IBM Power Systems
PCIe3 RAID SAS Adapter Quad-port 6Gb x8 & PCIe3 SAS Tape Adapter Quad-port 6Gb x8 (CCIN 57B4)
PCIe3 12GB Cache RAID SAS Adapter Quad-port 6Gb x8 (CCIN 57B1, 57CE)

PCIe3 x8 SAS RAID Internal Adapter 6Gb (CCIN 57D7, 57D8, 57DC, 2CCA, 2CCD, 2CD2)

 

 DATE: November 20, 2020

 

Table of Contents

1.0 Microcode Change History

2.0 General Information
2.1 Installation Time
2.2 Machine's Affected
2.3 Operating System Requirements

3.0 Determine the Current Microcode Level for AIX
3.1 Determine the Current Microcode Level for Linux

4.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from CORE
4.1 Downloading the RPM Format File to the Target Server
4.2 Microcode Update via CD

5.0 Verifying microcode before download and notes
5.1 Microcode Download Procedure-SAS Adapters for AIX
5.2 Microcode Download Procedure-SAS Adapters for Linux
5.3 Microcode Download Procedure-SAS Adapters for VIOS

6.0 Microcode Readme Change History

=====================================================================================

1.0 Microcode Change History:

 

19512b00

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

 

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

Note: If updating on a POWER9 MTM 9009-41A, 9009-42A, or 9223-42H, with an expanded function disk drive backplane installed, check whether your partition has been updated with either POWER9 System Firmware VL910_144 (FW910.32) or VL930_068 (FW930.03). If it has not been updated, or superseded, please update to the current level of POWER9 System Firmware before applying this adapter microcode update.

 

- Fixed an issue with JBOD storage devices that could result in a partition boot failure or SAS_ERR2 errors during partition boot. The partition boot failure could result in SRC BA210012.

- Fixed an error that could result in an ERRID_SAS_ERR1 error at adapter IPL with EasyTier arrays.

- Improved error handling and recovery when an adapter to adapter link may transition to not operational

- Improved error recovery while storage devices are initializing

- Improved recovery for an interrupted secure erase operation to a RAID formatted HDD or RAID formatted SSD

- Improved supercapacitor interface to avoid calling out the adapter for replacement during system IPL.

19512900

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

 

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

Note: If updating on a POWER9 MTM 9009-41A, 9009-42A, or 9223-42H, with an expanded function disk drive backplane installed, check whether your partition has been updated with either POWER9 System Firmware VL910_144 (FW910.32) or VL930_068 (FW930.03). If it has not been updated, or superseded, please update to the current level of POWER9 System Firmware before applying this adapter microcode update.

 

- Improved RAID drive format functionality for secure data deletion by sending a Crypto Erase command before a format to SED capable drives

19512800

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

 

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

Note: If updating on a POWER9 MTM 9009-41A, 9009-42A, or 9223-42H, with an expanded function disk drive backplane installed, check whether your partition has been updated with POWER9 System Firmware VL930_068 (FW930.03). If it has not been updated, or superseded, please update to the current level of POWER9 System Firmware before applying this adapter microcode update.

 

- Improved error handling of an issue to properly log a temporary device bus error

- Improved error handling during processing of corrupt parity detection

- Fixed an issue that may result in a controller requesting a microcode update

- Fixed an issue that may cause a controller device port to persistently remain in an incorrect mode

- Fixed an issue that may prevent temporary device bus fabric errors being logged

- Fixed an issue that could cause devices to be called out for replacement

- Fixed an issue that could cause a disk array to resynchronize its parity data after a system reboot

19512300

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Improved error handling for a high impact issue that may call out an adapter for replacement

19512200

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Minor performance improvement of RAID-6 storage arrays

- Fixed an issue that would have caused the adapter call out for a microcode update after receiving a microcode update immediately after controller IPL

- Improved error handling for an issue that may cause a controller to request a reset

- Improved error handling for an issue that may cause in a tape save or restore job to fail

- Improved error handling that would have resulted in controller command timeouts

- Improved error handling for an issue would have caused a storage device to be called out for replacement

- Improved error handling for issues that may result in temporary device bus errors

19511400

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Fixed an issue that could result in a power supply overcurrent condition when the internal disk devices spinup.

