39 results about "Vital Product Data" patented technology

In an electrical system having a chassis with at least one chassis slot for receiving a chassis electrical device, and at least one connector board with at least one board slot thereon for receiving a connector board electrical device therein, respective memory is provided for storing vital product parametric data associated with the at least one chassis slot, the at least one connector board slot, and the respective electrical devices. The stored vital product parametric data can be accessed by the electrical system to check compatibility.

A system and method for thresholding system power loss notifications in a data processing system are provided. Power loss detection modules are provided in a data processing system having one or more data processing devices, such as blades in an IBM BladeCenter® chassis. The power loss detection modules detect the type of infrastructure of the data processing system, a position of a corresponding data processing device within the data processing system, and a capability of the data processing system to provide power during a power loss scenario. The detection module detects various inputs identifying these types of data processing system and power system characteristics and provides logic for defining a set of behaviors during a power loss scenario, e.g., behaviors for sending system notifications of imminent power loss. The detection of the various inputs and the defining of a set of behaviors may be performed statically and / or dynamically.

Methods and systems to automatically respond to a request for product information are described. In one embodiment, a data collection module may collect product data over a network, identify that the product data is related to a particular product, and store the product data and an association between the product data and the particular product in a database. An instant messaging engine may receive a request for the product data after the product data is stored in the database and an interpreter module may identify, in response to the request, the request to correspond to the particular product and retrieve the product data based on the association between the particular product and the product data. The instant messaging engine may also transmit, using an instant messaging protocol, a response to the request, the response including the product data.

A method of virtually removing field replaceable units (FRUs) from a computer system during concurrent maintenance operations. Firmware within a flexible service processor (FSP) assigns unique resource identification (RID) numbers to each FRU in the computer system. The firmware collects vital product data (VPD) for each FRU and generates a duplicate test shared library, which is stored in a memory directory corresponding to the FSP. When the firmware receives input from a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes at least a first FRU selected for virtual removal from the computer system, the firmware adds the RID number of the selected FRU to the memory directory and recollects VPD. The FSP subsequently ignores any FRUs corresponding to RID numbers stored in the memory directory during operation of the computer system.

A method for maintaining vital product data (VPD) contained in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) on a field replaceable unit (FRU) of a computer system that has a cache. The method includes maintaining a copy of the VPD in the cache, retrieving the copy of the VPD from the cache upon receiving a read request of the VPD, and, upon receiving a write request to write data to the VPD, writing the data to the copy of the VPD, determining whether the VPD in the EEPROM is in synchronization with the copy of the VPD in the cache, and, if the VPD and the copy of the VPD are in synchronization, writing the data to the EEPROM.

Mechanisms for thresholding system power loss notifications in a data processing system are provided. Power loss detection modules are provided in a data processing system having one or more data processing devices, such as blades in an IBM BladeCenter® chassis. The power loss detection modules detect the type of infrastructure of the data processing system, a position of a corresponding data processing device within the data processing system, and a capability of the data processing system to provide power during a power loss scenario. The detection module detects various inputs identifying these types of data processing system and power system characteristics and provides logic for defining a set of behaviors during a power loss scenario, e.g., behaviors for sending system notifications of imminent power loss. The detection of the various inputs and the defining of a set of behaviors may be performed statically and / or dynamically.

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for backing up vital product data for a data processing device. A communication module establishes a communications channel with a maintenance module of a service center. The service center remotely supports the data processing device. A backup module copies vital product data to the maintenance module and the maintenance module maintains the vital product data copy. In one embodiment, a restore module receives a command to restore the vital product data copy. The communication module establishes the communications channel between the restore module and the maintenance module and the maintenance module copies the vital product data copy to the restore module.

A system and method are directed towards a pseudo multi-master operation on a serial bus. The pseudo multi-master operation allows multiple devices without standard multi-master functionality to operate on the serial bus as masters. In a disclosed example, the serial bus is an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus, which is isolated when an adapter card requires access to the I2C bus, such as to update vital product data (VPD) to a memory device, and to cache the updated VPD to a chassis management module.

