Digital Equipment ESE50 SDI User manual

ESE50SDISolidStateDisk
UserGuide
Order Number: EK–ESE50–UG. B01

June 1993
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed
as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be used or copied
only in accordance with the terms of such licence.
© Digital Equipment Corporation 1992, 1993.
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation: Digital, HSC40, HSC60, HSC70,
HSC90, KDM, OpenVMS, RA, SA, SDI, VMS, and the DIGITAL logo.
All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.1.

Contents
Preface ............................................................ v
1 Introduction
1.1 General Information. . ........................................ 1–1
1.1.1 Media Type, Model Byte, and Capacity . ....................... 1–3
1.2 Hardware Maintainability ..................................... 1–4
1.3 Dual-Port Capability . ........................................ 1–4
1.4 Drive-Resident Diagnostics Overview ............................ 1–5
1.5 User Precautions/Recommendations.............................. 1–5
1.5.1 Data Retention . . . ........................................ 1–5
1.5.2 Orderly Shutdown ........................................ 1–6
1.5.3 Recommended Operating Temperature . ....................... 1–7
1.5.4 Electrostatic Discharge Protection ............................ 1–7
1.6 ESE50 SSD Maintenance Strategy .............................. 1–9
1.7 ESE50 SSD Specifications ..................................... 1–9
2 Installation
2.1 Introduction ................................................ 2–1
2.2 Site Preparation and Planning . . ................................ 2–1
2.3 Unpacking ESE50 Add-Ons .................................... 2–2
2.4 Installing SDI Cables and Power Cords ........................... 2–4
2.4.1 Installing Internal SDI Cables ............................... 2–4
2.4.2 Installing Internal Power Cords .............................. 2–4
2.4.3 Installing External SDI Cables .............................. 2–4
2.5 Power and Safety Precautions . . ................................ 2–5
2.6 AC Power Wiring ............................................ 2–7
3 Operating Instructions
3.1 Introduction ................................................ 3–1
3.2 OCP Functions, Switches, and Indicators . . ....................... 3–1
3.3 Powerup Diagnostics . ........................................ 3–2
3.3.1 Problems at Powerup ...................................... 3–2
3.3.2 Operator Control Panel Lamp Testing . . ....................... 3–2
3.3.3 Testing Spin-Up Drive ..................................... 3–3
3.4 Programming the Drive Unit Address ............................ 3–4
3.5 ESE50 Operating Modes ...................................... 3–6
3.5.1 Normal Mode Setup ....................................... 3–6
3.5.2 Fault Display Mode Setup . . ................................ 3–6
3.5.3 Test Mode Setup . ........................................ 3–8
iii

4 Diagnostics
4.1 General Information. . ........................................ 4–1
4.2 Drive-Resident Diagnostics .................................... 4–1
4.2.1 Powerup Resident Diagnostics ............................... 4–2
4.3 Test Selection from the OCP . . . ................................ 4–2
A Customer Equipment Maintenance
A.1 Customer Responsibilities ..................................... A–1
A.1.1 Cleaning Supplies ........................................ A–1
A.1.2 Ongoing Equipment Care . . . ................................ A–2
A.1.3 Monthly Equipment Maintenance ............................ A–2
A.1.4 Maintenance Records ...................................... A–2
Index
Figures
1–1 ESE50 Solid State Disk .................................... 1–2
1–2 Typical ESE50 SSD Subsystem Configuration ................... 1–4
1–3 ESE50 Dual-Port Configuration .............................. 1–5
1–4 ESD Wrist Strap . ........................................ 1–8
2–1 ESE50 Disk Drive Packaging ................................ 2–3
2–2 881 Power Controller (Example) ............................. 2–6
2–3 Electrical Plug Configurations ............................... 2–8
3–1 ESE50 OCP ............................................. 3–2
3–2 Unit Address Programming Flowchart . . ....................... 3–5
3–3 Fault Display Example .................................... 3–7
3–4 Fault Mode Flowchart ..................................... 3–7
3–5 ESE50 Test Display ....................................... 3–8
3–6 Running Test OCP Display . ................................ 3–8
4–1 Test Selection Flowchart . . . ................................ 4–3
A–1 Customer Equipment Maintenance Log . ....................... A–3
Tables
1–1 SDI SSD Capacity ........................................ 1–3
1–2 Summary of Data Retention Times ........................... 1–6
1–3 Specifications for the ESE50 SSD ............................ 1–9
1–4 Additional Electrical Specifications by Model for the ESE50 SSD .... 1–10
iv