19511200

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Fixed an issue that could result in missing storage drives and storage controllers being called out replacement after system boot-up.

19511000

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Added support for POWER9 9070-MR9 and 9225-50H

- Added support for Secure Boot option on POWER9 systems

- Performance enhancements for two-drive RAID-10 arrays

- Performance enhancements for RAID-5 arrays and RAID-6 arrays

- The adapters minimum supported firmware level is set in this level to prevent back-leveling.  The adapter code update process will not accept a download with any code older than this level.

- Improved error handling and recovery for issues that could result in an adapter being called out for replacement

- Improved error handling and recovery for issues that may have resulted in an adapter requesting a microcode update.

- Incorrect error handling and recovery that may result in a device being called out for replacement

- Fixed an issue that may result in hard command timeouts

- Fixed an issue that may cause command timeouts in a dual controller setup.

- Incorrect handling of link status commands in a Dual Controller configuration may cause a device hard command timeouts.

- Improved error handling and recovery for issues that may result in SAS_ERR3

- Improvements for signal settings to prevent a command timeout when the adapter is attached to a DVD drive.

- Improved error handling and recovery for issues that could result in device bus fabric errors while using active optical cables

- Fixed an issue where a device may show a failed path after an expander reset

- Fixed an issue that may result in a port showing degraded while using active optical cables

- Fixed an issue that could cause an adapter to request a reset

18518500

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded. 

 

- Improved error handling and reporting in situations where SAS devices connected to IBM PCIe3 SAS adapters by a non-IBM cable are not properly reported in

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid an adapter possibly being called out for a microcode update while running two drive RAID-10

- Improvements to hardware functionality that may prevent an adapter being called out for replacement or a cable being called out for replacement

 

18518200

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Improved error handling to avoid an adapter being called out for a microcode update.

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid temporary device bus errors

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid calling a device out for replacement

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid an adapter being called out for reset.

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid possible adapter command timeouts

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid possible device command timeouts

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid possible temporary controller failure

17518300

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

Note: The adapters minimum supported firmware level is set to prevent back-leveling.  The adapter code update process will not accept a download with any code older than this level.

 

- Added functionality allowing hosts to force a partner adapter reset in dual controller configurations

- Fixed an issue where certain error logs with connector port locations did not match adapter tailstock labeling

- Multiple improvements to error handling for situations that would have previously resulted and the adapter requesting a microcode update

- Added support for ESLS ESM concurrent maintenance with active optical cables

- Performance enhancements to degraded RAID-5 and RAID-6 arrays

- Improved error handling for caching adapters during IPL that could result in an adapter being called out for replacement

- Possible hard command timeouts for non-optimized operations while operating under heavy workloads

- Improved error handling on the PCIe bus which would have previously resulted in the adapter being called out for replacement

- Improved error handling when an array goes exposed at the same time the dual controller link fails.

- Fixed an issue causing possible hard command timeouts on adapter firmware downloads 

- Fixed a possible array create timeout failure when creating an array with non-zeroed SSDs that are a mixture of different capabilities.

- Fixed an issue where parity may become out of sync if a reconstructing drive fails during the rebuild and is subsequently reset causing the rebuild to automatically restart.

- Improved error handling and recovery when active optical cables are attached that may result in an adapter calling out for service procedures

- Improved error handling and recovery to avoid possible recovered device bus fabric errors

- Fixed an error where a delete SAS disk array command could fail

16519500

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Fix for:

Improved error handling while using SAS disks in a JBOD configuration to prevent time-outs and busy conditions while performing JBOD device hot-plug operations.

16519400

Impact = SVC      Severity = ATT

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded.

 

- Fixes for:

Possible errors while doing expander microcode updates with active optical cables attached that may result in device bus fabric errors.

Improved error handling and recovery of errors, during SAS fabric change processing, to prevent errors against each SAS port.

Improved error handling of various non-fatal PCIe errors that may result in the adapter being called out for replacement.

Improved error handling for drive errors resulting in devices being called out for replacement

Possible errors during SAS adapter supercapacitor failures situation possibly resulting in the controller being called out for replacement

Improved error handling of tape driver operations that could result in the adapter being called out for a microcode update.

Improved error handling and recovery while performing an array resync that may result in adapter reset and/or being called out for replacement.

