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System backplane

Use this procedure to service the system backplane.

Note: Before you begin this procedure, make sure that you have authority to log in as an authorized service provider. The different authority levels are described at ASMI authority levels.

Removing the system backplane

  1. Access the ASMI

    The Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI) is the interface to the service processor that is required to perform general and administrator-level service tasks, such as reading service processor error logs, reading vital product data, setting up the service processor, and controlling the system power. The ASMI may also be referred to as the service processor menus.

    To access the ASMI, refer to Accessing the Advanced System Management Interface.

    When you have accessed the ASMI, continue with the next step.
  2. Check and record the server firmware and service processor settings
    1. Check and record the admin user ID's password.
    2. Check and record the server firmware level prior to replacing this FRU. You may need to update the system to the latest server firmware code level after you replace this FRU.
    3. Check and record the service processor settings you previously set using Advanced System Management (ASM). This can be done using a Hardware Management Console (HMC) or PC to access ASM. You will need to reset these service processor settings after you replace this FRU or the default settings will be used. Settings to record include the following:
      • System Name setting
      • System Power Control settings
      • System Service Aids settings
      • System configuration settings
      • Network Services settings
      • Performance Option settings
      • Login Profile settings
      • Boot List settings
      • Host Ethernet Adapter settings
    4. Record any service processor settings you may have set using operating system commands.
  3. Power off the unit

    Power should be removed from the unit containing the system backplane. If this unit is powered on, power it off now.
  4. Disconnect the power cords
    Disconnect all power cords from the unit you are servicing.
    Disconnecting the power cords.
  5. Remove the front cover

    Note to expansion unit users: The instructions in this procedure are written based on the rack model. Expansion unit users can still use this procedure; however, expansion unit users should ignore specific references to rack-only features such as rack doors, rack thumbscrews, and rack-specific FRU orientation.

    1. Open the front rack door.
    2. Remove the two thumbscrews (A) that secure the system unit (B) to the rack.
    3. Push the cover release latches (C) in the direction of the arrows to release the cover from the system unit.
    4. Pull the cover out and away from the system unit.
    Removing the front cover.
  6. Disconnect the external cables

    Label and disconnect the external cables connected to the FRU you are servicing.
  7. Place into service position

    Note to expansion unit users: The instructions in this procedure are written based on the rack model. Expansion unit users can still use this procedure; however, expansion unit users should ignore specific references to rack-only features such as rack doors, rack thumbscrews, and rack-specific FRU orientation.

    Attention: When placing the model rack into the service position, it is essential that all stability plates are firmly in position to prevent the rack from toppling. Ensure that only one system unit is in the service position at a time.

    Remove two screws (A) securing the system unit (B) to the rack.
    Placing into service position.
  8. Place into service position (continued)

    While holding the system unit release latches (A) down on both the left and right sides, pull the system unit (B) out from the rack until the rails are fully extended and locked.

    Notes:

    1. Ensure that the cables at the back of the system unit do not catch or bind as you pull the unit forward in the rack.
    2. When the system unit rails are fully extended, the rail safety latches lock into place. This action prevents the system from being pulled out too far.
    Placing into service position.
  9. Remove the service access cover
    1. Loosen the two thumbscrews (A) located at the back of the cover.
    2. Slide the cover (B) toward the back of the system unit. When the front of the service access cover has cleared the upper frame ledge, lift the cover up and off the system unit.

