PCIe3 2 PORT 10 Gb NIC&ROCE SR/Cu ADAPTER (FC: EC2S, EC2R)   ******* PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE NOTICE *********   DATE: July 22nd, 2024 Table of Contents 1.0 Microcode and Document Revision History 2.0 General information 3.0 Installation time 4.0 Machine's Affected 5.0 Linux Requirements 6.0 AIX Requirements 7.0 Determine the Current Microcode Level for AIX 8.0 Downloading the RPM Format File to the Target Server for AIX 9.0 Discovery Tool Microcode CD-ROM creation and download instructions 10.0 Verifying microcode before download and notes for AIX 11.0 Microcode Download Procedure for AIX 11.1 Setting up for Microcode download 11.2 Downloading Microcode to the Adapter 11.3 Verify and Re-configure adapters   1.0 Microcode and Document Revision History Firmware Level Description 14.32.1010 / 001400321010 Impact: Usability Severity: ATT * Fix in FCODE to address a hang seen when booting off a network iSCSI target disk. * Fixed an issue that resulted in firmware getting stuck and causing unexpected behavior when connecting an optical transceiver that support RXLOS, and the remote side port was down. * Fixed an issue that prevented the system from creating more than 128K QPs. * Fixed a rare case where the the system got stuck when a peer port went down while using an Optical module. * Limited the external loopback speed to the used module's capabilities. * Improved linkup time when using the fast linkup capability. The Firmware Levels Below Are No Longer Supported By IBM Once They Have Been Removed From The Microcode Download Website. It is best practices to update to the latest FW level not only for IBM support of these products, but for optimal performance and to ensure that all of the required HW/FW fixes are installed. Once new FW has been released to the field, we will provide a 6 month grace period for customers to update these products to the currently supported FW level. Please Update To The Latest Level At Your Earliest Convenience 14.31.1014 / 001400311014 Impact: Availability Severity: ATT 1. Fixed classification issues for "Passive" cables to be more robust. 2. Fixed an issue that caused a fatal error, and eventually resulted in the HCA hanging when a packet was larger than a strided receive WQE that was being scattered. 3. Fixed an issue that caused Tx to hang when a duplicate packet rollback occurred. 4. Fixed an issue that prevented events from being sent when only the DCBX oper version was changed. 5. Fixed an issue that prevented a SFP28 cable from linking up in a 25GbE speed. 14.29.1017 / 001400291017 Impact: Availability Severity: ATT 1. Update to Fcode - Fixed an issue with the TX buffer index not properly wrapping causing iSCSI boot to fail. 2. Fixed an issue that caused packets to drop due to header size issues and/or failing checks. The issue was caused due to a Linux issue that caused VFs to set the wrong header size value in wqe_inline_header_mode input. 3. On rare cases, a fatal error related to errors from the PCI transport layer might be reported during FLR. 4. Fixed an issue that caused the device to go to dead IRISC as one of the firmware semaphores could not be released when a speed change or port state change was triggered. 5. Fixed a rare race condition that caused an erroneous write to the firmware image during certain power-down scenarios. This resulted in firmware being recognized as invalid and prevented the adapter card from being recognized by the system due to missing valid Flash images. 6. Fixed an issue that caused the sent packet to hang while the device entered FLR mode. 7. Enabled bytewise BAR configuration. 8. Fixed a rare case where the device hung while running the sw reset flow under heavy stress and with many open resources. 9. Fixed an error that prevented the completions (CQ) from being completed due to a race condition in the firmware transport error handlers. 10. Fixed an issue that cause fragmented IP packets to drop. 11. Fixed a firmware fatal assert that showed an IRISC HANG due to init_hca 12. Fixed a performance degradation issue, and a high packet drop when SR-IOV was enabled and packets went through the FDB default behavior. 13. Fixed a rare issue that caused other active functions to receive a malformed CQE during driver (PF or VF) unload or FLR flows. 14. Fixed an issue that caused the firmware to hang when an FLR occurred at the same time as the teardown. Please review comments about SRIOV and AIX APARs in General Information section of this release notes. 