The adapters minimum supported firmware level is set to 16519200 to prevent back-leveling.  The adapter code update process will not accept a download with any code older than that level.

15511800

Impact = AVAIL      Severity = HIPER

 

- Fixes for:

Possible "false" Over Current detection which may cause an adapter failure on a cold (power off) boot.  This may result in an adapter resource status of failed or unknown and/or system may log  SRCBA180020 SRCB200308C SRCB2004158

 

Warning: Do not interrupt or power off the system while adapter microcode update is in progress.

Note: If updating from a significantly down level adapter microcode level, the microcode update process may require an additional microcode download to be performed for the adapter microcode to be completely updated on the adapter.  Check to see if a SAS_ERR1 error is logged in AIX during this microcode update that requests downloading the latest microcode.  If so, repeat the code update again using the same file already downloaded.  If a message of "Microcode download required” is logged in Linux, repeat the microcode update using the same file already downloaded

 

Possible errors while IO traffic is run to a partner controller which may result in an adapter calling out for a reset.

Added required support for SAS Active Optical Cables

In a dual controller configuration, both controllers may come up as primary which may result in an controller requesting a microcode update

Possible hard command timeouts on controller microcode downloads resulting in device errors and/or controller errors for controller timed out a device command.

The adapters minimum supported microcode level is set to 15511800 to prevent back-leveling.  The controller microcode update process will not accept a download with any microcode older than that level.

15511300

Impact = SVC      Severity = ATT

 

- Fixes for:

Improved handling of temporary loss of status from cache supercapacitor control logic resulting in adapter being requested to be replaced for controller failure.

Enhanced code download function to better handle future updates.

Improved cleanup of stale Task Management Function work queue pointer triggering an adapter firmware exception possibly resulting in permanent adapter errors requesting a microcode update.

Improved error handling and recovery of on card memory errors which may result in adapter errors requesting to be replaced for a controller failure.

Enhanced error recovery in a Dual Controller configuration which could result in adapter to adapter command timeouts followed by an adapter reset on the Primary adapter

Adapter may log permanent adapter errors requesting a microcode update and/or resynchronize array parity data if the adapter was shutdown while Easy Tier® function was in the middle of swapping hot & cold data.

Incorrect processing during device discovery may result in permanent adapter errors requesting a microcode update.

Possible hard command timeouts on reads to tape drives when encountering SAS fabric recovery resulting in device errors and/or adapter errors for controller timed out a device command.

Possible hard command timeouts resulting in device errors and/or adapter errors for controller timed out a device command.

Added support for Enterprise Nearline (ENL) disk drives and EXP12SX storage enclosure (FC ESLL) and EXP24SX storage enclosure (FC ESLS).

The adapter's minimum supported firmware level is set to 15511300 to prevent back-leveling.  The adapter code update process will not accept a download with any code older than that level.

Incorrect handling of device execution path transitions may result in permanent adapter errors requesting a microcode update.

Incorrect error recovery handling of non functional arrays may result in permanent adapter errors requesting a microcode update.

Incorrect error recovery handling of missing cable redundancy may result in an error log for multiple controllers not capable of similar functions or controlling same set of devices occurring after logging incomplete multipath connection between controller and enclosure error. This may also result in incorrect SAS path info screens.

14511f00

Impact = SVC      Severity = ATT

 

- Fixes for:

Incorrect capacity may be reported for some 4k sector hard disk drives in JBOD mode.

Issue causing greatly extended time to create file system in Linux only.

Incorrect logging of some adapter hardware issues may result in SRN57B18151, SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151,

SRN57D78151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151, SRN2CCD8151

Possible hard command timeouts resulting in SRN57B13109, SRN57CE3109, SRN57B43109, SRN57B73109, SRN57D83109, SRN2CCA3109, SRN2CD23109, SRN2CCD3109 and/or SAS_ERR4

Incorrect hardware buffer allocation may result in SRN57B18151, SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57D78151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151, SRN2CCD8151

An issue in performance enhancement code for JBOD devices may result in SRN57B18151, SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57D78151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151, SRN2CCD8151

An incorrect internal adapter machine check may result in SRN57B18151, SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57D78151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151, SRN2CCD8151

Enhanced error recovery to prevent possible command timeouts during reads to SAS tape device resulting in SRN57B43109 and/or SAS_ERR4

14511c00

- Fixes for:

Frequent adapter SAS path rebalancing, done to optimize performance, may cause the adapter HW to get into a bad state leading to possible command timeouts, loss of SAS path redundancy to one or more devices, and in some cases one or more failed devices in an array requiring an adapter reset to recover.