    Attention: For proper cooling and airflow, replace the cover before turning on the system. Operating the system without the cover for more than 30 minutes could damage the system components.
    Removing the service access cover.
  10. Remove both power supplies
    1. Disconnect the power cable (A) from the power supply you are removing.
    2. While pushing the lever (B) down, pull the power supply straight out of the system.
    3. Repeat these steps to remove the other power supply.
    Removing the power supplies.
  11. Remove the fans
    1. While squeezing the latch (A), reach through the hole of the fan and pull the fan out of the fan cage.
    2. Repeat these steps until all system fans are removed from the fan cage.
    Removing the fans.
  12. Remove the air baffles

    Grasp the air baffles and pull them out of the fan cage.
    Removing the air baffles.
  13. Remove the fan cage
    1. Loosen the two retaining thumbscrews (A) that secure the fan cage to the system board.
    2. Lift the fan cage (B) up and out of the enclosure.
    Removing the fan cage.
  14. Remove the disk unit cage
    1. Disconnect the cables from the rear of the disk unit backplane.
    2. Rotate the handles outward in the direction shown to release the disk unit cage.
    3. Slide the disk unit cage out of the system unit.
    Removing the disk unit cage.
  15. Remove the VPD card

    Remove the VPD card (B) from the VPD card guide (A) on the planar by pulling the blue handle.
    Removing the VPD card.
  16. Remove the TPMD card if present
    1. Push the tab (A) in the direction shown to release the card (B).
    2. Gently pull the card straight out of its slot on the system backplane.
    Removing the TPMD card.
  17. Remove the daughter RAID card, if present
    1. Push the latch (A) in the direction shown to release the card.
    2. Gently pull the card (B) straight out of the enclosure.
    Removing the daughter RAID card.
  18. Remove the base RAID card, if present
    1. Push the tab (B) in the direction shown to release the card.
    2. Gently pull the card (A) straight out of the enclosure.
    Removing the base RAID card.
  19. Remove all PCI adapters
    1. Record the slot number and location of each adapter being removed.
    2. Slide the adapter latch (A) in the direction shown to release the adapter (B).
    3. Carefully grasp the PCI adapter by its top edge or upper corners, and pull the adapter straight out of its connector on the system backplane.
    4. Store the adapter in a safe place.
    5. Repeat these steps until ALL PCI Card Adapters are removed.
    Removing the PCI adapters.
  20. Remove the GX adapter card if present
    1. Slide the adapter latch (A) in the direction shown to release the adapter card.
    2. Squeeze the latches (B) to release them from the adapter card and rotate them in the direction shown.
    3. Gently pull the adapter card straight out of the system.
    4. Repeat these steps to remove a second GX adapter card, if present.
    Removing the GX adapter card.
  21. Remove the Ethernet card
    1. Slide the adapter latch (A) in the direction shown to release the Ethernet card (B).
    2. Carefully grasp the Ethernet card by its top edge or upper corners, and pull the card straight out of its connector on the system backplane.
    Removing the Ethernet card.
  22. Remove the system processor assemblies and fillers
    1. Move the top of the system processor assembly handles (A) in the direction shown to release the handles.
    2. Rotate the system processor assembly handles to the open position (B).
    3. Pull the system processor assembly (C) out by the handles.
    4. Place the system processor assembly on an electrostatic discharge (ESD) surface.
    5. Repeat these steps to remove all of the system processor assemblies and fillers from the enclosure.
    Removing the system processor assemblies and fillers.
  23. Remove the PCI adapter dividers
    1. Flex the front edge (A) of the PCI adapter divider out of the bracket and toward the rest of the divider.
    2. Pull the back edge of the divider away from the retention notches (B) in the system chassis.
    3. Repeat these steps for the other PCI adapter dividers that need to be removed.
    Removing the PCI adapter dividers.
  24. Remove the middle system divider
    1. Remove the screw (A) to unfasten the middle system divider from the system backplane.
    2. Grasp the middle system divider (B) and lift it out of the system.
    Removing the middle system divider.
  25. Remove the line cord assembly
    1. Remove the screw (A) located on the back of the system chassis.
    2. Slide the line cord assembly (B) towards the front of the system to unlock it.
    3. Grasp the line cord assembly and pull it out of the system.
    Removing the line cord assembly.
  26. Remove the front processor support
    1. Remove the five screws (A) to unfasten the front processor support.
    2. Grasp the front processor support (B) and lift it out of the system.
    Removing the front processor support.
  27. Remove the system backplane
    1. Label and disconnect all Ethernet cables that are present.
    2. Remove the 6 screws (A) as shown in the illustration.
    3. Push the system backplane (B) towards the front of the system.
    4. Lift the system backplane up and out of the system chassis.