Preface
This manual contains the following information:
• ESE50 solid state disk specifications
• Environmental considerations
• Installation information and references
• Start-up procedures
• Acceptance testing criteria
• Troubleshooting procedures
Although this manual is written primarily for ESE50 solid state disk customers,
installation procedures described or referenced in this manual are intended for
Digital Customer Services engineers performing original installation of the ESE50
solid state disk. Qualified Customer Services engineers must be trained in the
following:
• ESE50 solid state disk
• DSA concepts
• ESD procedures
This manual does not cover cabinet cable routing and connections. Specific
information concerning subsystem cabinet-related procedures can be found in
product-specific manuals. A list of related documentation follows:
Document Title Order Number
SA300/SA350 Storage Array Family Configuration Guide EK–SA300–CG
SA600/SA800 Storage Array Family Configuration Guide EK–SA600–CG
SA650/SA850 Storage Array Family Configuration Guide EK–SA650–CG
SAxxx Storage Array Family Configuration Guide EK–SAxxx–CG
Conventions Used in This Guide
The following conventions are used in this guide:
Note — Notes provide general information on the current topic.
Caution — Cautions provide information to prevent damage to equipment or
software. Read these carefully.
Warning — Warnings contain information to prevent personal injury. Read these
carefully.
v

1
Introduction
1.1 General Information
The ESE50 solid state disk (SSD) is a member of the Digital Storage
Architecture/Standard Disk Interconnect (DSA/SDI) family, and is plug-
compatible with all DSA/SDI controllers.
The ESE50 solid state disk is a random access low latency mass storage device
that uses DRAM semiconductor technology for fast response time. The ESE50 is
Digital’s fastest disk drive and is used when I/O response time is a key metric.
The ESE50 is contained in a half rack (RA92 style) enclosure with its own power
and data retention capabilities. It connects and operates on the standard disk
interface (SDI) and may be used with controllers implementing this bus. The
operator control panel (OCP) from the RA9x disk drive is also used on the ESE50
SSD. The ESE50 can also be packaged in any SA3xx, SA6xx, SA8xx, or SA9xx
storage array cabinet.
The following controllers support the ESE50:
• HSC (40/60/65/70/90/95)
• KDM70
The ESE50 has been tested under OpenVMS Versions 5.4 and 5.5. Under these
versions, the ESE50 is identified as a DU device (rather than by the ESE50
name). Identification as a DU device does not impact any standard Digital disk
functionality. Shadowing, failover, dual porting, bound volumes, and so forth are
supported.
However, when running the ESE50 under OpenVMS Versions 5.4-n, 5.5, or 5.5-1,
key things to be aware of are:
• All shadow sets must be comprised of the same capacity ESE50 units.
• Controller-based volume shadow sets require manual verification that all
members of the shadow set are on the same controller.
The ESE50 is fully supported under OpenVMS Version 5.5-2 and OpenVMS AXP
Version 1.5 (and all subsequent releases).
Figure 1–1 shows an ESE50 solid state disk.
Introduction 1–1

Introduction
1.1 General Information
Figure 1–1 ESE50 Solid State Disk
1–2 Introduction

Introduction
1.1 General Information
1.1.1 Media Type, Model Byte, and Capacity
The ESE50 has a unique media type and model byte depending on the capacity.
This is done for operating system compatibility.
Option Media Type Model Byte Capacity (LBNs)
ESE50–AA,AB ESE52 31 238080
ESE50–BA,BB ESE56 48 1196544
ESE50–DA,DB ESE58 49 1915392
The storage medium for the ESE50 SSD are 4M bit DRAMs and the data is
accessed in 512-byte blocks. The formatted capacity of the ESE50 option is shown
in Table 1–1.
Table 1–1 SDI SSD Capacity
Option1No. of
Arrays Unformatted Capacity Formatted Capacity No. of LBN Cyl’s
No. of
Logical
Blocks
ESE50–Ax 2 128.0 MB 121.9 MB 465 238080
ESE50–Bx 10 640.0 MB 612.6 MB 2337 1196544
ESE50–Dx 16 1024.0 MB 980.6 MB 3741 1915392
1"x" equals "A" for 120 Vac or "B" for 240 Vac.
The ESE50 has the following common characteristics:
• 20.0 megabits/second transfer rate
• Full data retention
• Extensive resident microcode diagnostics
• Internal error log capabilities
• Multifunction OCP
Figure 1–2 represents a typical ESE50 SSD subsystem configuration including an
SDI controller.
Introduction 1–3