A system and method are directed towards a pseudo multi-master operation on a serial bus. The pseudo multi-master operation allows multiple devices without standard multi-master functionality to operate on the serial bus as masters. In a disclosed example, the serial bus is an Inter-Integrated Circuit (I2C) bus, which is isolated when an adapter card requires access to the I2C bus, such as to update vital product data (VPD) to a memory device, and to cache the updated VPD to a chassis management module.

An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for backing up vital product data for a data processing device. A communication module establishes a communications channel with a maintenance module of a service center. The service center remotely supports the data processing device. A backup module copies vital product data to the maintenance module and the maintenance module maintains the vital product data copy. In one embodiment, a restore module receives a command to restore the vital product data copy. The communication module establishes the communications channel between the restore module and the maintenance module and the maintenance module copies the vital product data copy to the restore module.

A vital product data system memory stores warranty information in vital product data relating to replaceable unit(s) of a data handling system. The data comprises a date of first use, and a device state field comprising an identifier representing one of the states: “new”, “recertified”, and, “in-use”. Management control, in response to newly sensing a replaceable unit, detects its device state field, and if the detected field is set to the “new” state, resets it to the “in-use” state, sets the date of first use to a current date, and stores the state field and date of first use for the replaceable unit in the memory; and if the detected field is set to the “recertified” state, resets the field to the “in-use” state, and sets the replaceable unit date of first use to the date of first use stored in the memory for the previous replaceable unit at the same location.

Because cable length affects signal quality, amplifying signals differently to account for cable length (“tuning”) becomes especially important when high speed signals are used. Cable length information may be stored in a non-volatile memory which may be integrated into a cable assembly or may be a discrete component between the cable and an interface. Rather than using a dedicated data line to the memory component a ground line may be connected to the memory component and multiplexed. During normal operation the selected line is grounded through a switching device. When a cable is detected, a management controller changes the state of the switching device to decouple the selected line from ground to allow the management controller access to the data stored in the memory component, including cable length information. The selected line is then re-coupled to ground and interface circuits may be tuned for the cable length.

A library uses a web server to store library vital product data (VPD) to a user's computer. In certain embodiments, the library uses web type cookies to save library VPD as name-value pairs. After an action, such as a service action, that results in a loss of VPD, the library can automatically retrieve the VPD from the web browser of the user's computer. This approach has several advantages. No user intervention is required to back up or restore the library VPD. Simply using the web user interface of the library accomplishes the necessary connection to the user's computer storage. If the user does not connect to the web browser then it is likely that library VPD is not being changed. No additional hardware or software is required. Additionally, the library already has a web server and the customer already uses web browsers to access the library. No cost, installation, or setup is required. In certain embodiments, library firmware can use the existing operator panel and web user interface for prompting the user through any decisions that may be required, as it relates to backing up or restoring library VPD.

A method, system, and computer program product for dynamically updating vital product data (VPD) based on the presence of an installed feature card supported by an input / output (I / O) adapter in a data processing device. A VPD utility initiates the boot up process of the I / O adapter with the aid of the common boot code in the Boot / VPD segment of a flash module. The hardware configuration registers are loaded with default values. Additionally, the VPD from the (flash) Boot / VPD segment is loaded. When the feature card is present, the VPD utility retrieves configuration information for the feature card and loads the hardware configuration registers with values relevant to the feature card. The VPD utility retrieves the feature card VPD and loads available VPD updates into the (flash) alternate Open Boot segment. The flash firmware image uses the VPD to manage the adapter.

Because cable length affects signal quality, amplifying signals differently to account for cable length (“tuning”) becomes especially important when high speed signals are used. Cable length information may be stored in a non-volatile memory which may be integrated into a cable assembly or may be a discrete component between the cable and an interface. Rather than using a dedicated data line to the memory component a ground line may be connected to the memory component and multiplexed. During normal operation the selected line is grounded through a switching device. When a cable is detected, a management controller changes the state of the switching device to decouple the selected line from ground to allow the management controller access to the data stored in the memory component, including cable length information. The selected line is then re-coupled to ground and interface circuits may be tuned for the cable length.