    5. Note: Use care when removing the system backplane. Do not lift the system backplane by any of the attached modules.
    Removing the system backplane.

Replacing the system backplane

  1. Install the system backplane
    Note: Use care when replacing the system backplane.
    1. Carefully grasp the replacement system backplane (A) along two edges.

    2. Note: Ensure the pin holes on the system backplane are lined up correctly with the pins (B) on the system chassis.

    3. Lower the system backplane at an angle, with the back of the backplane connecting with the system chassis first.
    4. Slide the system backplane towards the back of the system chassis.
    5. Tighten the 6 screws (C) securing the system backplane to the system chassis.
    6. Reconnect all Ethernet cables that were previously removed.
    Installing the system backplane.
  2. Install the front processor support
    1. Align the pin hole (A) on the front processor support with the chassis guide pin on the system backplane.
    2. Insert and tighten the five screws (B) to secure the front processor support.
    Installing the front processor support.
  3. Install the line cord assembly
    1. Place the line cord assembly (A) into position, ensuring the slots (B) on the line cord assembly align with the pins on the system chassis.
    2. Slide the line cord assembly towards the back of the system to lock it into place.
    3. Insert and tighten the screw (C) to secure the line cord assembly.
    Install the line cord assembly.
  4. Install the middle divider
    1. Align the middle system divider (A) in between the front and rear processor supports.
    2. Slide the middle system divider down and into place.
    3. Insert and tighten the screw (B) to secure the middle system divider.
    Installing the middle divider.
  5. Install the PCI adapter dividers
    1. Carefully grasp the PCI adapter divider by its top edge and align the back edge of the divider with the retention notches (A) in the system chassis.
    2. Insert the front edge of the divider (B) into the slots and then press the divider into place.
    3. Repeat these steps for the other PCI adapter dividers that need to be installed.
    Installing PCI adapter dividers.
  6. Install the system processor assemblies and fillers
    1. Rotate the system processor assembly handles (A) to the open position.
    2. Align the system processor assembly (B) with the slot in the system frame.
    3. Carefully push on the system processor assembly until you feel it lock into place.
    4. Rotate the handles to the locked position (C).
    5. Repeat these steps to install all of the system processor assemblies and fillers.
    Installing the system processor assemblies and fillers.
  7. Install the Ethernet card
    1. Carefully grasp the Ethernet card (A) by its top edge, and align the card with the expansion slot and its connector on the system backplane.
    2. Press the Ethernet card firmly into its connector.
    3. Slide the adapter latch (B) back into place in the direction shown to secure the Ethernet card.
    Installing the Ethernet card.
  8. Install the GX adapter card if previously removed
    1. Align the adapter card with the expansion slot and its connector on the system backplane.
    2. With the latches (A) in the open position, gently push the adapter card straight into the system.
    3. Rotate the latches in the direction shown until they latch.
    4. Slide the adapter latch (B) back into place in the direction shown to secure the adapter card.
    5. Repeat these steps to install a second GX adapter card, if previously removed.
    Installing the GX adapter card.
  9. Install all PCI adapters
    1. Carefully grasp the adapter (A) by its top edge, and align the adapter with the expansion slot and its connector on the system backplane.
    2. Press the adapter firmly into its connector.
    3. Slide the adapter latch (B) in the direction shown to secure the card.
    4. Repeat these steps until ALL PCI Card Adapters are installed.
    Installing PCI adapters.
  10. Install the base RAID card, if previously removed
    1. Gently push the card (B) in the direction shown straight into the enclosure.
    2. Push the tab (A) in the direction shown to fit the card into its position.
    Installing the RAID card.
  11. Install the daugther RAID card, if previously removed
    1. Gently push the card (A) in the direction shown straight into the enclosure.
    2. Push the latch (B) in the direction shown to tighten the card into its position.
    Installing the daughter RAID card.
  12. Install the TPMD card if previously removed
    1. Gently push the card (A) straight into its slot on the system backplane.
    2. Push the tab (B) in the direction shown to fit the card into its position.
    Installing the TPMD card.
  13. Install the VPD card
    1. Insert the VPD card (B) into the VPD card guide (A).
    2. Push until the VPD card is fully seated.
    Installing the VPD card
  14. Install the disk unit cage
    1. Slide the replacement disk unit cage into the system until you feel it lock.
    2. Rotate the handles in the direction shown to secure the disk unit cage.
    3. Reconnect the cables on the rear of the disk unit backplane.
    Sliding the replacement disk unit cage into the system.
  15. Install the fan cage
    1. Lower the fan cage (A) into its location on the system board, aligning the locator pins through the holes.
    2. Tighten the two retaining thumbscrews (B) securing the fan cage to the system board.
    Installing the fan cage.
  16. Install the air baffles
    1. Lower the air baffles into their location in the fan cage.
    2. Push down on the air baffles until they lock into place.
    Installing the air baffles.
  17. Install the fans
    1. Lower the fan into its location in the fan cage.
    2. Push down on the fan until it locks into place.
    3. Repeat these steps until all system fans are installed.
    Installing the fan.
  18. Install both power supplies
    1. While pushing the lever (A) down, carefully slide the power supply into its location in the system.
    2. Connect the power cable (B) to the power supply.
    3. Repeat these steps to install the other power supply.
    Installing both power supplies.
  19. Install the service access cover
    1. Place the service access cover (A) on the top of the system, about 25 mm (1 in.) from the front of the system.
    2. Hold the service access cover against the system unit and slide it toward the front of the system. The tabs of the service access cover slide beneath the upper chassis ledge.
    3. Align the two thumbscrews (B) located on the back of the service access cover with the two holes on the back of the system chassis.
    4. Tighten the thumbscrews to secure the service access cover.
    Installing the service access cover.
  20. Place into operating position
    1. To unlock the rail safety latches (B), slide the latches towards the front of the system.
    2. Push the system unit (A) back into the rack until both system-unit release latches have locked into position.

