AX4-5 Series

Hardware and Operational

Overview

January 4, 2010

This overview describes the major hardware features of AX4-5 series storage systems.

For greater clarity, the illustrations in this document show the storage-system chassis independent of a cabinet or deskside mounting

Topics include

Š Storage-system components ........................................................... 2

Š Disk and filler modules.................................................................. 5

Š Storage processors (SPs)................................................................. 7

Š Link control cards (LCCs) .............................................................. 8

Š Power/cooling modules ................................................................ 9

Š Standby power supplies (SPSs)....................................................... 10

Š Powerup and powerdown sequence ............................................... 11

Š Status lights and indicators ............................................................ 15

1

2

Storage-system components

The AX4-5 series storage system consists of rack-mountable storage-system enclosures, 3.5 inches (2U) high, that contain 4 to 12 serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) or serial attached SCSI

(SAS) disk drives.

The AX4-5 and AX4-5SC storage systems use a Fibre Channel arbitrated loop (FC-AL) or Fibre Channel switch (FC-SW) as an interconnect interface to host servers. The AX4-5i and AX4-5SCi storage systems use the Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) protocol.

The AX4-5 and AX4-5SC are also called the AX4-5F and AX4-5FSC, respectively.

Models with four Fibre Channel host ports per controller are called AX4–5F8 or AX4–5FX, and AX4–5SCF4 or AX4–5FSCX. The AX4-5i and AX4-5SCi are also called the AX4-5I and AX4-5ISC, respectively.

Navisphere® management software manages the storage systems from any qualified workstation on a shared Ethernet LAN. Sophisticated

RAID (redundant array of independent disk) technology and data caching prevent data loss in case of component failure. Redundant hardware options provide levels of high availability usually restricted to much larger (and more expensive) storage systems. Besides economical disks, the AX4-5 series storage systems include the following major components:

Š A disk-processor enclosure (DPE-AX). A DPE-AX contains one

(AX4-5SC or AX4-5SCi) or two (AX4-5 or AX4-5i) storage processors

(SPs), each with: z z

One dual-inline memory module (DIMM)

One serial port (mini DB9 connector) for service z z z

One 10/100/1000 Ethernet LAN port (RJ45 connector) for management

For the AX4-5 or AX4-5i, one serial port for connection to a standby power supply (SPS)

One input/output (I/O) module per SP, each with:

− For the AX4-5 or AX4-5SC, two or four 4-Gbps Fibre Channel host ports with small form factor pluggable (SFP) connectors

Hardware and Operational Overview

− For the AX4-5i or AX4-5SCi, two Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) ports

Š Two power supply/system cooling (power/cooling) modules

Figure 1 shows an AX4-5 DPE-AX, which has Fibre Channel I/O modules.

Power supply fault LED

Power/cooling module cooling fault LED

SP service Power supply on

FRU Label FRU Label

Expansion DAE

Figure 1

SPS management

SP management

Fibre

SP power LED

SP fault LED

AX4-5 DPE-AX (rear view – two FC port version)

CL3914

Figure 2 shows an AX4-5i DPE-AX, which has iSCSI instead of Fibre

Channel I/O modules.

FRU Label FRU Label

Figure 2

CL3771 iSCSI

AX4-5i DPE-AX (rear view)

Figure 3 shows an AX4-5SC DPE-AX with a single storage processor.

FRU Label FRU Label

Figure 3

CL3853

AX4-5SC DPE-AX (rear view — two FC port version)

Figure 4 shows an AX4-5SCi with a single storage processor.

Hardware and Operational Overview 3

FRU Label FRU Label

Figure 4

CL3854

AX4-5SCi DPE-AX (rear view)

AX4-5 and AX4-5i systems include a standby power supply (SPS); a second SPS is optional. AX4-5 and AX4-5i systems support as many as four optional disk array enclosures (DAE-AXs). Like the DPE-AX, each

DAE-AX includes two power/cooling modules and can contain a total of twelve disk drives. Instead of SPs, a DAE-AX has two link control cards (LCCs) that manage disks on a single redundant back-end bus.

You can install, upgrade, or replace all of the major storage-system components without professional assistance.

4 Hardware and Operational Overview

Disk and filler modules

Each DPE-AX includes at least four hard disk drives. The first four disks, marked 0-3, are system disks (sometimes called vault disks) and contain vital software specific to the physical slot they occupy in the chassis. Do not move a system disk from its assigned slot to another slot.

Remove a system disk only if you need to replace it because it failed.