14511900

- Fixes for:

SAS error logging enhancements

A retryable internal memory error may incorrectly result in SRN57CE8150, SRN57D88150, SRN2CCA8150

Device Initiator Response Timeouts and/or Device Data Offset Mismatch resulting in SRNxxxxFFFE for a device.  Device Check Condition due to overlapped commands resulting in SRNxxxxFFF6 for a device.

Support for future hardware features

13512900

- Fixes for:

A very small timing window in adapter internal NVRAM diagnostics may result in SRN57CE8150, SRN57B48150, SRN57B78150, SRN57D88150, SRN2CCA8150, SRN2CD28150, SRN2CCD8150

Possible hard and/or soft command timeouts resulting in SRN57B43109, SRN57B4FFFE

Incorrect usage of adapter freed memory may result in SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57B78151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151, SRN2CCD8151

Adapter error logging enhancements

Incorrect directory management in adapter NAN flash memory function may result in SRN57CE8150, SRN57D88150, SRN2CCA8150,

SAS error logging enhancements

13512400

- Fixes for:

Incorrectly generated ECC in adapter internal memory may resulted in SRN57CE8150, SRN57B48150, SRN57B78150, SRN57D88150, SRN2CCA8150, SRN2CD28150, SRN2CCD8150

Incorrect timeout processing on some 4k ops may result in  SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57B78151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151, SRN2CCD8151

A SAS Multipath redundancy level got better error may be incorrectly logged when an adapter is unconfigured and reconfigured into a partition.

SRN57CE4061, SRN57D84061, SRN2CCA4061, SRN57B44061, SRN2CD24061

Incorrect error recovery handling in a Multi-initiator and high availability configuration when connection to remote adapter is lost may result in

SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151

Error logging enhancements

Incorrect command completion following a device reconstruct may result in SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57B78151, SRN57D88151, SRN2CCA8151, SRN2CD28151, SRN2CCD8151

Possible hard and/or soft command timeouts resulting in  SRC57CE3109, SRC57B43109, SRC57B73109, SRC57D83109, SRC57CEFFFE,

SRC57B4FFFE, SRC57B7FFFE, SRC57D8FFFE,SRN2CCA3109, SRN2CD23109, SRN2CCD3109,SRN2CCAFFFE, SRN2CD2FFFE, SRN2CCDFFFE

Enhancements to SAS path status screens for path toggling and sync path status and path state.

Incorrect error recovery handling when tape drives are attached to SAS adapter FC EJ10 or EJ11, CCIN 57B4 may result in TAPE_ERR4 device errors.

Support for future HW

13512300

- Fix for adapters that support SATA DVD devices to address an incorrect pointer when performing internal adapter configuration for SATA devices which may result in an adapter unit check during IPL and may prevent system boot.

13511e00

- Fix for 8408-E8E Power 8 system to correct an adapter to adapter communication issue which could lead to a Host Timeout of the internal SAS controllers, resulting in a reset of these internal controllers.

13511d00

- GA Level (CCIN 2CCA, 2CCD, 2CD2)

Hard IOA failure on a command execution may result in SRN57CE8150, SRN57B48150, SRN57B78150, SRN57D88150

Internal exception may result in SRN57CE8150, SRN57B48150, SRN57B78150, SRN57D88150

Incorrect error handling of some virtual system enclosure services issues may result in SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57B78151, SRN57D88151

Possible out of resource condition for adapters with write cache may result in SRN57CE8151, SRN57D88151

Possible op completion timing issue between the adapter and device may result in SRN57CEFFF6, SRN57B4FFF6, SRN57D7FFF6, SRN57D8FFF6, SRN57CEFFFE,

SRN57B4FFFE, SRN57D7FFFE, SRN57D8FFFE     

Possible duplicate event for same SAS op may result in SRN57CE8151, SRN57B48151, SRN57B78151, SRN57D88151

Performance enhancements for feature EL3W used in an ESS solution only

Enhancements to SAS path status display to prevent a blank status for a path found failed at IPL time.

