System Management: IPMC Watchdog Timer Commands

Monitor POST Time-out:

In this mode, the time-out occurred while the watchdog timer was being used by the moni- tor for some purpose other than FRB-2 or OS Load Watchdog.

OS Load Time-out:The last reset or power cycle was caused by the timer being used to ‘watchdog’ the interval from ‘boot’ to OS up and running. This mode requires system management software, or OS support. The monitor should clear this flag if it starts this timer during POST.

SMS ‘OS Watchdog’ Time-out:

This indicates that the timer was being used by System Management Software (SMS). Dur- ing run-time, SMS starts the timer, then periodically resets it to keep it from expiring. This periodic action serves as a ‘heartbeat’ that indicates that the OS (or at least the SMS task) is still functioning. If SMS hangs, the timer expires and the IPMC generates a system reset. When SMS enables the timer, it should make sure the ‘SMS’ bit is set to indicate that the timer is being used in its ‘OS Watchdog’ role.

OEM: This indicates that the timer was being used for an OEM-specific function.

Using the Timer Use Field and Expiration Flags

The software that sets the Timer Use field is responsible for managing the associated Timer Use Expiration flag. For example, if System Management Software (SMS) sets the timer use to “SMS/OS Watchdog,” then that same SMS is responsible for acting on and clearing the associated Timer Use Expiration flag.

In addition, software should only interpret or manage the expiration flags for watchdog timer uses that it set. For example, the monitor should not report watchdog timer expira- tions or clear the expiration flags for non-monitor uses of the timer. This is to allow the soft- ware that did set the Timer Use to see that a matching expiration occurred.

Watchdog Timer Event Logging

By default, the IPMC will automatically log the corresponding sensor-specific watchdog sen- sor event when a timer expiration occurs. A “don’t log” bit is provided to temporarily disable the automatic logging. The “don’t log” bit is automatically cleared (logging re-enabled) whenever a timer expiration occurs.

Monitor Support for Watchdog Timer

If a system “Warm Reset” occurs, the watchdog timer may still be running while the moni- tor executes POST. Therefore, the monitor should take steps to stop or restart the watchdog timer early in POST. Otherwise, the timer may expire later during POST or after the OS has booted.

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Emerson ATCA-9305 user manual Watchdog Timer Event Logging, Monitor Post Time-out, SMS ‘OS Watchdog’ Time-out

ATCA-9305 specifications

The Emerson ATCA-9305 is a high-performance AdvancedTCA (ATCA) chassis designed to meet the demanding requirements of telecommunications and IT infrastructure. With a focus on scalability, reliability, and flexibility, this equipment is ideal for service providers and enterprises looking to deploy robust applications in a variety of environments.

One of the main features of the ATCA-9305 is its support for high-density blade configurations. The chassis can accommodate up to 14 ATCA blades, enabling the deployment of powerful processing units, communication modules, and storage solutions. This level of density not only maximizes space but also minimizes power consumption, which is crucial for reducing operational costs in large-scale deployments.

The ATCA-9305 is built with a focus on advanced thermal management and redundancy. It employs a sophisticated cooling architecture that ensures optimal airflow across the chassis, preventing overheating during operation. Additionally, the chassis features hot-swappable fans and power supplies, which means that components can be replaced without interrupting the overall system performance. This capability enhances uptime and reliability, which is essential for mission-critical applications.

Another notable characteristic of the ATCA-9305 is its support for various interconnect technologies. The chassis provides robust backplane options that facilitate high-bandwidth communication between blades. It supports Ethernet, PCI Express, and Serial RapidIO, allowing for seamless integration with existing infrastructure and future technologies. This flexibility enables organizations to adapt to changing market demands and technological advancements.

Security features are also a prominent aspect of the ATCA-9305. The chassis incorporates hardware-based security modules that enhance data integrity and protect sensitive information. This is particularly important for service providers who must adhere to strict regulatory compliance standards.

In terms of management and monitoring, the ATCA-9305 is equipped with advanced management capabilities. It supports AdvancedTCA Management Interface (IPMI) and other monitoring protocols, allowing administrators to easily oversee the health and performance of the entire system. This level of visibility aids in proactive maintenance and troubleshooting, effectively reducing downtime.

In conclusion, the Emerson ATCA-9305 is a powerful and versatile chassis that stands out due to its high-density configuration, advanced thermal management, diverse interconnect technology support, robust security features, and comprehensive management capabilities. Its design is tailored for the evolving needs of telecommunications and data center environments, making it a valuable asset for any organization looking to enhance its infrastructure.