Violin Memory 6000 Series User manual

Violin
MEMORY
Document Number: 535-0121-00 Rev 05
August 2014
Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array
Service Guide

ii Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
LEGAL NOTICE
Copyright 2010-2014 Violin Memory, Inc. All rights reserved.
Violin Memory, Violin, vSHARE, vCACHE, Flash Forward, and the Violin logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of
Violin Memory, Inc. (“Violin”) in the United States and other countries.
All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks, and service marks are the properties of their respective
owners.
Licenses of Violin’s software are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Violin’s End User License Agreement.
Sales of Violin’s hardware are subject to Violin’s Terms and Conditions applicable to sales of hardware.
Violin Memory, Inc.
4555 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide iii
Table of Contents
Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Replacing Flash Array Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Guidelines for Servicing the System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Handling of Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Electrostatic Discharge Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Verification of Replacement Parts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Monitoring System Status and Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Viewing System LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Using the Violin Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Using the Command Line Interface (CLI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Preparing the System for a Replacement Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Removing and Replacing the Cover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Replacing a Fan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Determining if a Fan Requires Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Replacing a Memory Gateway (MG) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Determining if a Memory Gateway Requires Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Replacing the Memory Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Replacing and Configuring a Windows Storage Server 2012 Node on the Windows Flash Array . . . . . . . . .26
Replacing a Host Bus Adapter (HBA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Determining if a HBA Requires Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Before You Begin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Replacing an Array Controller Module (ACM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Determining if a ACM Requires Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Troubleshooting a ACM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Replacing a ACM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
ACM Post-replacement Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Synchronizing ACM Software Versions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Power on the Memory Gateway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Replacing a SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Replacing a VIMM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Determining if a VIMM Requires Replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
Removing VIMM Holddowns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Replacing a vRAID Controller Module (VCM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Determining if a VCM Requires Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64
Replacing a Power Controller Module (PCM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Determining if a PCM Requires Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
Replacing a Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Determining if a Power Supply Requires Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 1
Preface
This guide describes how to safely replace the system modules in Violin Memory
All Flash Arrays.
This preface outlines the organization of this book, describes document
conventions, and provides information about additional resources.
•Intended Audience on page 1
•Security on page 2
•Document Conventions on page 2
•Reference Documents on page 3
•Contacting Violin Memory on page 4
Intended Audience
This guide is intended for Violin Memory qualified service technicians and systems
administrators. Violin Memory assumes that you are experienced in installing and
servicing high-performance storage systems. Contact Violin Memory for training
and certification.
Contact Violin Memory Customer Support for any assistance with servicing this
system. See Contacting Violin Memory on page 4 for contact information.

2 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
What’s New in This Version
This version includes additions to support the following new Violin Memory products:
•32-VIMM Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array model 6232 with 32 1 TB MLC VIMMs.
•Instructions for replacing the SD card that resides in ACMs.
•Windows Flash Array:
A Windows-specific set of procedures are required if one of the Windows Storage Server 2012
R2 nodes has failed.
Applicable instructions from all prior releases remain.
Security
Violin Memory, Inc. cannot be responsible for unauthorized use of equipment and will not make
allowance or credit for unauthorized use or access.
Document Conventions
Safety Icons
The table below summarizes warning, caution, and note icons used in this document and includes
sample text.
Safety Icons
Icon Sample Text
WARNING! WARNING! Only authorized, qualified, and trained
personnel should attempt to work on this equipment.
Caution: Caution: Follow the listed safety precautions when
working on the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array.
Note: Note: Read through this entire chapter and plan your
installation according to your location before installing
the equipment. The following procedures and the order
in which they appear are general installation guidelines
only.

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 3
Typographical Conventions
The following typographic conventions are used in this guide:
Reference Documents
In addition to this guide, the following Violin Memory documents comprise the documentation suite
that will assist you with setting up, using and servicing the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array. These
guides are available for download from the Violin Memory Support site at http://www.violin-
memory.com/support/
Format Meaning
Bold User Interface text.
Italic Provides emphasis and identifies variables and
document titles.
Courier Command names, examples, and output.
Courier bold Input you must type exactly as shown.
<Courier italic> Information for which you must supply a value.
[] Optional command parameters are enclosed within
square brackets.
|Separates a set of command choices from which only
one may be chosen.
{} Required command parameters that must be specified
are enclosed within curly brackets.
Typographical Conventions
This document... Provides this information...
Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Installation Guide This guide provides instructions for installing the
Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array in an equipment
rack and completing the system setup and
configuration.
Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array User’s Guide This guide provides instructions for managing,
monitoring, and maintaining the Violin 6000 Series
All Flash Array using the Violin Web interface and
Command Line Interface (CLI).
Violin 6000 Series Memory Array Web Interface
Guide
This task-based guide provides instructions for
managing, monitoring and configuring Violin Memory
devices using the Web interface.
Release Notes This document describes the new features, resolved
issues, known limitations and software upgrade
instructions for the current release.
Reference Documents

