Intel SRPL8 manual Server Management

Server Management

Most of the server management features are implemented using three microcontrollers, the baseboard management controller (BMC) on the I/O carrier, the front panel controller (FPC) on the front panel board, and the hot-swap controller (HSC) on the LVDS backplane.

The primary function of the BMC is to autonomously monitor system platform management events and log their occurrence in the nonvolatile System Event Log (SEL). While monitoring, the BMC maintains the nonvolatile sensor data record repository (SDRR), from which run-time information can be retrieved. The BMC provides an ISA host interface to SDRR information, so software running on the server can poll and retrieve the current status of the platform. A shared register interface is defined for this purpose.

SEL contents can be retrieved after system failure or during regularly scheduled maintenance. To retrieve SEL contents, field service personnel use tools such as the SSU SEL Viewer or the Intel®Server Control management software.

The BMC:

∙Provides temperature and voltage monitoring

∙Monitors processor presence and performs Fault Resilient Booting (FRB) control

∙Manages SEL interface

∙Manages SDRR interface

∙Manages SDR/SEL timestamp clock

∙Provides Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) information interface

∙Provides system management watchdog timer functions

∙Provides pre-timeout (of watchdog timer) SMI capability

∙Provides front panel NMI handling

∙Provides event receiver functionality

∙Manages ISA host and Intelligent Platform Management Bus (IPMB) interface

∙Manages secure mode control, front panel lock/unlock initiation, and video blank and diskette write protect monitoring and control

∙Provides sensor event initialization agent

∙ACPI Support

SRPL8 Server System Product Guide 29