Error logging enhancements

Serviceability Enhancements for Linux

General performance enhancements

Serviceability Enhancements

Error Recovery Enhancements

12511700

Performance improvements for feature EL3W in ESS Solution

Error recovery enhancements to prevent possible SRN57CE8151 SRN57B48151 SRN57D88151 SRN57D78151

Error logging enhancements. SRN57CEFFFE, SRN57B4FFFE, SRN57D8FFFE

Error recovery enhancements to prevent possible recoverable SRN57CE8150 SRN57B48150 SRN57D88150 SRN57D78150                                                                       

12511400

- Fix for Power 8 internal DVD device that may go unresponsive and/or log error during runtime or following an IPL.

- GA Level (CCIN 57DC), Log Tip performance enhancement

12511200

-HIPER: Fix for

- SAS I/O adapter firmware enhancement to prevent a possible failure of both adapters in a Multi-initiator and high availability (Dual Controller) configuration which could result in a chance of data loss due to possible data trapped in cache.

- Fix for possible failure of a JBOD operation responding to the host which may result in a potential boot failure or host time out

12511000

Multiple Error logging enhancements.

Error recovery enhancements for Multi-Initiator HA configurations.

Multiple Serviceability enhancements.

Correction for possible performance degradation with 4k sector disk drives

Possible hard command timeouts may result in SAS_ERR2 recommending microcode download.

SAS path error recovery issues may result in adapter unit check.

SRC57B48151 SRC57CE8151 SRC57B78151 SRC57B88151

1151002a

SAS PCIe3 I/O adapter processing of heavy workloads has been enhanced to prevent a possibility of undetected data corruption.
All of the following must be true for there to be a possibility of undetected data corruption:
1) SAS adapter FW level 11510022 or 11510024 installed. Previous 105100xx levels are not affected.
2) RAID configurations only (this will not occur with JBOD configurations).
3) RAID arrays of 3 or more HDDs, or, 5 or more SSDs. Single drive RAID-0 and two drive RAID-10 arrays are not affected.
4) Heavy I/O workload.
5) AIX, Linux, and VIOS operating system environments only (Native IBMi is not affected).

SAS PCIe3 I/O adapter processing of multiple Easy Tier arrays has been enhanced to prevent a possibility of undetected data corruption.
All of the following must be true for there to be a possibility of undetected data corruption:
1) A configuration with multiple tiered RAID arrays (i.e. multiple RAID-5T2, 6T2, or 10T2 arrays).
2) AIX, Linux, and VIOS operating system environments only (Native IBMi does not support Easy Tier).

Customers using AIX, Linux, or VIOS should update to this adapter FW level as soon as possible.

11510024

-Prerequisite for Easy Tier for AIX/Linux
-Prerequisite for 4K Sector disk drives

11510022

-GA Level (CCIN 57D7, 57D8)

10510057

-Multiple Error logging enhancements.
-Error Recovery enhancements.
-Incorrect handling of device error may result in SRC57B48151 SRC57CE8151
-Performance enhancement for Adapter to Adapter cable path and support for 15m cables.

10510052

-GA Level (CCIN 57B4, 57CE)

 

2.0 General information

This subject microcode is to be used on the following SAS Adapter/controller types:
 

CCIN 57B1: PCIe3 12 GB Cache RAID + SAS quad-port 6 Gb x8 Adapter

CCIN 57B4: PCIe3 RAID SAS Adapter Quad-port 6Gb x8 & PCIe3 SAS Tape Adapter Quad-port 6Gb x8

CCIN 57CE: PCIe3 12GB Cache RAID SAS Adapter Quad-port 6Gb x8

CCIN 57D7, 57D8, 57DC, 2CCA, 2CCD, 2CD2: PCIe3 x8 SAS RAID Internal Adapter 6Gb

 

2.1 Installation Time:
Approximately 30 minutes
 
2.2 Machine's Affected:

See Universal Sales Manual or other relevant documents for current listings of supported systems for these adapters

 

2.3 Operating System Requirements

If you are installing a new feature, ensure that you have the software that is required to support the new feature and that you determine whether any prerequisites must be met for this feature and attaching devices.  Consult the IBM sales manual for your system model to determine the AIX, VIOS, Linux, or IBMi release level requisites to support the feature in the system.  To check for the Feature prerequisites, see IBM Prerequisite website (https://www14.software.ibm.com/support/customercare/iprt/home).

