Chapter 1. Maintenance Analysis Procedures (MAPs)

This chapter provides information for identifying problems and guides you to the most likely failed Field Replaceable Unit (FRU). The MAPs then refer you to the FRU Removal/Replacement procedures for the corrective action.

vªSP Switch description and problem determination (MAP 0590)º

vªSP Switch environment (MAP 0600)º on page 1-5

vªSP Switch power (MAP 0610)º on page 1-13

vªSP Switch function (MAP 0620)º on page 1-17

SP Switch MAPs

SP Switch description and problem determination (MAP 0590)

Purpose of this MAP

This MAP describes the physical characteristics of each switch type and provides a table (Table 1-1 on page 1-4) containing diagnostic information.

Each switch network has the following components:

vSwitch adapter cards (one per processor node)

vSP Switch

vSwitch internal data cables

vSwitch power cable

vSwitch wrap plugs (male 77G0818 and female 46H9688 for SPS). Refer to Figure 1-2 on page 1-4for views of the wrap plug.

vSwitch external data cables (multi-frame only)

Attention:

1.Switch data plug/jack connector pins are easily bent. Check for bent pins on male plugs or bent pin guides on female jacks if a cable is difficult to plug. Problems with bent pins or pin guides can propagate to new plugs/jacks if not corrected first.

2.All connected SP Switches must be running from the same master clock. If the SP Switches have not been set properly, all processor nodes in a logical frame will be uninitialized. Refer to ªSelecting appropriate switch clocksº on page 3-6for these procedures.

Refer to Figure 1-1 on page 1-2for a high-level view of the RS/6000 SP Switch.

Switch connection types

Standard node

Processor nodes in 9076 SP frames are attached to the SP Switches with switch cables.

Dependent node

Switch adapter resides outside of the 9076 SP frame. Each dependent node is a single SP Switch Router Adapter in the 9077 Switch Router. There can be several dependent nodes in each SP Switch Router.

Switch-to-switch

Connections between SP Switches.

SP Switch types

SPS All clocks are distributed through data cables. External clock inputs are selected from J3, J4, or J5.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1999, 2002

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IBM RS/6000 SP manual Maintenance Analysis Procedures MAPs
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RS/6000 SP specifications

The IBM RS/6000 SP (Scalable Power) is a high-performance computing system that was developed in the early 1990s and has since become a significant player in the realm of supercomputing and enterprise solutions. Designed primarily for scientific, engineering, and complex data analysis tasks, the RS/6000 SP provides powerful processing capabilities, enhanced scalability, and features to support demanding applications.

One of the key characteristics of the RS/6000 SP is its modular architecture, which allows for the addition of multiple nodes. Each node is based on IBM's Power architecture, leveraging the RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing) design to achieve high throughput and efficiency. The system can support configurations ranging from a few nodes to hundreds, enabling organizations to scale their computational power as needed based on workload requirements.

The RS/6000 SP employs advanced interconnect technologies, most notably the SP Switch, which ensures high-speed communication between nodes. This interconnect allows for seamless data transfer, ensuring that the system can handle large datasets and complex computations without bottlenecks. The SP's ability to deliver concurrent processing capabilities makes it ideal for parallel computing tasks, including simulations, modeling, and large-scale computations.

In terms of software, the RS/6000 SP was equipped with AIX, IBM's version of the UNIX operating system, which provides a stable and secure environment for enterprise applications. Furthermore, the system supports a vast array of programming languages and tools, including Fortran, C, and C++, along with libraries and frameworks designed for high-performance computing. This compatibility allows developers to optimize their applications to fully utilize the underlying hardware.

Another notable feature of the RS/6000 SP is its extensive support for various workloads, including database management, multi-user applications, and graphical processing. The system was equipped with high-performance graphics capabilities, making it suitable for tasks that require intensive visualization, such as computer-aided design (CAD) and scientific visualization.

Overall, the IBM RS/6000 SP has solidified its role in the high-performance computing landscape, combining advanced technologies, robust scalability, and flexibility to meet the unique demands of research and enterprise environments. Its legacy continues to influence modern computing architectures, embodying IBM’s commitment to innovation and performance in the pursuit of complex problem-solving capabilities.
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