14.24.8000 / 001400248000 Impact: Availability Severity: ATT 1. Adds Secure Fcode support 2. Fixes Health Syndrome : HW_FATAL_ERR due to halt in health counter sometimes seen after a NIM install (The following are from vendor Bug Fixes History from fw release notes that could potentially affect POWER products) 3. Fixes a standby deadlock that was caused when PCIe reset arrived during traffic 4. Fixes an issue that occasionally caused the link to drop after running the ‘reboot’ command due to I2C being stuck. 14.21.3002 (for AIX and Linux) Impact: NEW Severity: NEW Original Release for EC2S and EC2R adapter Document Revision History Description V1.0 – 03/13/2018 Original Release V2.0 – 04/25/2019 Updated instructions for new fw 14.24.8000 / 001400248000 release V3.0 – 05/11/2021 Updated instructions for new fw 14.29.1017/ 001400291017 release Updated General Information section with note about SRIOV. V4.0 – 07/18/2022 Updated instructions for new fw 14.31.1014/ 001400311014 release V5.0 – 07/22/2024 Updated instructions for new fw 14.32.1010/ 001400321010 release 2.0 General information This Readme file is intended to give directions on how to update the microcode found on the PCIe3 2 PORT 10 Gb NIC&ROCE SR/Cu ADAPTER 1. Non-Concurrent Download (Linux Only) The microcode installation does NOT support concurrent download in Linux. The device can be used during and after the download, but update will not go into effect until a reboot is performed. 2. It is recommended that the installation be scheduled during a maintenance window or during non-peak production periods. 3. It is best practice to update to latest FW level not only for IBM support of these products, but for optimal performance and to ensure that all the required HW/FW fixes are installed. 4. Once new FW has been released to the field, we will provide a 6 month grace period for customers to update these products to the currently supported FW level. 5. Adapter in PowerVM SRIOV shared mode - This adapter firmware release notes applies to adapter configured in dedicated mode. - When adapter is transitioned to SRIOV mode, the system firmware updates the adapter firmware, which may differ from the firmware used in dedicated mode. - When adapter is moved back to dedicated mode, user will need to update the adapter firmware to the level mentioned in this release notes. 6. Release Notes for adapter firmware in PowerVM SRIOV shared mode. Please visit fix central (http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/ ) and review the release notes pertaining to your system MTM and installed system firmware. 7. For more information about adapters running in PowerVM SRIOV shared mode visit: SRIOV FAQs and vNIC FAQs 8. To avoid hitting the below mentioned AIX driver issues with the new adapter microcode, please either install that APARs corresponding to your AIX/VIOS version mentioned below, OR update your AIX/VIOS to latest level available on fix central a) Fix to resolve Adapter diagnostics run with newer adapter firmware. AIX Level APAR 7300-00 (73) = IJ37742 7200-05 (72 TL5)= IJ37699 7100-05 (71 TL5)= IJ37754 a) Driver fix to resolve Adapter microcode downgrade from 0014291017 to prior level fails AIX Level APAR 7200-05 (72 TL5)= IJ30441 7100-05 (71 TL5)= IJ30442 b) Driver update to support transition from 4MB to 8 MB microcode file size. AIX Level APAR 7200-04 (72 TL4) = IJ14175 6100-09 (61 TL9) = IJ14204 7100-05 (71 TL5) = IJ14334 7200-03 (72 TL3) = IJ14355 7200-02 (72 TL2) = IJ14640 7200-01 (72 TL1) = IJ14691 7100-04 (71 TL4) = IJ14807 c) If upgrading from 14.21.3002 to a newer fw, have the following APARs otherwise a hotplug may be needed to apply adapter fw after a microcode update task. AIX Level APAR 6100-09 (61 TL9) = IJ04287 7100-05 (71 TL5) = IJ04286 7200-02 (72 TL2) = IJ04285 7100-04 (71 TL4) = IV89962 7200-01 (72 TL1) = IV89963 3.0 Installation time Approximately 20 minutes.   4.0 Machine's Affected Feature Code: EC2S * 9008-22L * 9009-22A * 9009-22G * 9009-41A * 9009-41G * 9009-42A * 9009-42G * 9223-22H * 9223-22S * 9223-42H * 9223-42S * 9040-MR9 * 9043-MRX * 9080-HEX * 9080-M9S * 9105-22A * 9105-22B * 9105-41B * 9105-42A * 9786-22H * 9786-42H Feature Code: EC2R * 9008-22L * 9009-22A * 9009-22G * 9223-22H * 9223-22S * 8335-GTC * 8335-GTW * 8335-GTH * 8335-GTX * 9080-HEX * 9080-M9S * 9105-22A * 9105-22B * 9786-22H 5.0 Linux Requirements Error! Bookmark not defined. For Linux operating systems, use the following procedure: 1. Find the PCI slot the ConnectX-4 Lx adapter is plugged into. Issue the following command:   lspci –nn | grep “1015" For example: # lspci -nn |grep 1015 0001:01:00.0 Ethernet controller [0200]: Mellanox Technologies MT27710 Family [ConnectX-4 Lx] [15b3:1015] 0001:01:00.1 Ethernet controller [0200]: Mellanox Technologies MT27710 Family [ConnectX-4 Lx] [15b3:1015] Note: a. This tells us that the adapter is in the PCIe slot 0001:01:00.0 which will be needed in next steps.  