 

3.0 Determine the Current Microcode Level for AIX:

Before you install the microcode, it is important to determine the microcode level of the Adapter installed in the target system. Use

the following instructions to read the ROM level stored in the Adapter's VPD.

1)  List the SAS RAID Adapters installed in the system by typing:

    lsdev -C | grep sissas

Note: All of the SAS RAID initiators addresses that are installed will be displayed. The names will be sissasX, where X is 0, 1, etc.

2) To check the current microcode level for the adapter or controller enter the following command

   lscfg -vl sissasX

Where X is the number/s of the previous command. The Command will produce output similar to

 

Example show for CCIN 57CE

DEVICE   LOCATION                                     DESCRIPTION

sissas0 U2C4E.001.DBJ8646-P2-C1-T1 PCIe3 12GB Cache RAID SAS Adapter Quad-port 6Gb x8

PCIe3 12GB Cache RAID SAS Adapter Quad-port 6Gb :
Part Number.................00E8432
FRU Number..................00E8431
Serial Number...............YL3BUE342052
Manufacture ID..............0BUE
EC Level....................B
ROM Level.(alterable).......1051004f
Customer Card ID Number.....57CE
Product Specific.(Z1).......1
Product Specific.(Z2).......2D21
Hardware Location Code......U2C4E.001.DBJ8646-P2-C1-T1

 

If the ROM Level is less than 19512900 then you should update the microcode.

 

3.1 Determine the Current Microcode Level for Linux:
1) Type "iprconfig"
2) Select "Display hardware status"
3) Select SAS adapter by typing a "1" in front of it and pressing Enter.
4) The Command will produce output similar to
"Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . : 10510047"

If the Firmware Version is less than 19512b00 then you should update the microcode.

4.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package from CORE

NOTE:  The CORE image will now be the RPM Format File.

1) After downloading the files from CORE on to your personal system find the following files in the CORE destination directory (c:\ibmdocs\DISKIMG):
    A) "pci.1014034a.51-19512b00-1.aix6.1.noarch.rpm"
    B) "pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.rpm"

    C) "pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.tgz"
2) Log in to the Target Server
3) Create a directory, if not already existent (mkdir /tmp/microcode; mkdir /tmp/microcode/RPM)
4) Transfer the file to the Target Server "/tmp/microcode/RPM directory" using ftp or another method.  Change to that directory, "cd /tmp/microcode/RPM".
5a) For AIX:  Unpack the RPM file by using the following command:  "rpm -ihv --ignoreos --force pci.1014034a.51-19512b00-1.aix6.1.noarch.rpm"
5b) For Linux - RHEL/SUSE:  Unpack the RPM file by using the following command:  "rpm -ihv --ignoreos --force pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.rpm"

5c) For Linux - Ubuntu: Un-tar the file by using the following command: tar -C / -xzf pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.tgz
6a) For the AIX rpm file:  The microcode files will be added to /usr/lib/microcode/.
6b) For the Linux - RHEL/SUSE rpm file:  The microcode files will be added to /lib/firmware/.

6c) For the Linux - Ubuntu file:  The microcode files will be added to /lib/firmware/.

4.1 Downloading the RPM Format File to the Target Server
Use this method to download to an AIX or Linux system:

Note: The instructions that follow are specific AIX/Linux commands. AIX/Linux commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including filenames.

1) Make a directory on an AIX/Linux system to receive the RPM format file.

    Enter: "mkdir /tmp/microcode"
    Enter: "mkdir /tmp/microcode/RPM"
2) Transfer the RPM format file to the /tmp/microcode/RPM directory (using "Save as ...").  Change to that directory, "cd /tmp/microcode/RPM".