4 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
Contacting Violin Memory
To obtain additional information or technical support for Violin Memory products, or to obtain an
RMA number and replacement product, contact us at:
•Phone: 1-855-VIOLIN-5 (1-855-846-5465)
•International: [phone] Extension 3
•Web site: http://www.violin-memory.com
When contacting Violin Memory Customer Support, please have the following information available:
•Model and serial number of the system for which you are requesting support
•Software version
•A brief description of the problem
Violin 6000 Series Memory Array Slide Rail
Installation Guide
This guide provides instructions for installing the
Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array slide rails in an
equipment rack.
Violin 6000 Series Memory Array Cable Management
Installation Guide
This guide provides instructions for installing the
cable management arm on a Violin 6000 Series All
Flash Array. It is included in the Violin 6000 Series
All Flash Array shipping box.
This document... Provides this information...
Reference Documents

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 5
Replacing Flash Array
Modules
This section describes how to safely service all system modules in the Violin 6000
Series All Flash Array in the following sections:
•Guidelines for Servicing the System on page 6
•Monitoring System Status and Modules on page 9
•Removing and Replacing the Cover on page 13
•Replacing a Fan on page 15
•Replacing a Memory Gateway (MG) on page 18
•Replacing a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) on page 40
•Replacing an Array Controller Module (ACM) on page 43
•Replacing a SD Card on page 54
•Replacing a VIMM on page 57
•Removing VIMM Holddowns on page 62
•Replacing a vRAID Controller Module (VCM) on page 64
•Replacing a Power Controller Module (PCM) on page 70
•Replacing a Power Supply on page 74

6 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
Guidelines for Servicing the System
Follow these guidelines when replacing the modules in a Violin 6000 Series Violin 6000 Series All
Flash Array. All system modules can be replaced while the system is running.
WARNING! Only authorized, qualified, and trained personnel should attempt to service or
maintain this equipment.
Caution: Read this guideline section before proceeding with any of the service procedures.
Safety Precautions
The following servicing guidelines must be followed when performing maintenance on the Violin
6000 Series All Flash Array.
•Use caution when replacing the fans. When the system is powered on, the fans are moving
and may cause damage to items that come in contact with the moving parts.
•Use caution when removing and replacing a system module. Contact MUST BE AVOIDED
with other modules and system components within the chassis. To avoid damage to other
modules or components, modules must remain vertical throughout the removal and
replacement process. Failure to observe these precautions creates the potential risk of
damaging the system.
•When using metal tools such as screwdrivers, exercise caution to ensure that they do not
come in contact with any part of the system other than to remove the necessary screws.
Failure to observe these precautions creates the potential risk of creating a short circuit within
the system.
•To avoid any potential damage to the internal modules, only remove the cover to replace a
failed module. Loose metal objects from other sources may fall into the system causing
damage.
•The system is designed to remain at an operational temperature with the top cover removed
while modules are replaced. To keep the system at the appropriate temperature, the fan speed
will increase to high within 10-15 minutes of removing the cover.
•Remove metal objects, including rings, watches and necklaces before servicing the system.
•Remove loose clothing.
•Hearing and eye protection is advised.
Handling of Replacement Parts
•Keep replacement parts in their ESD bags until ready for installation.
•Move packaging away from the system to avoid contamination.
•Do not touch the gold “fingers” on replacement modules. They can be easily smudged or
damaged if handled.

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 7
Electrostatic Discharge Precautions
Follow these precautions to prevent ESD damage to the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array:
•Wear ESD protection, such as a wrist or ankle strap that is properly grounded to avoid
damage from static electricity.
•Ensure the system is properly grounded, as described in “Grounding the Memory Array” in the
Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Installation Guide.
•Ensure that you are properly discharged before servicing the system.
Verification of Replacement Parts
The outside packaging of each replacement module is affixed with a label identifying the type of
replacement part, its part number, software version and serial number. Below is an example of the
label for a replacement VIMM.
Follow these inspection guidelines when replacing a module:
•Make sure that the replacement part received is the same model number and part number as
the one that you are replacing. Part numbers are also located on each Violin 6000 Series All
Flash Array module. The type of part is included in the MODEL NUMBER at the top of the
label. The following table lists modules that are replaceable:
MODEL NUMBER and PART NUMBER
must match part being replaced.

