Microcode Update for AL14SE 4K
600/1200/1800 GB Hard Disk Drive
Microcode Level 6805
DATE: Dec 1, 2016
Revised Dec 13, 2016
Revised June 10, 2021
Table of Contents
3.
AIX and VIOS(PowerVM Virtual I/O Server) Operating System
3.2 Determine Drive Model,
FRU&PN and Current Microcode Level
3.3.1 Internet AIX self
extracting file (.bin)
3.4 Microcode Download
Procedure
===============================================================
The Microcode
files provided in this package are for SAS disk drives used in
with AIX or
Linux operating systems
Below is the list of
microcode files in this package:
NOTE: To insure the integrity of microcode files, please make sure the checksum value is correct after extraction
Drive Model |
FRU PN |
|
|
Checksum |
|
1.8TB |
AL14SEB180EQ AL14SEB180EP |
00E9946 |
00LY249 |
AL14SEB.A1800002.36383035 |
19770 |
00E9962 |
00LY261 |
||||
1.2TB |
AL14SEB120EQ AL14SEB120EP |
00E9945 |
00LY248 |
||
00E9961 |
00LY260 |
||||
600GB |
AL14SEB060EQ AL14SEB060EP |
00E9943 |
00LY247 |
||
00E9959 |
00LY259 |
Release date |
Code level |
Change Description |
Dec 2016 |
6805 |
Corrects a possible
undetected data corruption in rare cases when the drive is in error recovery during
a sequential write command and the drive is reset or there is a power loss. There
is no known occurrence on Power Systems for data corruption for this issue.
However, IBM recommends that all customers with these drives apply the
latest level of code. |
July 2016 |
6804 |
Initial Release |
===============================================================
Note: For VIOS systems,
microcode of shared physical I/O resources can only be updated from VIOS
partition.
To update disk drive
microcode, from VIOS partition, enter the following command:
oem_setup_env
Then follow the instruction in section 2.3 to transfer/extract the microcode file, and section 2.4.1 to update the disk drive code.
Approximately 20 minutes
if using Diagnostics CD; Approximately 5 minutes/drive using AIX concurrent
diagnostics.
3.2
Determine Drive Model, FRU&PN and
Current Microcode Level
To see the drive type and current
microcode level, Execute the following command:
lscfg -vl hdisk* |pg ; For drives NOT configured for RAID
lscfg –vl pdisk*
|pg ; For drives
configured for RAID
Vital Product Data (VPD)
pdisk0 U5887.001.G43403E-P1-D2 Physical SAS Disk
Drive
# lscfg
-vl hdisk4
hdisk4 U78AA.001.WZSHCHW-P2-D2 SAS 4K Disk Drive (1200000 MB)
Manufacturer.........................IBM
Machine Type and Model......AL14SEB120P
FRU
Number.........................00E9945
ROS Level and ID.................36383035
Serial
Number........................ST64KVJN
EC
Level................................N46243
Part Number..........................00LY248
Device Specific.(Z0).............000006329F001002
Device Specific.(Z1)........680368036805
Device Specific.(Z2)........0001
Device Specific.(Z3)........15154
Device Specific.(Z4)........
Device Specific.(Z5)........22
Device Specific.(Z6)........N46243
Hardware Location Code......U78AA.001.WZSHCHW-P2-D2If the data returned
in the “Part Number”, “FRU Number”, and “Machine Type
and Model” fields match the one listed
in section 1.1
Note: Drive microcode level in “
===============================================================
3.3 Transferring
and Unpacking the Microcode Update Package
a) Make a directory on an AIX
system to receive the AIX format file.
Enter: mkdir
/tmp/fwupdate
b) Transfer the AIX format file to /tmp/fwupdate directory (using "Save as ...").
You'll see the filename is AL14SE5xx.bin
c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.
Enter the commands:
cd /tmp/fwupdate
chmod +x AL14SE4K.bin
./AL14SE4K.bin
[Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]
The directory AL14SE4K with microcode files listed in section 1.1 will be added
to /tmp/fwupdate.
d-Enter the following command to copy the microcode files to " /etc/microcode " directory :
cp /tmp/fwupdate/ AL14SE4K/* /etc/microcode
e- If transferring files to
a different system using floppy diskettes, use the following procedure to copy
files to diskette
Note: Don't overlook the complete path of microcode files, AIX Diag microcode download
will not work if files are not copied with
complete path onto the diskette.
Enter the following command
to copy microcode file(s) onto a floppy diskette
ls /etc/microcode/ microcodefilename
| backup -ivf /dev/rfd0
where microcodefilename is microcode file that
is needed, for example:
ls /etc/microcode/AL14SE* | backup -ivf /dev/rfd0
Note: The instructions that follow are specific
AIX commands. AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE,
and must
be entered exactly as shown, including filenames.
a) Make a directory on an
AIX system to receive the
Enter: mkdir
/tmp/microcode
b) Transfer the
You'll see the filename is AL14SE4K–6805-AIX.rpm
c) Unpack the file by
executing the instructions below:
Enter the commands:
rpm -ihv
--ignoreos --force AL14SE4K–6805-AIX.rpm ;(please note, there are two dashes)
The file size and checksum
will be verified.
The microcode files will be
added to /etc/microcode/
Copy microcode updates from
the CD-ROM to standard locations on your local disk:
1.
2. Microcode files will be copied to /usr/lib/microcode
Notes:
- "/etc/microcode" is a symbolic link to "/usr/lib/microcode".
- If permission does not allow the copy to the above stated directory
or file then the user will be prompted for a new location.