Introduction
1.1 General Information
Figure 1–2 Typical ESE50 SSD Subsystem Configuration
CONTROLLER A
SDI CONTROLLER A
I/O BULKHEAD
SDI CABLES
I/O BULKHEAD
DRIVE CABINET DRIVE CABINET
ESE50
ESE50
1.2 Hardware Maintainability
The ESE50 SSD uses modular field replaceable units (FRUs) for easy access
and servicing. An extensive set of drive-resident microcode diagnostics and a
drive-resident error log help simplify problem isolation.
1.3 Dual-Port Capability
Ports are enabled by the port select switches (A or B) on the front of the OCP.
With both port switches selected, the ESE50 operates in a static dual-port mode.
Static dual porting means that an SSD is shared between two controllers but is
on line to only one controller at a time for data transfers. The second controller
must wait until the drive is available before placing the drive on line.
An additional SDI cable is required for dual porting. Figure 1–3 shows an ESE50
dual-port configuration.
1–4 Introduction

Introduction
1.3 Dual-Port Capability
Figure 1–3 ESE50 Dual-Port Configuration
SDI CABLES
DRIVE CABINET
ESE50
CONTROLLER A
SDI CONTROLLER A
I/O BULKHEAD
CONTROLLER B
SDI CONTROLLER B
I/O BULKHEAD
PORT A
B
1.4 Drive-Resident Diagnostics Overview
Drive-resident diagnostics run during powerup and spin-up cycles to test basic
drive functions.
Patrol diagnostics run periodically during normal operations.
Drive-resident diagnostics can be run from the OCP while the drive is off line.
See Chapter 4 for a list of drive-resident diagnostics.
1.5 User Precautions/Recommendations
Digital recommends that certain precautions be taken to protect equipment
and user data. These precautions involve data backup methods, recommended
operating temperatures, and electrostatic discharge protection, and are described
in this section.
1.5.1 Data Retention
The ESE50 provides data nonvolatility through the use of an integrated data
retention system. This data retention system is comprised of a controller, an
SCSI magnetic Winchester disk drive, and batteries. Data retention is invoked
only when ac power is lost to the ESE50 unit during normal operation. In this
situation, the batteries will power the unit while all data in the memory arrays
is transferred to the Winchester disk drive. If ac power is restored any time
during the transfer process, then the ESE50 unit is instantly available. On Rev.
A and B ESE50 units, the ESE50–AA/AB (120 MB) and ESE50–BA/BB (600 MB)
options contain the complete data retention system. On Rev. C ESE50 units, the
Introduction 1–5

Introduction
1.5 User Precautions/Recommendations
ESE50–AA/AB (120 MB), ESE50–BA/BB (600 MB), and ESE50–DA/DB (1 GB)
options options contain the complete data retention system.
Table 1–2 lists the data retention times.
Table 1–2 Summary of Data Retention Times
ESE50 Option Revision
Data
Retention
Time Backup Time Start Time
Maximum Number of
Complete Backups
(Within Two-Hour
Period)†
ESE50_AA/AB A or B 120 MB 90 seconds 120 seconds 8
ESE50_BA/BB A or B 600 MB 360 seconds 390 seconds 2
ESE50_AA/AB C 120 MB 60 seconds 90 seconds 16
ESE50_BA/BB C 600 MB 300 seconds 360 seconds 4
ESE50_DA/DB C 1 GB 480 seconds 540 seconds 3
†A two-hour battery recharge period is required afterward. Power failure exceeding this duty cycle
may result in data loss.
Although the ESE50 provides nonvolatile features, it is the user’s responsibility
to protect data by using proper backup procedures similar to backup of magnetic
disks. The following backup methods are recommended for an ESE50:
• File duplication
This method normally involves copying the data onto removable media, such
as magnetic tape.
• Journaling
This method is recommened for files up to the last checkpoint or backup.
Caution
A data retention operation does not occur when the ESE50 main ac power
switch, located on the rear panel, is turned off. A data retention operation
is invoked automatically only when ac power is lost to the input power
cord. Refer to Section 1.5.2 for the orderly shutdown procedures.
1.5.2 Orderly Shutdown
To shut down an ESE50–AA/AB, –BA/BB (Rev. A, B, or C) , or –DA/DB (Rev. C)
system and to preserve data within the data retention system, the following
procedures are recommended:
1. Dismount the ESE50 unit from the OpenVMS operating system without
using the /NOUNLOAD qualifier. Wait for the RUN indicator to extinguish
(approximately six minutes) while data is transferred to the ESE50 internal
Winchester disk.
2. Press the RUN/STOP button out, and wait for the RUN indicator to
extinguish (approximately six minutes) while data is transferred to the
ESE50 internal Winchester disk.
1–6 Introduction

