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Run-Time CPU Deconfiguration (CPU Gard)
L1 instruction cache recoverable errors, L1 data cache correctable errors, and L2 cache correctable errors
are monitored by the processor runtime diagnostics (PRD) firmware running on the service processor.
When a predefined error threshold is met, an error log with warning severity and threshold exceeded
status is returned to AIX. At the same time, PRD marks the CPU for deconfiguration at the next boot. AIX
will attempt to migrate all resources associated with that processor to another processor and then stop the
defective processor.
Service Processor System Monitoring - Surveillance
Surveillance is a function in which the service processor monitors the system, and the system monitors the
service processor. This monitoring is accomplished by periodic samplings called heartbeats.
Surveillance is available during the following phases:
v System firmware bringup (automatic)
v Operating system runtime (optional)
System Firmware Surveillance
System firmware surveillance is automatically enabled during system power-on. It cannot be disabled by
the user, and the surveillance interval and surveillance delay cannot be changed by the user.
If the service processor detects no heartbeats during system IPL (for a set period of time), it cycles the
system power to attempt a reboot. The maximum number of retries is set from the service processor
menus. If the fail condition persists, the service processor leaves the machine powered on, logs an error,
and displays menus to the user. If Call-out is enabled, the service processor calls to report the failure and
displays the operating-system surveillance failure code on the operator panel on the HMC.
Operating System Surveillance
Note: This function is not available on a partitioned system.
Operating system surveillance provides the service processor with a means to detect hang conditions, as
well as hardware or software failures, while the operating system is running. It also provides the operating
system with a means to detect a service processor failure caused by the lack of a return heartbeat.
Operating system surveillance is not enabled by default, allowing you to run operating systems that do not
support this service processor option.
You can also use service processor menus and AIX service aids to enable or disable operating system
surveillance.
For operating system surveillance to work correctly, you must set these parameters:
v Surveillance enable/disable
v Surveillance interval
The maximum time the service processor should wait for a heartbeat from the operating system before
timeout.
v Surveillance delay
The length of time to wait from the time the operating system is started to when the first heartbeat is
expected.
Surveillance does not take effect until the next time the operating system is started after the parameters
have been set.
Chapter 4. Using the Service Processor
47
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