IBM RS/6000 SP manual Switch supervisor self-test, Verification tests using Perspectives

Models: RS/6000 SP

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The files ending in .out are produced by running the appropriate command to dump internal (in memory) trace information or dump data to a file. The completed output file will be found in /var/adm/SPlogs/css/css.snap.[date-time]tar.Z.

css.snap avoids flooding /var by following these rules:

vIf less than 10% of /var is free, css.snap exits.

vIf the CSS portion of /var is more than 30% of the total space in /var, css.snap erases old snap files until the CSS share sinks below 30%. If successful, css.snap proceeds. If not, it exits.

css.snap is called automatically from the fault-service daemon when certain serious errors are detected. It can also be issued from the command line by service personnel when a switch or adapter related problem is indicated.

Switch supervisor self-test

The following procedures will help you perform self-test on the switch supervisor cards. Upon completion of this test, return to the procedure that sent you here.

1.Power off switch assembly from the circuit breaker on the front of the unit.

2.Detach supervisor harness from connector at back of the unit. Detaching the supervisor harness removes the 12 volt power from the supervisor card.

3.Reinsert the supervisor harness to perform the supervisor card self-test.

4.Check green and yellow LEDs on front of the unit.

This self-test should indicate one of the following conditions for the processor node:

Self-test Conditions

Pass sequence

a.Both LEDs light (about 10 seconds)

b.Green LED stays lit, while yellow LED goes off (about two seconds)

c.Green LED stays lit, while yellow LED flashes node address

d.Both LEDs turn off (about two seconds)

e.Both LEDs light (about one second)

Fail conditions

vGreen and Yellow LEDs never light

vYellow LED flashes wrong address

Verification tests using Perspectives

This section gives you the basic information needed to check the supervisor cards on a single node, frame, or switch.

Node supervisor verification

From the Hardware Perspectives window:

1.The Hardware Perspective should open with a node pane displayed. If it does not, or if you would like to open an additional node pane:

a.Click the Add Paneicon on the tool bar v The Add Pane dialog box opens

b.From the Pane Typepull down, select Nodes

c.Select your choice of adding the pane to the current window or to a new window

d.If desired, enter a new pane title

e.Click OKto open the pane and close the dialog box

3-4RS/6000 SP: SP Switch Service Guide

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IBM RS/6000 SP manual Switch supervisor self-test, Verification tests using Perspectives, Node supervisor verification

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.