You'll see the filenames for the RPM files.
    A) For AIX/Linux:  The filename is pci.1014034a.51-19512b00-1.aix6.1.noarch.rpm
    B) For Linux - RHEL/SUSE:  The filename is pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.rpm

    C) For Linux - Ubuntu: The filename is pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.tgz
3) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below:
    A) For AIX:  Type "rpm -ihv --ignoreos --force pci.1014034a.51-19512b00-1.aix6.1.noarch.rpm"
    B) For Linux - RHEL/SUSE:  Type "rpm -ihv --ignoreos --force pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.rpm"

    C) For Linux - Ubuntu: Un-tar the file by using the following command: tar -C / -xzf pci.1014034A.51-19512b00-1.Linux.noarch.tgz
4a) For AIX rpm file:  The microcode files will be added to /usr/lib/microcode/.
4b) For Linux rpm file:  The microcode files will be added to /lib/firmware/.

4c) For the Linux - Ubuntu file:  The microcode files will be added to /lib/firmware/.
 

4.2 Microcode Update via CD

Below are references and the general flow on how to update microcode update via CD
1) Boot the system via a Standalone Diagnostic's CD
b) To create a bootable Diagnostic's CD go to the following URL.
Burn cdlatest.iso on to a CD-R (or CD-RW). Currently, DVD media cannot be utilized.
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/diags/home.html
c) After booting to Standalone Diagnostics, the Diagnostic's CD can be removed.

2) The Diagnostic's CD should be replaced by a CD containing the unpacked microcode image(s).
The CD containing the microcode images should be prepared prior. This can be done by taking the rpm file(s) from the microcode download site and unpacking them on a usable server. The unpacked files can then be burned on to the CD media.
b) Another method is to use a Microcode Update CD
See the below website for more details
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/lgjsn?mode=10&page=cdrom.html#downloadcdrom

The Microcode Update CD and Discovery Tool can also be ordered through the following link
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/lgjsn?mode=10&page=compare.html&title=Microcode%20Survey%20and%20update%20tool

5.0 Verifying microcode before download and notes

NOTE: Microcode download must be performed separately for each Adapter bus under distinct Logical Partitions (LPAR's).
              Please save current and older versions of the microcode update files in case you need to restore your system.

NOTE: Microcode Download CAN be performed concurrently.

Installation Time:  Approximately 30 min System Time.

Please verify the file size and checksum of the raw microcode files matches the below.
Filesize:  3827056
Checksum:  57519

For AIX/Linux:  "ls -l /usr/lib/microcode/53495351.19512b00" to verify Filesize. 
                "sum /usr/lib/microcode/53495351.19512b00" to verify Checksum.
For Linux:  "ls -l /lib/firmware/pci.1014034A.51.19512b00" to verify Filesize.
                 "sum /lib/firmware/pci.1014034A.51.19512b00" to verify Checksum.

For systems that have LPAR installed, the microcode file must be placed on all partitions that have a SAS device in order to update the code.  Follow this procedure for each partition:

For AIX/Linux:
    A)  Log into the target partition.
    B)  Type: "cd /usr/lib/microcode"
    C)  FTP (for AIX) or SFTP (for Linux) to the partition that has the media bay assigned. (ie.  ftp/sftp partition1.ibm.com)
    D)  Type: "cd /usr/lib/microcode"
    E)  If using FTP then Type: "bin"
    F)  Type: "get 53495351.19512b00"
    G)  Type: "quit"

For Linux:
    A)  Log into the target partition.
    B)  Type: "cd /lib/firmware"
    C)  SFTP to the partition that has the media bay assigned. (ie.  "sftp partition1.ibm.com")
    D)  Type: "cd /lib/firmware"
    E)  Type: "get pci.1014034A.51.19512b00"
    F)  Type: "quit"

5.1 Microcode Download Procedure-SAS Adapters for AIX

Procedure:
1) It is advised, but not necessary to stop all applications.
2) Enter diag
3) Select the "Task Selection" from diagnostics menu.
4) Select "Download Microcode" or "Microcode Tasks -> Download Microcode" from "Task Selection" menu.
5) Select all of the SAS Adapters/Controllers that need to be updated from the list of devices by pressing "Enter".  The devices will be displayed as sissas#, where # is the number of the device.  Press "F7".
6) A dialogue box will be displayed on screen.  Press "Enter" to continue.
7) Select "/etc/microcode".
8) A dialogue box will may be displayed on screen.  It will state that the current microcode level on the adapter is not in the /etc/microcode directory.  This is acceptable as you will be flashing new microcode onto the adapter.  Also, incorrect code will automatically be rejected.  Press "Enter" to continue.
9) An "M" will be displayed next to the latest level of microcode in the /etc/microcode directory.  Select that level and press "Enter".
10) The following message will appear on the screen when download is completed: "Microcode download complete successfully.  The current microcode level for the device sissas# is .....  Please run diagnostics on the adapter to ensure that it is functioning properly."  DO NOT run diagnostics on the device at this time.