Disk modules

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

Figure 5

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500 GB

SATA 500

SATA 500 SATA 500 SATA 500

CL3880

DPE-AX system (vault) disks

If a drive fails, you can replace it with another while the storage system continues running; software rebuilds the contents of the original disk onto its replacement.

DPE-AX and DAE-AX chassis have twelve slots for disk modules. Any unoccupied disk module slot requires a filler module to maintain air flow.

Each disk module, shown in Figure 6, consists of one disk drive in a carrier. You can add or remove a disk module while the storage system is powered up, but you should exercise special care when removing drives while they are in use.

Hardware and Operational Overview 5

EMC2 83 0

Disk drives

Figure 6 Disk module

Drive carrier

The disk drives are standard 3.5-inch (8.75-cm) by 1.0-inch (2.54-cm) serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) or serial attached

SCSI (SAS) drives. AX4–5 systems also support 2.5–inch SAS drives mounted in 3.5–inch drive carriers. For a detailed list of supported disk drives and the minimum revision of the FLARE

® operating environment (OE) that supports each disk, refer to the Disk and FLARE

OE Matrix under “Technical description” on the Learn page on the storage-system support website or contact your service provider.

The disk drive carrier is a plastic assembly that provides smooth, reliable contact with the enclosure slot guides and system board connectors. It has a handle with a latch and spring clips. The latch holds the disk module in place to ensure proper connection with the connectors.

6 Hardware and Operational Overview

Storage processors (SPs)

The storage processor (SP) is the storage system’s intelligent component and acts as the input/output (front end) and data storage (back end) control center. Besides the processor board and memory DIMM, each

SP includes an I/O module that determines the connection protocol to host servers.

DPE-AX systems with two SPs support write caching for increased performance. The redundant storage processors also provide high availability should one SP fail or lose power.

Hardware and Operational Overview 7

Link control cards (LCCs)

Optional disk array enclosures (DAE-AXs) do not include SPs, but use link control cards (LCCs) to support additional disk capacity. The LCCs in each DAE-AX connect to expansion ports on SPs or other LCCs with serial-attached SCSI (SAS) expansion cables to create a redundant back-end bus that can support both SATA and SAS drives. Each LCC includes a display indicating the enclosure address of the DAE-AX; the address is assigned automatically by the system. LCCs also include a service port connector. An LCC receives input from the previous SP or LCC on the bus through a primary connector (marked by a circle symbol) and can pass input to the next LCC on the bus through an expansion connector (marked by a diamond symbol).

Figure 7 shows a DAE-AX with two LCCs below the power/cooling modules.

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX

*AXX*

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX

*AXX*

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

P/N: 118031924

FRU Label

REV: AXX

*AXX*

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

P/N: 118031924

FRU Label

REV: AXX

*AXX*

# #

046-003-042_A03 046-003-042_A03

Figure 7 DAE-AX (rear view)

Expansion Primary

CL3927

8 Hardware and Operational Overview

Power/cooling modules

Each power/cooling module integrates an independent power supply and blowers into a single module. The power supply in each module is an auto-ranging, power-factor-corrected, multi-output, offline converter.

The power/cooling modules, A and B, are located above the SPs or LCCs. They share load currents and provide power and cooling for an entire enclosure. An SP, LCC, or power/cooling module with power-related faults does not adversely affect the operation of any other component. If one power/cooling module fails, the other compensates until the failed module is replaced. If the failed module is in a dual-SP DPE-AX, the system also disables write caching. Removing a power/cooling module from the enclosure causes a cooling fault that will shut down the enclosure within two minutes.

Hardware and Operational Overview 9

Standby power supplies (SPSs)

A 1U, 1000-watt SPS provides backup power for power supply A. An optional second SPS supports power supply B. During a power failure, the SPSs allow write caching to continue, which prevents data loss. A faulted or not fully charged SPS disables the write cache. Each SPS rear panel has one AC inlet power connector with power switch, AC outlets for the DPE-AX SPs, and one connector for serial connection to an SP.

Figure 8 shows the SPS connectors and status lights.

Active

(green)

DPE-AX

SP interface

On batte ry

(amber)

Figure 8

AC power connector

Power switch

Fault

(amber)

Replace batte ry

(amber)

CL3881

1000–watt SPS connectors, power switch, and status lights

You can replace an SPS while the storage system is powered up.

10 Hardware and Operational Overview

Powerup and powerdown sequence

A DAE-AX does not have a power switch. It powers up immediately once it is connected to a live power source.

Powering up the storage system

1. Verify the following:

Š Master switch/circuit breakers for any cabinet/rack power strip are off.

