HP Offline Diagnostics Environment ODE | HP Ultra320 A7173A specification

A hardware event monitor monitors the hardware for unusual behavior (known as an event) and sends a message to EMS, which notifies the system administrator and provides suggestions for correcting the problem.

There is a disk monitor that will monitor all disks attached to the A7173A adapter.

For more information about EMS and other online diagnostic tools, see the documents at: http://docs.hp.com/en/diag.html#2%20Online%20Diagnostics

HP Offline Diagnostics Environment (ODE)

The A7173A adapter supports HP’s Offline Diagnostics Environment (ODE). ODE is an offline support tools platform for troubleshooting systems that are running without an operating system or systems that cannot be tested using online tools. The offline environment is also useful for testing that needs to be done before a system is booted.

ODE provides a user-friendly interface for diagnostics and utilities that have been developed to run in this environment.

The Offline Diagnostics Environment has a distributed architecture consisting of several modules. Each module has a specific function and uses well defined protocols to communicate with the other modules.

You can use ODE with either a command line interface, or a menu-driven interface. The command line interface enables you to select specific tests and utilities to perform on a specific hardware module. The menu-driven interface enables you to specify the hardware module to be tested, then automatically selects and performs the necessary tests.

The Offline Diagnostic Environment consists of:

•A Test Controller, which acts as the user interface and launches the execution of the Test Modules.

•Test Modules, which consist of diagnostic or utility programs designed to execute within ODE. These modules exercise or diagnose user specified hardware units.

•A System Library (SysLib), which consists of a set of common routines for use by both the Test Controller and the Test Modules. These routines perform I/O, string parsing, and system control.

For more information about ODE, see the documents at:

http://docs.hp.com/en/diag.html#3%20Offline%20Diagnostics

PCI Error Recovery

The PCI Error Recovery feature provides the ability to detect, isolate, and automatically recover from a PCI error, avoiding a system crash. PCI Error Recovery is included with the HP-UX 11i v3 operating system, and it is enabled by default.

NOTE: PCI Error Recovery is not supported on all platforms. To determine if PCI Error Recovery is supported on your system, see the PCI Error Recovery Support Matrix:

http://www.docs.hp.com/en/ha.html#PCI%20Error%20Recovery

With the PCI Error Recovery feature enabled, if an error occurs on a PCI bus containing an I/O card that supports PCI Error Recovery the following events occur:

•The PCI bus is quarantined to isolate the system from further I/O and prevent the error from damaging the system.

•The PCI Error Recovery feature will attempt to recover from the error and reinitialize the bus so I/O can resume.

If the PCI Error Recovery feature is disabled and an error occurs on a PCI bus, a Machine Check Abort (MCA) or a High Priority Machine Check (HPMC) will occur, and the system will crash.

62 Troubleshooting

Ultra320 A7173A specifications

The HP Ultra320 A7173A is a high-performance Storage Area Network (SAN) component, widely recognized for its reliability and efficiency in data storage solutions. Designed to support the demands of enterprise-level applications, this SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) controller excels in providing fast and reliable data transfer, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require robust storage solutions.

One of the standout features of the A7173A is its ultra-fast data transfer rate. It is capable of achieving speeds of up to 320 MB/s, which is made possible through the Ultra320 SCSI technology. This speed enhancement is crucial for applications requiring quick access to large volumes of data, thus improving overall system performance. The controller maintains compatibility with previous SCSI standards, allowing for interoperability in diverse environments and ensuring that organizations can leverage their existing infrastructure.

The A7173A is built on advanced technologies that enhance its performance and reliability. These include intelligent data buffering and error correction mechanisms, which minimize the likelihood of data loss and improve the integrity of information during transfers. Additionally, the controller features multiple device connections, accommodating up to 15 devices on a single chain. This scalability offers flexibility in expanding storage solutions based on organizational needs.

Another significant characteristic of the HP Ultra320 A7173A is its support for a wide range of operating systems. The controller is versatile, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with numerous enterprise platforms. This broad compatibility ensures that IT departments can deploy the A7173A within their existing environments without major adjustments or additional costs.

Moreover, the A7173A comes with comprehensive management features, enabling administrators to monitor and optimize storage performance effectively. These features help in anticipating issues before they escalate, thereby minimizing downtime and facilitating smoother operations.

In essence, the HP Ultra320 A7173A is a comprehensive SAN solution that offers exceptional speed, reliability, and scalability. Its advanced technologies and versatile compatibility make it an ideal component for organizations looking to optimize their data storage infrastructure while ensuring robust performance across diverse applications. Investing in the A7173A can lead to marked improvements in data management, ultimately contributing to business efficiency and continuity.