IBM DS8000 manual Expansion frame, Rack operator panel

Between the disk enclosures and the processor complexes are two Ethernet switches, a Storage Hardware Management Console (an S-HMC) and a keyboard/display module.

The base frame contains two processor complexes. These eServer p5 570 servers contain the processor and memory that drive all functions within the DS8000. In the ESS we referred to them as clusters, but this term is no longer relevant. We now have the ability to logically partition each processor complex into two LPARs, each of which is the equivalent of a Shark cluster.

Finally, the base frame contains four I/O enclosures. These I/O enclosures provide connectivity between the adapters and the processors. The adapters contained in the I/O enclosures can be either device or host adapters (DAs or HAs). The communication path used for adapter to processor complex communication is the RIO-G loop. This loop not only joins the I/O enclosures to the processor complexes, it also allows the processor complexes to communicate with each other.

2.1.2 Expansion frame

The left-hand side of each expansion frame (viewed from the front of the machine) is the frame power area. The expansion frames do not contain rack power control cards; these cards are only present in the base frame. They do contain a fan sense card to monitor the fans in that frame. Each expansion frame contains two primary power supplies (PPS) to convert the AC input into DC power. Finally, the power area may contain three battery backup units (BBUs) depending on the model and configuration.

Each expansion frame can hold up to 16 disk enclosures which contain the disk drives. They are described as 16-packsbecause each enclosure can hold 16 disks. In a maximum configuration, an expansion frame can hold 256 disk drives. Above the disk enclosures are cooling fans located in a cooling plenum.

An expansion frame can contain I/O enclosures and adapters if it is the first expansion frame that is attached to either a model 922 or a model 9A2. The second expansion frame in a model 922 or 9A2 configuration cannot have I/O enclosures and adapters, nor can any expansion frame that is attached to a model 921. If the expansion frame contains I/O enclosures, the enclosures provide connectivity between the adapters and the processors. The adapters contained in the I/O enclosures can be either device or host adapters.

2.1.3 Rack operator panel

Each DS8000 frame features an operator panel. This panel has three indicators and an emergency power off switch (an EPO switch). Figure 2-2 on page 22 depicts the operator panel. Each panel has two line cord indicators (one for each line cord). For normal operation both of these indicators should be on, to indicate that each line cord is supplying correct power to the frame. There is also a fault indicator. If this indicator is illuminated you should use the DS Storage Manager GUI or the Storage Hardware Management Console (S-HMC) to determine why this indicator is on.

There is also an EPO switch on each operator panel. This switch is only for emergencies. Tripping the EPO switch will bypass all power sequencing control and result in immediate removal of system power. A small cover must be lifted to operate it. Do not trip this switch unless the DS8000 is creating a safety hazard or is placing human life at risk.

Chapter 2. Components 21