A method for maintaining vital product data (VPD) of each field replaceable unit (FRUs) in a computer system, the computer system including a first FRU and a second FRU operatively coupled with the first FRU. The method includes calculating a parity for the VPD of the second FRU, and upon detecting a failure of the second FRU, regenerating the VPD for the failed second FRU using the parity.

A method of virtually removing field replaceable units (FRUs) from a computer system during concurrent maintenance operations. Firmware within a flexible service processor (FSP) assigns unique resource identification (RID) numbers to each FRU in the computer system. The firmware collects vital product data (VPD) for each FRU and generates a duplicate test shared library, which is stored in a memory directory corresponding to the FSP. When the firmware receives input from a graphical user interface (GUI) that includes at least a first FRU selected for virtual removal from the computer system, the firmware adds the RID number of the selected FRU to the memory directory and recollects VPD. The FSP subsequently ignores any FRUs corresponding to RID numbers stored in the memory directory during operation of the computer system.

A computer processor subsystem, e.g. called a “target”, in response to receiving an update to vital product data of the system from a source computer processor subsystem, examines the update to detect the vital product data of the target computer processor subsystem stored by the source computer processor subsystem; and, in response to the detected vital product data being incorrect, the target computer processor subsystem forwards its correct vital product data to the source computer processor subsystem having the incorrect vital product data. A computer processor subsystem is the authoritative reference for its vital product data.

A method of powering on a plurality of devices includes identifying a plurality of power distribution units (PDUs) disposed in a rack, wherein each PDU receives power from a main power source and includes a circuit breaker. A plurality of devices disposed in the rack are identified, wherein each device receives power from one of the PDUs, and wherein the plurality of devices are server nodes, network switches or external data storage devices. Vital product data (VPD) is obtained from a service processor in each device, wherein the VPD identifies the device by a model identification code. For each PDU, the plurality of devices connected to the PDU are powered on in a sequence to prevent an inrush current from tripping the circuit breaker within the PDU, wherein the sequence powers on devices in order of ascending commonality of the model identification code.

A system and method are provided to allow a user to update a computer system without having to interact with an initiation, or configuration software utility, or program. More particularly, the present invention allows a system provider, manufacturer, or service provider to create an installation file that, when provided to a user, will configure a system to accommodate newly added / removed hardware automatically. A base model and a new model of the system are maintained. The new model will include one or more different configurations, such as new graphics adapters, communications adapters, I / O controllers, or the like. The provider will have created a recovery / install image to be used with the base model. An operating system including a configurator program will be running on both the base model system and new model system. Software, such as device drivers, to be used with the new model's changed hardware configuration is installed on the new model system and initialized using its configurator program. A file for the new model is created using vital product data for the base model system. This new model configuration file is the installed on the base model machine and its configurator program is run. The configuration information (including the new model configuration data) is then stored as a system image and a script file is added to this system image. This new model image is then made available to end users, by a CD or the like, having a new model system. The script file in the new model image will specify a start priority that will allow it to be called before the configurator program and it will proceed to initialize the system with the appropriate software captured from the system provider's new model machine.

A computer program product includes computer usable program code for: identifying a plurality of power distribution units (PDUs) disposed in a rack, wherein each PDU receives power from a main power source and includes a circuit breaker; identifying a plurality of devices disposed in the rack, wherein each device receives power from one of the PDUs, and wherein the plurality of devices are selected from server nodes, network switches and external data storage devices; obtaining vital product data from a service processor in each device, wherein the vital product data identifies the device by a model identification code; and powering on, for each of the PDUs, the plurality of devices that are connected to the PDU in a sequence to prevent an inrush current from tripping the circuit breaker within the PDU, wherein the sequence powers on devices in order of ascending commonality of the model identification code.

A method for maintaining vital product data (VPD) contained in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) on a field replaceable unit (FRU) of a computer system that has a cache. The method includes maintaining a copy of the VPD in the cache, retrieving the copy of the VPD from the cache upon receiving a read request of the VPD, and, upon receiving a write request to write data to the VPD, writing the data to the copy of the VPD, determining whether the VPD in the EEPROM is in synchronization with the copy of the VPD in the cache, and, if the VPD and the copy of the VPD are in synchronization, writing the data to the EEPROM.

