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.

Switch MAPs

vªSwitch description and problem determination (MAP 0590)º

vªSwitch supervisor communications (MAP 0595)º on page 1-6

vªSwitch environment (MAP 0600)º on page 1-9

vªSwitch power (MAP 0610)º on page 1-13

vªSwitch function (MAP 0620)º on page 1-17

Attention: Components in the frame are susceptible to damage from static discharge. Always use an ESD wristband when working inside frame covers. (See ªPersonal ESD requirementsº on page 3-1 for more details.) Do not touch the pins or circuitry on these components.

Switch description and problem determination (MAP 0590)

Purpose of this MAP

This MAP describes the components of the SP Switch2 fabric and provides a table (Table 1-1 on page 1-5) containing diagnostic information.

Each SP Switch2 has the following components:

vSwitch interposer cards

±One per occupied switch port

±Connects the SP Switch2 to a switch adapter mounted in processor node

vSP Switch2 adapter

±Installed in processor nodes

±Connects processor node to SP Switch2

Note: Systems equipped with the SP Switch2 require SP Switch2 adapters. This switch cannot connect to the SP Switch MX2 adapter.

vSwitch supervisor

vSwitch power cable

vSwitch wrap plugs:

±To test systems using SP Switch2 interposer cards and adapters, use male and female wrap plugs

-Refer to Figure 1-2 on page 1-5

vInterposer wrap card:

±Used to test the SP Switch2 interposer interface

-Refer to ªSP Switch2 assembly (view 2)º on page 5-4 for the interposer wrap card part number

vSwitch data cables (two types):

±Internal to the frame

±External data cables (multi-frame only)

Attention: Switch data plug and 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 and jacks if not corrected first.

Refer to Figure 1-1 on page 1-3for a high-level view of the RS/6000 SP SP Switch2 assembly.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2002

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IBM RS/6000 SP manual Maintenance Analysis Procedures MAPs, Switch MAPs, Switch description and problem determination MAP

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.