor is a microprocessor that is powered separately from the main
instruction processing complex. The service processor provides the capabilities for:
POWER Hypervisor (system firmware) and Hardware Management Console connection
surveillance
Several remote power control options
Reset and boot features
Environmental monitoring
The service processor monitors the server's built-in temperature sensors, sending
instructions to the system fans to increase rotational speed when the ambient temperature
is above the normal operating range. Using an architected operating system interface, the
service processor notifies the operating system of potential environmentally related
problems so that the system administrator can take appropriate corrective actions before a
critical failure threshold is reached.
The service processor can also post a warning and initiate an orderly system shutdown
when:
– The operating temperature exceeds the critical level (for example, failure of air
conditioning or air circulation around the system).
– The system fan speed is out of operational specification (for example, because of
multiple fan failures).
– The server input voltages are out of operational specification.
The service processor can immediately shut down a system when:
– Temperature exceeds the critical level or remains above the warning level for too long.
– Internal component temperatures reach critical levels.
– Non-redundant fan failures occur.
Placing calls
On systems without a Hardware Management Console, the service processor can place
calls to report surveillance failures with the POWER Hypervisor, critical environmental
faults, and critical processing faults even when the main processing unit is inoperable.
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IBM Power 710 and 730 Technical Overview and Introduction