A method for maintaining vital product data (VPD) of each field replaceable unit (FRUs) in a computer system, the computer system including a first FRU and a second FRU operatively coupled with the first FRU. The method includes calculating a parity for the VPD of the second FRU, and upon detecting a failure of the second FRU, regenerating the VPD for the failed second FRU using the parity.

An approach is provided in which an information handling system detects a reduced capacity on a PCIe link that interfaces a host system to a PCIe I / O expansion drawer over a first / second physical cable. The information handling system verifies a first / second connection to a first / second connector on the PCIe I / O expansion drawer, receives a first / second set of vital product data over the first / second physical cable, and determines that the first physical cable and the second physical cable are connected to the same PCIe I / O expansion drawer based on analyzing the first / second set of vital product data. The information handling system then suspends operation of one or more components corresponding to the PCIe link and trains the PCIe link to an increased capacity. In turn, the information handling system resumes operation of the one or more components and restores the PCIe link to the increased capacity.

The invention discloses an important product data management method. The method comprises the steps of receiving input important product data; allocating a first identifier and a first logic address to the important product data; writing the important product data into a first physical address corresponding to the first logic address; and storing the first identifier and the first logic address ina preset data table. Through allocating the first identifier and the first logic address to the important product data, and writing important product data into a first physical address correspondingto the first logic address, and finally storing the first identifier and the first logic address in a preset data table, a user can determine the positions of all important product data through the preset data table, the operation on the important product data can be completed through a unified interface, and the maintenance difficulty of the important product data is greatly reduced. The invention further provides an important product data management system and device and a readable storage medium, which have the above beneficial effects.

Disclosed is a method of identifying an unsupported storage device in a server (100, 200), the method comprises the following steps: providing baseboard management controllers (BMC) (106, 208) for servers (100, 200), enabling the BMC to obtain important product data (VPD) from a storage device (102a, 102b, 102c, 202a, 202b, 202c) on a server, compare the VPD from the storage device with one or more approved VPDs, and issue an output in response to the comparison.

A method and circuit for implementing an enhanced availability personality card for a chassis computer system, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. The personality card includes a first erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM) and a second EPROM, each EPROM storing Vital Product Data (VPD) and a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor sensing temperature. A primary bidirectional bus and a redundant bidirectional bus are respectively connected between the first EPROM and the first temperature sensor and the second EPROM and the second temperature sensor, and a pair of chassis management modules. Each chassis management module includes a switch connected to both the primary bidirectional bus and the redundant bidirectional bus providing redundant paths, enabling continued function with failure of any critical personality card component.

A method of powering on a plurality of devices includes identifying a plurality of power distribution units (PDUs) disposed in a rack, wherein each PDU receives power from a main power source and includes a circuit breaker. A plurality of devices disposed in the rack are identified, wherein each device receives power from one of the PDUs, and wherein the plurality of devices are server nodes, network switches or external data storage devices. Vital product data (VPD) is obtained from a service processor in each device, wherein the VPD identifies the device by a model identification code. For each PDU, the plurality of devices connected to the PDU are powered on in a sequence to prevent an inrush current from tripping the circuit breaker within the PDU, wherein the sequence powers on devices in order of ascending commonality of the model identification code.

The invention discloses a method and an assembly for safely closing an initial end operating system. The method comprises the following steps that: a closing monitoring module transmits an SCSI instruction to an SCSI objective end at certain time for inquiring whether to execute a closing operation on the initial end operating system or not; the SCSI objective end receives the SCSI instruction and replies important product data to the closing monitoring module; the closing monitoring module receives and analyzes the important product data to obtain an analysis result; whether the analysis result indicates that the initial end operating system needs to be closed or not is determined; and if so, the initial end operating system is closed. According to the method, by adding the closing monitoring module at the initial end operating system, and by analyzing the important product data returned by the SCSI objective end, whether the initial end operating system can be closed or not can be determined, so that potential loss and crash of key system data can be avoided consequently.