b. Each port is listed as its own PCIe ID 0001:01:00.0 – Port 1 of the adapter 0001:01:00.1 – Port 2 of the adapter. c. Either of the port PCIe IDs can be used to perform the microcode install. 2. Start MFT tools by running “mst start” #mst start Starting MST (Mellanox Software Tools) driver set Loading MST PCI module - Success Loading MST PCI configuration module - Success Create devices If the system does not have the mst command available, please install the Mellanox Firmware Tools (MFT) available here: http://www.mellanox.com/page/management_tools   3. Verify the current Firmware level by running “flint -d -q”. Replace with the ID found in the lscpi command from step 2. flint -d 0001:01:00.0 q Image type: FS3 FW Version: 14.32.1010 FW Release Date: 01.12.2021 Rom Info: type=FCODE version=0.0.400 proto=ETH Description: UID GuidsNumber Base GUID: 248A070300B6844E 4 Base MAC: 0000248A07B6844E 4 Image VSD: Device VSD: PSID: IBM0000000009 This command reveals the current version of the FW; which is 14.32.1010 in this particular case. If the version is less than 14.32.1010, please update.   4. Download the firmware RPM file to the destination machine. Use this method to download the new microcode to a Linux system: NOTE: The instructions that follow are specific Linux commands. Linux commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including filenames. A. Transfer the RPM format file to the /tmp directory (using “Save as....”). You will see the filename for the RPM file.  B. Install rpm on your Linux system by typing: rpm -ivh /tmp/b315151014101f06.001400321010.linux.rpm The microcode package will install the firmware images in the /lib/firmware directory. If a message is displayed saying the "package is already installed", you will need to uninstall the listed rpm package. On the command line type: rpm -e where is the name of the package that was returned in the message. Return to Step 2 and attempt to install the file again. C. The microcode file will be installed to the /lib/firmware directory. The file name is?   5. Verify the contents of the image before flashing: ls -l /lib/firmware/b315151014101f06.001400321010 to verify file size: * b315151014101f06.001400321010 = 16744768 sum /lib/firmware/ b315151014101f06.001400321010 to verify Checksum: * b315151014101f06.001400321010 = 43775   6. Update the FW with "flint -d -i burn" # flint -d 0001:01:00.0 -i b315151014101f06.001400321010 burn Current FW version on flash: 14.31.1010 New FW version: 14.32.1010 Burning FW image without signatures - OK Restoring signature - OK   7. At this point we have burned the new FW on to the Mellanox adapter. However, this FW will not take effect till the system is rebooted. Reloading the drivers is not enough; it requires the system linux partition to be rebooted.     6.0 AIX Requirements Adapter is supported on: * AIX 7.2 with Technology Level 2 and Service Pack 2 and above * AIX 7.1 with Technology Level 5 and Service Pack 2 and above * AIX 7.1 with Technology Level 4 and Service Pack 6 and above * VIOS 2.2.6.21 and above If you are using another release of AIX, ensure that the adapter is supported on that release before you install the adapter. Contact service and support for assistance.   7.0 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. A. List all PCIe3 2 PORT 10 Gb NIC&ROCE SR/Cu ADAPTER installed in the system by typing: lsdev |grep b315151014101f06 B. To check the current microcode level for the adapter or controller enter the following command: lsmcode -cd entX Where "X" is the instance of the adapter. The command will produce output similar to: # lsmcode -cd ent1 The current microcode level for ent1 is 001400321010 If the ROM Level is less than 001400321010 you should update the microcode. 8.0 Downloading the RPM Format File to the Target Server for AIX Use this method to download to an AIX system: 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 two directories on your AIX system to receive the RPM format file. Enter:      "mkdir /tmp/microcode" and then create this directory Enter:      "mkdir /tmp/microcode/RPM" B. 