Š The power cord for power/cooling module A in the DPE-AX

(viewed from the rear, A is the right side of the enclosure) is plugged into the SPS, if present, and the power cord retention bails are in place. In a storage system without an SPS, the power cord for power/cooling module A is plugged directly into a power source.

Š The power cord for power/cooling module B is plugged into the nearest power distribution unit on a different circuit feed than the SPS or module A. In systems with two SPSs, power/cooling module B is plugged into its corresponding SPS.

Š In a dual-SP system, the serial connection (sense cable) between

SP A and SPS A is in place. If the system has two SPSs, the serial cable between SP B and SPS B is in place.

Š The power cords for the SPSs and any DAE-AXs are plugged in; the power cords for the A and B sides do not share a power source; and, the power cord retention bails are in place.

Š Any other devices in the cabinet are correctly installed and ready for powerup.

Figure 9 shows a storage system with one SPS correctly cabled for high availability.

Hardware and Operational Overview 11

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

P/N: 118031924

FRU Label

REV: AXX

*AXX*

046-003-042_A03

B

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

*118031924*

REV: AXX

*AXX*

#

FRU Label

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

P/N: 118031924

FRU Label

REV: AXX

*AXX*

046-003-042_A03

A

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

*118031924*

REV: AXX

*AXX*

#

FRU Label

Figure 9

CL3882

Power cord and serial (sense) cable connections

2. Turn on the master switch/circuit breakers for each cabinet/rack power strip.

The DAE-AXs power up immediately once they are connected to a live power source.

3. If present, turn the SPS power switches to the on position (Figure

10).

CL3781

Figure 10 SPS power switch (SPS A shown)

4. Press the power button on SP A (Figure 11).

SP B powers up automatically when SPA powers on.

12 Hardware and Operational Overview

FRU Label FRU Label

CL3766

Figure 11 SP power button

The storage system can take 5-6 minutes to complete its powerup.

If disk modules 0-3 shipped separately from your DPE-AX, the system writes vital information to those disks during the first powerup. The process extends the first powerup by 25-30 minutes.

The system fault light on the front of the DPE-AX and the SPS recharge lights on the rear of the SPS commonly stay on for several minutes while the SPS fully charges.

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500 GB

SATA 500

SATA 500

Figure 12 DPE-AX system fault light and SPS recharge light

+ CL3761

If any amber lights not related to the SPS recharge remain on for more than 8-10 minutes, make sure the storage system is correctly cabled.

Most amber lights indicate problems you can solve later, once your

Hardware and Operational Overview 13

storage system management software is available to help you troubleshoot the system.

If the power buttons do not remain solid/steady green, contact your authorized service provider.

Powering down the storage system

!

CAUTION

Never shut down a DPE-AX by disconnecting the AC power cords for its power/cooling modules. Bypassing the controlled powerdown in that manner prevents the system from saving any write cache data to the system drives, and may result in data loss.

1. Stop all I/O activity to the DPE-AX. If the server connected to the

DPE-AX is running the AIX, HP-UX, Linux, or Solaris operating system, back up critical data and then unmount the file systems on storage-system virtual disks.

Stopping I/O allows the SP to save any cache data to the system drives, and may take some time. The length of time depends on criteria such as the size of the cache, the amount of data in the cache, the type of data in the cache, and the target location on the disks, but it is typically less than one minute. We recommend that you wait five minutes before proceeding.

2. For a dual-SP system, after five minutes, use the power switch on each SPS to turn off power to its corresponding SP.

SPs with power/cooling modules connected to an SPS power down within two minutes.

3. Push the power button on SPs that are not connected to an SPS:

Š SP B in a single-SPS system

Š SP A in a single-SP DPE-AX

14 Hardware and Operational Overview

Status lights and indicators

Status lights, made up of light emitting diodes (LEDs), indicate each component’s current status. This section describes status lights visible on the DPE-AX, DAE-AX, and SPS.

DPE-AX lights and indicators

Figure 13 and Table 1 display the status lights visible from the front of a DPE-AX:

System fault

Disk drive activity

System power

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500 GB

SATA 500

CL3917

Figure 13 Status lights visible from the front of a DPE-AX

Disk drive activity

LED

System power

System fault

Table 1 DPE-AX status lights visible from the front

Quantity

1 per disk drive

1 per DPE-AX

1 per DPE-AX

Blue

Alternating blue/amber

Solid amber

Blue

Amber

State

The drive is online (flickers with activity)

Indicates drive is faulted

Drive is faulted

Meaning

AC power, normal activity

Enclosure has a faulted component. Check disk and rear status lights; check software event monitor

Figure 14 and Table 2 display the status lights visible from the rear of a DPE-AX:

