Reading the Operator Panel Display

The operator panel display is located in the media drawer of the pSeries 690 and is used to:

vTrack the progress of the system unit self tests and configuration program

vDisplay codes when the operating system comes to an abnormal end

vDisplay system messages

Checkpoints

During power-on self-test (POST), four-digit checkpoints display, indicating the progress of the testing. If an error is detected that requires attention, the server halts with an eight-digit error code displayed in the upper row of the operator panel display, starting

in the leftmost position. This eight-digit error code identifies the error. For a listing of the error codes, see the Eserver pSeries 690 Service Guide.

The four-digit checkpoints are in the form of nnnn, where n is an alphabetic or numeric character.

The following diagram shows the locations of the operator panel display and components of the operator panel.

1

2

3

!

 

6

R

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

1

Power on/off button

 

4

Reset button

2

Power on/off LED

 

5

Service processor reset button (Service

 

 

 

 

use only)

3

Operator panel display

6

Disturbance or system attention LED

Disturbance or System Attention LED

The system attention LED on the operator panel is turned on when an entry is made in the service processor error log that gets transmitted to the system-level error logs (the AIX error log and the service action event log in service focal point). When the attention light comes on, examine these error logs to see if user intervention is required.

If a hardware problem is indicated, call service support. If no intervention is required, the system attention LED can be turned off by either of the following methods:

vOn the HMC's graphical interface, as follows: 1. Click on the Service Applications icon.

Chapter 2. Using the Eserver pSeries 690 11

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IBM pSeries690 manual Reading the Operator Panel Display, Checkpoints, Disturbance or System Attention LED

pSeries690 specifications

The IBM pSeries690, also known as the IBM eServer p690, is a high-performance server within IBM's line of Power Systems, designed primarily for enterprise-level workloads. Launched in the early 2000s, it distinguished itself as one of IBM's flagship offerings, aimed at delivering exceptional scalability, reliability, and processing power.

At the heart of the pSeries690 is the IBM POWER4 processor, a revolutionary architecture that significantly enhanced processing capabilities. The system supports multiple processor configurations, allowing businesses to customize performance based on their specific applications. Each pSeries690 can be configured with up to 32 POWER4 processors, providing a maximum processing power that is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, complex databases, and large-scale transaction processing.

One of the standout features of the pSeries690 is its ability to handle massive amounts of memory — up to 1TB of total RAM. This is particularly advantageous for businesses that run memory-intensive applications or require high availability for critical tasks. The server’s advanced memory architecture contributes to faster data access and improved overall system performance.

Additionally, the IBM pSeries690 employs the innovative AIX operating system, which is tailored for high performance and reliability. AIX comes equipped with features such as dynamic logical partitioning (LPAR), allowing resources to be allocated flexibly and efficiently across different workloads. This technology supports virtualization, enabling multiple operating environments to run concurrently on a single physical server, optimizing resource utilization.

The pSeries690 also includes robust fault tolerance and reliability features. Redundant components, hot-swappable parts, and advanced error detection mechanisms ensure that the system remains operational even in the event of hardware failures. This reliability is crucial for mission-critical applications where downtime can lead to substantial financial losses.

Networking capabilities of the pSeries690 are enhanced by support for high-speed connections, including Gigabit Ethernet and the ability to integrate with various network topologies. This versatility facilitates seamless connectivity in complex IT environments.

In conclusion, the IBM pSeries690 remains a powerful and reliable choice for enterprises seeking to manage and optimize their most demanding workloads. Its combination of cutting-edge processing capabilities, expansive memory support, and robust virtualization features makes it a significant player in the realm of enterprise computing. As businesses continue to evolve, the core strengths of the pSeries690, especially in terms of scalability and reliability, ensure that it continues to meet the needs of demanding applications.