8 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
•The part number on the replacement module must match the part number on the failed
module. If the part numbers do not match, return the failed module to its location in the Violin
6000 Series All Flash Array. Replace the top cover. Contact Violin Memory Customer Support
if you received the wrong part. See Contacting Violin Memory on page 4.
•Note the software version (S/W VERSION) that is printed on the replacement module’s label.
The replacement module may be loaded with a previous version of software. Array Controller
Modules (ACMs) and Memory Gateways can be upgraded to newer versions of software when
it becomes available. All modules of the same type (both ACMs, both PCMs, both MGs, all
VCMs, etc.) must be running the same version of software. Replacement ACMs and VIMMs
are automatically upgraded to the same software version as the other module(s) of that type
during the boot up phase. Some modules require a manual software update. See the section
in this guide for the module that you are replacing for specific software upgrade procedures.
Replacement Module Model Number Part Number
VIMM VIMM-6200-1024 (MLC) 410-0221-00 (6200 Series only)
VIMM VIMM-6K-256SLC (SLC) 410-0126-00 (6600 Series only)
VIMM VIMM 6K-512GCF (MLC) 410-0140-00 (6600 Series only)
Fan V6000-FAN 410-0119-00
Memory Gateway V-6000-MG 410-0187-00
Array Controller Module (ACM) V-6000-AC2 620-0119-00 (6200 Series only)
620-0122-00 (6600 Series only)
Power Controller Module (PCM) V-6000-PC 620-0073-00
vRAID Controller Module (VCM) V-6000-VC 620-0145-00 (6200 Series only)
620-0071-00 (6600 Series only)
Power Supply V-6000-PWR 200-0026-00
PCIe Card V-PCIex8G2-HIB 420-0022-00
Fibre Channel Card V-6000-NI-FCx2 410-0159-00
InfiniBand Adapter Card V-6000-NI-QDRIBx2 410-0178-00
iSCSI Adapter Card V-6000-NI-10GEx2 410-0158-00
Memory Gateway for the
Windows Flash Array
V-6000-MG-WMA S-410-0285-00
HBA Chelsio 10 GbE Card V-6000-NI-10GE-T5 S-410-0246-00

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 9
Monitoring System Status and Modules
There are several ways to discover system modules that require attention or replacement and to
verify that a module is functioning properly once it has been replaced. All are briefly described
below. See the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array User’s Guide for more detailed information.
Viewing System LEDs
The System Status and VIMM Status LEDs alert you of system and VIMM-specific alarms
respectively. See the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array User’s Guide for detailed information on the
system LEDs located on the front and rear of the array.
Using the Violin Web Interface
The Web interface of the Violin Flash Array and Memory Gateway systems can be accessed directly
from a Web browser.
To access either system, open a supported browser and then direct it to one of the following URLs
(depending on which system you want to access):
•Master Array Controller Module (ACM): http://<IP address or array name>
•Memory Gateway: http://<IP address or host name of Master Gateway>
Proceed to log in to the Violin Web interface using the user name and password assigned by the
administrator.
Alternatively, you can type the IP address or host name of any Memory Gateway or array ACM that
has been assigned an external IP address. There are also Virtual IP addresses, which will always
redirect you to the Master Memory Gateway or ACM. Contact the administrator for more
information.
The screens available to you depend on your user privileges.
Note: If Violin Symphony is installed on your system, you can also use Violin Symphony to
monitor Violin 6000 Series All Flash Arrays from a Web browser. See http://www.violin-
memory.com/ for more information.
admin privileges The admin user and other users with administrative privileges can access
all screens.
monitor privileges Users with monitor privileges can only access screens that show overall
status or media status.
unprivileged Unprivileged users cannot log in to the Violin Web interface.