Introduction
1.5 User Precautions/Recommendations
Caution
The ESE50 data retention system should never be considered a substitute
for a site-specific data backup policy. The ESE50 should be treated as any
other master media in this regard.
1.5.3 Recommended Operating Temperature
The ESE50 SSD is designed to operate in a Class A environment.
1.5.4 Electrostatic Discharge Protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is caused by the buildup and release of static
electricity. An electrical charge from a person or object can damage hardware
components and result in premature device or option failure.
Caution
To avoid product damage, always use ESD grounding straps when
handling static-sensitive modules and components.
Use the following guidelines when handling static-sensitive components and
modules:
• Read all instructions and installation procedures included with the static
control materials and kits.
• Wear a properly grounded ESD wrist strap when handling modules,
components, or static-sensitive devices. Figure 1–4 shows an ESD wrist
strap in use.
When using an ESD wrist strap:
Ensure that the wrist strap fits snugly for proper conductivity.
Attach the alligator clip securely to a clean, unpainted, grounded metal
surface, such as the drive or cabinet chassis.
Do not overextend the grounding cord.
• Use static-protective containers to transfer modules and components
(including bags and tote boxes).
Introduction 1–7

Introduction
1.5 User Precautions/Recommendations
Figure 1–4 ESD Wrist Strap
1–8 Introduction

Introduction
1.6 ESE50 SSD Maintenance Strategy
1.6 ESE50 SSD Maintenance Strategy
It is recommended that only trained Digital Customer Services engineers attempt
to service an ESE50 SSD.
To repair an ESE50, replace the FRU. An extensive set of drive-resident
microcode diagnostics and a drive-resident error log help simplify problem
isolation. A listing to all ESE50 FRUs is contained in the ESE50 Electronic
Storage Element Service Guide.
Appendix A describes the customer’s equipment maintenance responsibilities.
1.7 ESE50 SSD Specifications
Table 1–3 lists the data organization, performance, physical, electrical, and
environmental specifications of the ESE50 electronic storage element.
Table 1–3 Specifications for the ESE50 SSD
Data Organization ESE50–Ax ESE50–Bx ESE50–Dx
Storage capacity, formatted 120.0 MB 612.6 MB 980.6 MB
Storage capacity, unformatted 128.0 MB 640.0 MB 1024 MB
User logical cylinders 465.0 2337 3741
Cylinder/group 1 1 1
Tracks/group 128 128 128
Sector/track 4 4 4
Number of logical blocks 238,080 1,196,544 1,915,392
Performance
Access time 0.25 milliseconds
Transfer rate 20.0 Mbits/sec
Single Start/Stop Time
Start† 90 to 540 seconds (capacity dependent)
Stop 60 to 480 seconds (capacity dependent)
Physical Dimensions
Height 26.56 cm (10.42 inches)
Width 22.19 cm (8.74 inches)
Depth 46.99 cm (18.50 inches)
Weight (maximum) 24.95 kg (55 pounds)
†Starting time is slightly longer due to powerup diagnostics.
(continued on next page)
Introduction 1–9

Introduction
1.7 ESE50 SSD Specifications
Table 1–3 (Cont.) Specifications for the ESE50 SSD
Power Requirements
Standards UL listed; CSA certified; FCC Class A verified
Voltage 120/208 Vac at 60 Hz; Single-phase WYE
220/240 Vac at 50 Hz
Inrush Current:
5.08 amperes peak @ 132 Vac
2.31 amperes peak @ 264 Vac
Running current:
1.87 amps @ 120 Vac
1.105 amps @ 220–240 Vac
Power factor:
0.65 @ 120 Vac
0.57 @ 220–240 Vac
Operating Environment
Temperature 15 to 32°C (59 to 90°F)
Maximum allowable operating temperature is reduced by a factor
of 1.8°C/1000 m (1°F/1000 ft) for operation at high altitude sites
Relative humidity 20 to 80%
Maximum wet bulb 25°C (77°F)
Minimum dew point 2°C (36°F)
Table 1–4 contains additional electrical specifications by model for the ESE50
SSD.
Note
The ESE50 is not line-frequency dependent.
Table 1–4 Additional Electrical Specifications by Model for the ESE50 SSD
Nominal Input Current (Amps)1
Model Voltage Startup Current Power Dissipation
ESE50 120v 2.4A 300w (max)
ESE50 240v 1.5A 300w (max)
1Currents are for nominal voltages of 120 Vac phase to neutral or for 240 Vac phase to neutral. For
101 Vac and 220 Vac nominal voltages, the drives will have proportionately higher phase currents by
a ratio of 120/101 or 240/220 to the currents specified in this table.
1–10 Introduction