In the case where multiple adapters have been selected for update, if more than one adapter has been selected, diagnostics will continue to the next adapter update, and the option to return to the main menu to select running diagnostics on the adapter that has just been updated will not be available until all the adapters have been updated.
11) Exit diagnostics.
12) Verify the code level is 19512b00 by typing "lscfg -vl sissas#" for each SAS device updated. <Where # is the number sissas device>

5.2 Microcode Download Procedure-SAS Adapters for Linux

Procedure:

1) Stop all applications.
2) Type "iprconfig" and press "Enter".
3) Select "Download Microcode" and press "Enter".
4) Select all of the SAS Adapters/Controllers that need to be updated from the list of devices by pressing "1". Then press "Enter".
5) Select the appropriate microcode image to flash by pressing "1".  (The image will end in 19512b00).  Press Enter.  Press Enter again to confirm.
6) If multiple devices were selected in step 4, then repeat step 5 until finished.

 

 

5.3 Microcode Download Procedure-SAS Adapters for VIOS

 

Procedure:
1) It is advised, but not necessary to stop all applications.
2) Enter diagmenu
3) Select the "Task Selection" from diagnostics menu.
4) Select "Download Microcode" or "Microcode Tasks -> Download Microcode" from "Task Selection" menu.
5) Select all of the SAS Adapters/Controllers that need to be updated from the list of devices by pressing "Enter".  The devices will be displayed as sissas#, where # is the number of the device.  Press "F7".
6) A dialogue box will be displayed on screen.  Press "Enter" to continue.
7) Select "/etc/microcode".
8) A dialogue box will may be displayed on screen.  It will state that the current microcode level on the adapter is not in the /etc/microcode directory.  This is acceptable as you will be flashing new microcode onto the adapter.  Also, incorrect code will automatically be rejected.  Press "Enter" to continue.
9) An "M" will be displayed next to the latest level of microcode in the /etc/microcode directory.  Select that level and press "Enter".
10) The following message will appear on the screen when download is completed: "Microcode download complete successfully.  The current microcode level for the device sissas# is .....  Please run diagnostics on the adapter to ensure that it is functioning properly."  DO NOT run diagnostics on the device at this time.

In the case where multiple adapters have been selected for update, if more than one adapter has been selected, diagnostics will continue to the next adapter update, and the option to return to the main menu to select running diagnostics on the adapter that has just been updated will not be available until all the adapters have been updated.
11) Exit diagnostics.
12) Verify the code level is 19512b00 by typing "lscfg -vl sissas#" for each SAS device updated. <Where # is the number sissas device>

 

6.0 Microcode Readme Change History

2020-11-20

-19512b00 released

2020-02-25

-19512900 released

2020-02-10

-19512800 released

2019-05-24

-19512300 released

2019-04-10

-19512200 released

2018-11-28

-19511400 released

2018-10-22

-19511200 released

2018-07-25

-19511000 released

2018-05-23

-18518500 released

-updated OS requirements by revising section 2.3 and removing sections 2.4 and 2.5

2018-03-01

-18518200 released

2017-11-27

-17518300 released

2017-06-01

-16519500 released

2017-05-05

-16519400 released

2017-02-20

-15511800 released

2016-10-27

-15511300 released

2016-08-12

-14511f00 released

2016-05-25

-14511c00 released

2016-04-19

-14511900 released

2015-11-23

-13512900 released

2015-09-22

-13512400 released

2015-08-20

-13512300 released

2015-06-19

-13511e00 released

2015-06-01

-13511d00 released

2015-04-08

-12511700 released

2014-12-08

-12511400 released

2014-11-12

-12511200 released

2014-10-21

-Linux rpm microcode filename changed to upper case letter

2014-10-10

-12511000 released

2014-08-04

-1151002a released. Added information about 11510022

2014-06-02

-11510024 released

2014-04-14

-10510057 released

2014-02-18

-GA microcode level 10510052