Intel Intel NetStructure MPCHC5525 System Master Processor Board IPMI Reference Driver user manual

Page 9

 

IBMU Functionality

IBMU Functionality

2

 

 

2.1Introduction

The Intelligent Board Management Unit (IBMU) equips the Intel® NetStructure™ MPCBL5525 board with Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) functionality as designed by Force Computers*. IPMI is used for platform management.

IPMI is completely independent of the software running on the CPU board; it remains operative even if the board software has crashed or the board is not powered. Due to this fact, IPMI is used to log system status information.

IPMI functionality on the IBMU is based on the Intelligent Platform Management Standards V1.0 Rev. 1.1. In addition, the following optional features applying to the IPMI standard are offered:

•Buses that allow internal and external communication

•Optional IPMI commands

•BMC standby mode

The features of the IBMU allow platform management with devices with and without IPMI controllers (nonintelligent devices). Both are handled differently in many aspects as explained in the next sections.

2.1.1Purpose of IPMI

The purpose of IPMI is to gather information and control devices (e.g., fans). The types of information that can be gathered are:

•Inventory – Board type, manufacturer, serial number, board revision etc.

•Sensor – Temperature, fan speeds, power supply unit (PSU) voltages.

The system management software can use the gathered information to monitor system events and trigger actions, i.e. perform so called platform management.

2.1.2Who Gathers the Information?

In a system there are, for example, several CPU boards and fans. Each of them has inventory data and sensors and can provide this inventory data and sensor data. To make communication within your system easier, your system management software communicates with the CPU boards and fans via one single IPMI controller on a CPU board. This IPMI controller will be the Base Board Management Controller (BMC) and the other IPMI controllers on CPU boards or fans will be Peripheral Management Controllers (PMs).

The BMC has a central function in gathering inventory and sensor-specific data, whereas the PMs only provide data. That is why only one BMC is allowed within one system chassis.

Intel® NetStructure™ MPCHC5525 System Master Processor Board IPMI Reference Driver User’s Guide

9

Page 8 Page 10
Image 9
Page 8 Page 10
Contents May User’s ManualPage Contents Tables FiguresRevision History Contents Using This Guide Terms and DefinitionsTerms and Definitions Reference Documents Other Sources of InformationIntroduction Ibmu FunctionalityPurpose of Ipmi Who Gathers the Information?Data in Repositories Where Is IPMI-Relevant Information Stored?Requirements Basic Communication PrinciplesRequired Parts for Communication with Nonintelligent Devices Available Drivers How Does Communication Work?Communication within a Chassis Communication Within a ChassisExample for PM with Ipmi Controller Devices with Ipmi ControllerExample for Nonintelligent Devices Communication between ChassisIntelligent Chassis Management Bus Icmb Example for Nonintelligent Device via Icmb Action Plan Preparing Software for Ipmi UsageObtaining SDR Settings Sensor Data RecordsRequirements for Events Cpci Signal Checking CPU Board SignalsEjector Switch Critical IRQ StatusPost Code Monitoring the IbmuSelf Test Ipmi Controller WatchdogStandard Ipmi Commands Supported Ipmi Commands BMC/PM AddressesGlobal Ipmi Commands System Interface CommandsSDR Commands SEL CommandsFRU Inventory Device Commands Optional SEL Device CommandsIcmb Bridge Commands Sensor Device CommandsImplemented Optional Sensor Device Commands Implemented Optional Icmb Bridge Commands Sheet 1Implemented Optional Icmb Bridge Commands Sheet 2 Force-Specific Commands1 BMC/PMChangeRole Request DataFlashFileSystemClear GetGeographicalAddressGetSDRRepositoryCRC BMC and PM Addresses SetShadowRepositoryEnableGeographical Address ²C Address Address MappingSupported Ipmi Commands and BMC/PM Addresses Customer Support Technical Support and Return for Service AssistanceCustomer Support Sales AssistanceCustomer Support
Top Page Image Contents