Hardware and Operational Overview 15

Power supply fault

Power supply on/off

Cooling fault

FRU Label FRU Label

SP power

SP fault

LED

SP management

Fibre Channel iSCSI

Power supply fault

Figure 14

Fibre

SP management SP fault SP power

CL3916

DPE-AX lights visible from the rear (2–port Fibre Channel I/O module shown )

Table 2

1 per SP

Quantity

1 per SP

2

2 per SP

2 per SP

Meaning of the DPE-AX status lights visible from the rear

1 per power supply

State

Solid green

Blinking green

Off

Solid amber

Off

Solid green

Blinking green

Solid green

Solid blue

Off

Solid green

Solid blue

Off

Solid amber

Blinking amber

Off

Meaning

SP is running normally

Operating system is booting

No power or shutting down

SP has encountered a problem

SP is operating normally or is shut down

On the left, this indicates an established link

On the right, this indicates normal activity

Indicates a 1–2 Gb link

Indicates a 4 Gb link

No link has been established

Indicates a 1–2 Gb link

Indicates a 4 Gb link

No link has been established

Power supply is faulted

Power supply is not seated

Indicates normal activity

16 Hardware and Operational Overview

LED

Power supply on/off

Cooling fault

Quantity

1 per power supply

1 per power supply/system cooling module

State

Solid green

Off

Solid amber

Off

Meaning

Indicates ac power and normal acitvity

No ac power

Indicates a cooling fault

Indicates blower is operating normally

DAE-AX status lights and indicators

Figure 15 and Table 3 display the meaning of the status lights on the front of a DAE-AX:

System fault

Disk drive activity

System power

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500

SATA 500 GB

SATA 500

CL3917

Figure 15 Status lights visible from the front of a DAE-AX

Disk drive activity

LED

System fault

System power

Table 3 DAE-AX status lights visible from the front

Quantity

1 per disk drive Blue

State

1 per DAE-AX

1 per DAE-AX

Alternating blue/amber

Solid amber

Amber

Blue

Meaning

The drive is online with Flare

(flickers with activity)

Indicates drive is faulted

Drive is faulted

Enclosure has a faulted component. Check disk and rear status lights; check software event monitor

AC power, normal activity

Figure 16 and Table 4 display the status lights visible from the rear of a DAE-AX:

Hardware and Operational Overview 17

Power supply fault

LCC connectivity

Power supply on/off Cooling fault LCC power

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX

*AXX*

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX

*AXX*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

P/N: 118031924

FRU Label

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR

P/N: 118031924

# #

046-003-042_A03 046-003-042_A03

LCC power

LCC fault

LED

LCC connectivity

LCC connection fault

Power supply fault

Power supply on/off

Cooling fault

LCC connection fault LCC fault Enclosure number

CL3915

Figure 16 Status lights visible from the rear of a DAE-AX

Table 4 DAE-AX status lights visible from the rear

Quantity

1 per LCC

1 per LCC

2 per LCC

Solid green

Off

Solid amber

Solid green

Blinking green

State

2 per LCC

1 per power supply

1 per power supply

1 per power supply/system cooling module

Solid amber

Blinking amber

Solid amber

Blinking amber

Off

Solid green

Off

Solid amber

Off

Meaning

LCC is receiving ac power

No power

LCC has encountered a problem

Indicates normal connection

Connection is expected, but is not detected

Indicates a connection problem.

Indicates a problem with the connection.

Power supply is faulted

Power supply is not seated

Indicates normal activity

Indicates ac power and normal acitvity

No ac power

Indicates a cooling fault

Indicates blower is operating normally

18 Hardware and Operational Overview

Enclosure number 1 per LCC Flashing dashes

Number displayed (solid)

Number displayed (blinking)

Not accessible or initializing at the beginning of powerup

Online to Flare

Flare has lost connection with enclosure

Standby power supply LEDs

Figure 17 and Table 5 display the meaning of the SPS status lights:

Active

(green)

Fault

(amber)

On battery

(amber)

Replace battery

(amber)

CL3918

Figure 17 SPS status lights and indicators

SPS active

LED

SPS fault

On battery

Replace battery

Table 5

Quantity

1 per SPS

1 per SPS

1 per SPS

1 per SPS

Standby power supply (SPS) status lights and indicators

State

Solid green

Blinking green

Solid amber

Solid amber

Solid amber

Meaning

SPS is operating normally

SPS is charging

The SPS has encountered an internal problem

The storage system is either testing the SPS battery or is running on battery due to lack of ac power to the SPS

The battery is not working properly

Hardware and Operational Overview 19

20

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Hardware and Operational Overview