10 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
Showing Status of System Modules
Use the Array Status page in the Violin Web interface to identify which system module requires
replacement. On this page, click the Board Status tab to view all of the system modules, and focus
on those that have failed. The figure below shows an example of the Array Status screen.
The Alarm icon is red for modules for which alarms have been raised. You can obtain information
about an individual module by moving the cursor over its graphical representation (for general
status) or its alarm, temp, or lifetime indicator box. You can also click an individual module for more
information.
Figure 1 Array Status Screen

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 11
Web Interface Requirements
This section provides information on the Violin Web interface requirements for browsers, display
resolution and cookies.
Supported Web Browsers
The following table lists the supported browsers and versions for the Violin Web interface:
The following table lists the recommended software and settings for optimum performance of the
Violin Web interface.
For more information about all of the pages and functions available within the Violin Web interface,
see the Violin 6000 Series Memory Array Web Interface Guide.
Operating System Supported Browser
Linux •Mozilla Firefox 3 and above
•Google Chrome 10 and above
Mac •Apple Safari 3 and above
•Mozilla Firefox 3 and above
•Google Chrome 10 and above
Windows •Internet Explorer 9 and above
•Apple Safari 3 and above
•Mozilla Firefox 3 and above
•Google Chrome 10 and above
Table 2.1 Supported Web Browsers
Recommendation Supported Browser
Display resolution The minimum recommended display resolution for the Violin
Web interface is 1024 x 768 pixels
Cookies Enable cookies for login and session management
Table 2.2 Supported Web Browsers

12 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
Using the Command Line Interface (CLI)
You can use the CLI on the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array to perform all of the functions provided
in the Violin Web interface, including checking the status of system modules, as well as other
functions that are not available in the Web interface. Depending on the user’s current access mode,
a subset of commands are available for configuring, managing and viewing information about the
Violin 6000 Series flash Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array.
Establishing a Connection to the Violin 6000 Series All
Flash Array
All of the replacement procedures in this guide require CLI access. Use the serial console cable to
connect a computer to the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array for retrieval of system status and
configuration operations and using the CLI.
To connect the console cable to the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array and a computer:
1. Connect one end of the console cable to serial console port A on the rear of the Violin 6000
Series All Flash Array.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to a computer.
3. When you are ready to connect to the CLI, start a terminal application, and then use the
following serial console settings:
— Speed (baud): 9600
— Data bits: 8
— Stop bits: 1
— Parity: None
4. Log in to the Master ACM as “admin”. The Master ACM is set up during initial configuration of
the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array. Enter the system host name or the ACM management
IP address to ensure a direct connection.
Figure 2 Console Ports
Console Port A
Console Port B

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 13
Alarms and Diagnostic Commands
Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array tools are available to diagnose system and module-specific
alarms, including those requiring service. It may also be that an alarm can be resolved without
having to replace a module.
•Use the “show alarms” command to view active system alarms on the Violin 6000 Series All
Flash Array.
•Use the “vdiag” command to display array diagnostic information. This command must be
run from the Master ACM.
See the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array User’s Guide for more information about alarms and
diagnostic commands.
Preparing the System for a Replacement Procedure
Follow these important steps before beginning a replacement procedure:
1. Find and schedule a suitable time for the replacement procedure. Ensure that the interruption
will not impact the use of or access to data stored on the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array.
2. Using the CLI, ensure that there are no temperature alarms by typing the “show alarms”
command. Clear any temperature alarms before proceeding. See the Violin 6000 Series All
Flash User’s Guide for more information about alarms.
Removing and Replacing the Cover
The top cover must be removed to replace all of the internal system modules. Removing the top
cover is not required to replace a power supply.
Remove the cover only to replace a failed module and then replace the cover as soon as you have
finished replacing the module.
Before You Begin
Once you have determined that a module has failed and requires replacement, prepare the Violin
6000 Series All Flash Array in the equipment rack that contains the failed module by completing the
following steps.
1. Log in to the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array.
2. Use the CLI or Web UI to discover the host name or ACM Management IP address of the
system.
3. Activate the blue ID LED button on the front and back of the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array
chassis.
•Using the CLI:
a. Log in to the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array using the ACM Management IP address.
b. Type en at the command prompt.
c. Type locate at the command prompt.