2
Installation
2.1 Introduction
This chapter describes site preparation and planning considerations and
procedures for unpacking the ESE50. Cabling, safety precautions, and voltage
selection are also discussed.
2.2 Site Preparation and Planning
Site preparation and planning are necessary before installing an ESE50 or
subsystem. Consider the following:
•Power Requirements: The ESE50 SSD use a single-phase power supply;
however, operating voltages are supplied through an 881, 874, H405, or other
applicable (system-specific) power controller.
•Thermal Stabilization: Thermal stabilization prevents temperature
differences between the equipment and its environment from damaging drive
components. Equipment must be placed in its operating environment at least
24 hours before operation.
Caution
The thermal stabilization procedure is mandatory. Failure to do this may
cause premature equipment failure.
•Environment: The ESE50 SSD must be operated in an environment where
the ambient air particle count does not exceed 500,000 particles (larger
than 0.5 micron) per cubic foot of air. Refer to Chapter 1 for additional
environmental specifications.
•Floor Loading: Consider placement and calculate the total weight of your
subsystem. An ESE50 weighs approximately 24.95 kg (55 pounds).
•Operating Temperature and Humidity: The required relative humidity
range is between 10 percent and 90 percent, with a minimum wet bulb
temperature of 28°C (82°F) and a minimum dew point of 2°C (36°F)
(noncondensing) with a step change of 10 percent or less.
The ESE50 can be operated in temperatures ranging from 10°C to 40°C (50°F
to 104°F). However, it is recommended that the ESE50 be operated in a
temperature below 25°C (77°F) to increase reliability and extend product life.
Installation 2–1

Installation
2.3 Unpacking ESE50 Add-Ons
2.3 Unpacking ESE50 Add-Ons
Check packaging for external damage. Read and save any packing information.
Unpack the ESE50 SSD using the following procedure (Figure 2–1):
1. Cut and remove the shipping straps.
2. Open the shipping container.
3. Remove and save all packing material surrounding the disk drive.
4. Lift the disk drive from the shipping container.
Warning
ESE50s weigh approximately 24.95 kg (55 pounds) each and must be
handled with care.
Do not use the cardboard handles to lift the disk drive from the shipping
container. Injury to personnel or damage to equipment could result if the
cardboard handles are used for this purpose.
5. Once the mandatory thermal stabilization period has elapsed, remove the
barrier bag surrounding the disk drive.
Caution
The thermal stabilization procedure is mandatory. Failure to do this may
cause premature equipment failure.
2–2 Installation

Installation
2.3 Unpacking ESE50 Add-Ons
Figure 2–1 ESE50 Disk Drive Packaging
Installation 2–3

Installation
2.4 Installing SDI Cables and Power Cords
2.4 Installing SDI Cables and Power Cords
Use this section as a reference only. For detailed procedures and illustrations,
refer to subsystem-specific documentation.
Most fully configured cabinets have internal SDI cables and power cords in place.
However, when installing an ESE50 unit in an SA900 cabinet, the CK-SA900-L2
installation kit is required. Internal SDI cables are connected to the rear I/O
bulkhead located at the base of the cabinet.
Drive power cords are connected to the 881 (or system-specific model) power
controller located behind the rear I/O bulkhead at the bottom of the cabinet.
Figure 2–2 shows the 881 power controller, used with some ESE50 storage array
products, as viewed from the rear of the cabinet. Drive power cords are routed
through the grommeted cord opening in the front of the power controller, then
plugged into the rear power receptacles of the power controller.
Note
For a list of related documentation, refer to the preface in the front of this
manual. The list supplies titles and Digital part numbers of subsystem
manuals that contain specific ESE50 SSD system cabling and power cord
information.
2.4.1 Installing Internal SDI Cables
Internal SDI cables are installed at the factory for all drive positions in most
subsystem configurations (with exception of the SA900). Refer to subsystem-
specific documentation for details about internal SDI cable routing, connections,
and availability.
2.4.2 Installing Internal Power Cords
Internal power cords are installed at the factory and connected to existing drives
and the power controller for your system. Connect add-on drive power cords using
the illustrations and procedures found in your system-specific documentation.
2.4.3 Installing External SDI Cables
When installing external SDI cables from the I/O bulkhead to the host, refer
to system-specific documentation for procedures and illustrations of bulkhead
port configurations. Many systems have an I/O port label adhered to the rear
door/panel of the system.
2–4 Installation