========================================================
Warning: Do not power off the system or the drive during microcode download as
this may permanently damage the disk drive
NOTE: Please save current and older versions of the microcode update files in
case you need to restore your system.
Caution: The microcode download process is nondestructive to the hard disks;
however, as a precaution, ensure that a backup operation has been performed on
the affected systems PRIOR to the microcode installation.
Can microcode be installed Concurrently? YES
Is system reboot needed to activate the microcode: Yes
if stand alone diagnostics CD is used, NO if
concurrent diagnostics is used.
Installation Time: Approximately 20 minutes/drive if stand
alone diagnostics is used(using Diagnostics
CD); Approximately 5 minutes/drive if concurrent diagnostics is used.
3.4.1.2.1 Concurrent
Download
1. Type diag
at the prompt.
2. Select the "Task Selection" from diagnostics menu.
3. Select "Microcode Download" from "Task Selection" menu.
4. Select resource that microcode will be applied to(hdisk? For physical disk, pdisk for RAID configured disks) and press ENTER, then
press "F7" to commit..
5- A small screen displays the message " *** NOTICE***
The microcode installation occurs while the attached drives are
available for use..... "
Press enter to continue
6. Select the source for microcode, use arrow key to go up/down, Enter to continue.
/etc/microcode
diskette
- Use /etc/microcode if "restore" command is used to
copy files from diskette onto the disk
- Use diskette if using diskette as the source for download
NOTE: A prompt will ask you to insert the
microcode diskette in diskette drive(if Diskette is
selected above). Insert the diskette and press ENTER
7- Display shows a list of microcodes
available for the selected drive, highlight option "M
AL14SE...", the latest microcode for the drive and press ENTER. A
message may warn you that current level of microcode is not available on the
media, press ENTER to continue.
8. You will receive a msg. "Current
Microcode is...." and "Download has completed successfully"
(this may take a
few minutes)
9. Return to the Tasks Selection menu and repeat this procedure for each hard
disk that requires this microcode.
10. Exit diagnostic(and reboot if needed).
3.4.1.2.2 Standalone (Service Mode) Download
This procedure is
used for all drives including rootvg or paging space
drives
1. Properly shutdown the system.
2. Boot up the system in standalone diagnostics mode with the CDROM diagnostics(Use diagnostics level 4.21 or above; It is
recommended to use the same level
of Diagnostic CD as the AIX ).
3. Select the "Task Selection" from diagnostics menu.
4. Select "Microcode Download" from "Task Selection" menu.
5. Select resource that microcode will be applied to(hdisk?) and PRESS ENTER.
6. Press "F7" to commit.
(The current microcode
level of the resource you selected earlier will be displayed at the top of the
screen)
7. Make the following selections on the next screen:
Select Input Device
--------------------------------------- [ diskette]
Microcode level to download
-----------------------------[ latest]
Download latest level even if
-----------------------------[ yes]
current is missing
NOTE: A prompt will ask you to insert the
microcode diskette into the floppy drive. Insert the diskette which
accompanies these instructions. If this level is already installed in the drive
you've selected a message will let you know. A message also may come up to let
you know that the Diskette(or Disk) does not have the
previous level microcode file. This is true and is not required to complete the
download.
PRESS "F7" to commit
8. You will receive a msg. "Current Microcode
is...." and "Download has completed successfully"
(this may take a
few minutes)
9. Return to the Tasks Selection menu and repeat this procedure for each hard
disk that requires this microcode.
10. Exit diagnostic and reboot system in normal mode.
======================================================
Microcode can be
updated using the iprconfig utility. The iprconfig utility
allows for multiple levels of adapter and device
microcode to exist on the
system at the same time. After the device to
update microcode is
selected, all available microcode levels are
presented to choose to download.
1. If using SLES 9 base, install the
package by typing:
rpm -ivh --ignoreos AL14SE4K–6805-LINUX.rpm
2. Update the
microcode by typing:
iprconfig
Press Enter.
3. Select
Download microcode and press Enter.
4. Select the device
you wish to update by typing a 1 then pressing Enter. Multiple devices may be
selected.
5. Select the
microcode image to be downloaded to the device by typing a 1 then pressing
Enter.
6. Press Enter again
to confirm the download (display shows “Microcode Download in Progress” with
elapsed time)
7. If multiple
devices were selected, repeat from Step 5 for the next device.
To check the
microcode level:
1. Start iprconfig utility,
2. Select
"Display hardware status" option.
3. Select disk
to query by typing a 1 next to it and pressing "Enter"
4. Look at the
"Firmware Version" field
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Microcode can
be updated using the iprconfig utility. The iprconfig utility
allows for multiple levels of adapter and device
microcode to exist on the
system at the same time. After the device to
update microcode is
selected, all available microcode levels are
presented to choose to download.
1. tar -C-xzvf AL14SE4K–6805-LINUX.tgz
iprconfig
Press Enter.
3. Select
Download microcode and press Enter.
4. Select the device
you wish to update by typing a 1 then pressing Enter. Multiple devices may be
selected.
5. Select the
microcode image to be downloaded to the device by typing a 1 then pressing
Enter.
6. Press Enter again
to confirm the download (display shows “Microcode Download in Progress” with
elapsed time)
7. If multiple
devices were selected, repeat from Step 5 for the next device.
To check the
microcode level:
1. Start iprconfig utility,
2. Select
"Display hardware status" option.
3. Select disk
to query by typing a 1 next to it and pressing "Enter"
4. Look at the
"Firmware Version" field
Dec 13, 2016: Changed description of change for 6805 in section 2 “Change History”
June 10, 2021: Section 1 Disk Drives Affected added EP to the list of drive models