14 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
•Using the Web UI:
a. Log in to the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array using the ACM Management IP address.
b. Select Home > Front and Rear Panel. The Front and Rear Panel page appears.
c. Click the lower left of the Rear Panel image to remotely activate the ID LED of this array.
This turns on the blue ID on the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array for easy location in the equipment
rack. Press the ID LED button on the front of the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array when you want
to turn it off.
Note: The system is designed to remain at an operational temperature with the top cover
removed while modules are replaced. To keep the system at the appropriate temperature, the fan
speed will increase to high within 10-15 minutes of removing the cover.
1. If the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array is secured to the equipment rack, remove the screws
that attach the front bezel or rack ears to the equipment rack. Set the screws aside for when
the replacement is completed.
Note: It is recommended that two people participate in sliding the Violin 6000 Series All Flash
Array out of the equipment rack: one in front to pull the system and one in back to ensure that the
rear cables remain connected and are not tangled with other systems in the rack.
2. Slide the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array fully out of the equipment rack until the rails lock
into position.
3. Depress the release button on the top right of the cover and then pull up on the outside edges
of the cover while sliding it toward the rear of the chassis (approximately 3/4 inch).
WARNING! To avoid damaging the internal system components, be sure to lift the cover
straight up so that the cover does not touch any of the modules.
Figure 3 Removing the Cover
Release Button

535-0121-00 Rev 05 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 15
4. Lift the cover straight up and then place the cover away from the system. Do not leave the
cover resting on the chassis.
To replace the cover:
WARNING! To avoid damaging the system components, be sure to orient the front and back of
the cover correctly. The cover is positioned correctly when the release button is on the right of the
chassis and the outer edges are aligned over both sides of the chassis.
1. Rest the cover on the system so that the front of the cover is slightly back from the front of the
chassis, and the sides of the cover are placed over both sides of the chassis.
2. Place a hand over the back edge of the cover and then slide the cover toward the front of the
chassis until the cover clicks into place.
Replacing a Fan
The six available fans provide forced airflow through the system. The fans can be replaced while
the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array is powered on.
All six fans run at full speed when the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array is first powered on and run
at less than full speed when all system modules are operating normally. Built-in temperature
sensors automatically lower the fan speed if lower temperature conditions are detected.
The fans switch to full speed in the event of overheating conditions, high ambient temperature and
other fault conditions, including failure of any VIMM, vRAID Controller Module (VCM) or fan itself.
Removal of a fan appears like a fault condition and all fans switch to full speed until the removed
fan is replaced.
Determining if a Fan Requires Replacement
The System Status LED on the front of the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array is amber when an
alarm has been raised on at least one of the following modules: VIMM, MG, HBA, VCM, ACM, PCM,
Fan, Power Supply.
To show more detail about alarms:
1. Log in to the CLI from the host computer and, at the system prompt, type enable and then
configure terminal.
2. Type the following at the command prompt:
A fan requiring replacement will show a “failed” status.
See Monitoring System Status and Modules on page 9 for information about using the available
tools to identify modules requiring replacement.
violin-acma [violin: master] (config) # show alarms

16 Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array Service Guide 535-0121-00 Rev 05
Follow these steps if you have determined that a fan requires replacement.
To replace a fan:
WARNING! Before removing a module, check the status of its redundant module(s) using the
“vdiag” command. If a redundant module has also failed, removing the module intended for
replacement may bring the Violin 6000 Series All Flash Array completely offline.
1. Review Preparing the System for a Replacement Procedure on page 13 before continuing.
2. Remove the top cover. See Removing and Replacing the Cover on page 13.
WARNING! The blades on a fan may still be spinning even if the fan has failed. This is caused
by the air flow from an adjacent fan. Use caution when removing a failed fan and only lift the module
using the handle.
3. Pull the fan module handle back to disengage the handle from the fan module.
Figure 4 Fan Locations and Layout
Figure 5 Disengaging the Fan Module Handle
A0
A1
B0
B1
C0
C1

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4. Pull the handle straight up to remove the fan module from the system.
5. IMPORTANT: Compare the part number on the failed module to the part number on the
replacement module. See Verification of Replacement Parts on page 7 for more information
about part numbers. The part numbers must match.
6. Open the handle on the replacement fan module.
7. With the handle open, place the fan module in the empty fan slot and push it into the chassis
until the connector on the fan is securely seated in the chassis connector. Make sure that the
handle clicks into place. The handle has a pin that fits in the forward slot. You may need to
reposition the handle slightly so that the fan handle fits correctly.
8. Replace the cover. See Removing and Replacing the Cover on page 13.
9. Ensure that the System Status LED is no longer amber, indicating that the alarm is cleared.
10.Verify that the new module is functioning properly and that the alarm is cleared. See
Monitoring System Status and Modules on page 9.
Figure 6 Removing the Fan Module