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 filename for the RPM file.        "rpm -ihv --ignoreos b315151014101f06.001400321010.aix.rpm" C. For AIX:  The microcode files will be added to /etc/microcode/.  D. Microcode file will be copied to "/etc/microcode". The file size and checksum of the microcode image will be verified in Section 10.0. File Names: b315151014101f06.001400321010   NOTE:  - "/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. 9.0 Discovery Tool Microcode CD-ROM creation and download instructions To obtain information how to burn a CD-ROM and run the Discovery Tool for an AIX or Linux System please go to: http://www-304.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/lgjsn?mode=10&page=cdrom.html A. After running the Discovery Tool successfully the "/tmp/microcode/RPM" directory was created and your rpm files are copied from the CD-ROM. B. Change to that directory, "cd /tmp/microcode/RPM". C. Unpack the file by executing the instructions below: Enter the command: "rpm -ihv --ignoreos b315151014101f06.001400321010.aix.rpm " D. Microcode file will be copied to "/etc/microcode". The file size and checksum of the microcode image will be verified in Section 10.0. File Names: b315151014101f06.001400321010 NOTE: - "/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. - For customers using the AIX Diagnostics CD, please refer to the IBM System Hardware information Center for instructions. 10.0 Verifying microcode before download and notes for AIX Please verify the file size and checksum of the raw microcode files matches what is listed below. ls -l /etc/microcode/b315151014101f06.001400321010to verify file size: * b315151014101f06.001400321010= 16744768 sum /etc/microcode/ b315151014101f06.001400321010to verify Checksum: * b315151014101f06.001400321010= 43775 11.0 Microcode Download Procedure for AIX 11.1 Setting up for Microcode download A. Stop all applications that use this interface/adapter. B. Remove the interface/IP address from the all ports identified in section 7.0 for the adapters that will be upgraded. a. Before detaching the interface, record the IP address and any other pertinent information that was configured on the Adapter. This information may be needed if the microcode update overwrites this section on the Adapter. C. If the interfaces are members of an SEA, the SEA devices must be moved to a defined state. a. "rmdev -l enX" - where "X" is the interface number for the Shared Ethernet Adapter. b. "rmdev -l entX" - where "X" is the interface number for the Shared Ethernet Adapter. D. If the interfaces are members of an EtherChannel, the EtherChannel device must be moved to a define state. a. "rmdev -l enX" - where "X” is the interface number for the EtherChannel adapter. b. "rmdev -l entX" - where "X" is the interface number for the EtherChannel adapter. E. For every port associated with the adapter, the enX interfaces must be changed to a defined state. a. "rmdev -l enX" - where "X" is the interface number for the adapter port. b. This command will be run 2 times, once for each port on the adapter.              11.2 Downloading Microcode to the Adapter A. At the command line type "diag" B. Select the "Task Selection" from diagnostics menu. C. Select "Microcode Tasks” then select “Download Microcode" from the menu. D. Select all of the entX PCIe3 2 PORT 10 Gb NIC&ROCE SR/Cu Adapters that need to be updated from the list of devices by using the arrow keys to highlight the entry and pressing "Enter" to mark it.  Press "F7" or "ESC+7" when you are done marking all the adapters you want to flash. E. If a source selection menu is displayed, Select "/etc/microcode". F. A dialogue box 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 because the adapter will reject any incorrect code.  Press "Enter" to continue. G. Select 001400321010 level and press "Enter" to flash the adapter. H. The following message will appear on the screen when download is completed: "Microcode download complete successfully.  The current microcode level for the device is ...  Please run diagnostics on the adapter to ensure that it is functioning properly."  I. If you selected more than one adapter to update, then steps 6-9 will repeat until all adapters are updated. J. Exit diagnostics. 11.3 Re-configure and Verify adapters A. Run "cfgmgr" to reconfigure the adapters that were moved to defined before the update.  B. Verify the code level is 001400321010 by typing "lsmcode -cd entX" for each adapter updated, where "X" is the instance of the PCIe3 2 PORT 10 Gb NIC&ROCE SR/Cu ADAPTER.