      Note: Ensure that the cables at the back of the system do not catch or bind as you push the system unit back into the rack.
    Placing the unit into operating position.
  21. Place into operating position (continued)

    Replace and tighten the two screws (B) that secure the system unit (A) to the rack.
    Securing the system unit to the rack with screws.
  22. Install the front cover
    1. Position the cover on the front of the system unit so that the two thumbscrews (C) align with the screw holes on the front of the system unit (A).
    2. Push the cover release latches (B) in the direction of the arrows to attach the cover to the front of the system unit as shown in the following figure. The latches should hold the cover in place.
    3. Tighten the thumbscrews.
    4. Close the front rack door.
    Installing the front cover.
  23. Reconnect the external cables

    Reconnect the external cables you previously removed, to the FRU you are servicing.
  24. Connect the power cords
    If you removed the power cords, connect all power cords to the unit you are servicing.
    Connecting the power cords.
  25. Power on the system.

    Power on the system.
  26. Restore network connectivity

    The installed service processor must connect to the network to be accessible from the HMC.
    How will the IP Address of the Service Processor be managed?
    Obtain an IP Address automatically from a DHCP server Configure a static IP Address
    ↓ Go to step 28.
  27. Restore service processor settings

    Enable network access to the service processor by doing the following:

    If the network connection uses the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) to establish an IP address, and uses the Hardware Management Console (HMC) as the DHCP server, no additional configuration is necessary to enable network access to the service processor. Do the following:

    1. Ensure that the service processor is connected to the existing service network by verifying that the HMC cable is connected to the HMC port on the service processor assembly.
    2. If not already connected, connect all system power cables by plugging them into power outlets. Note: Do not start the system at this time.
    Can you access the service network?
    Yes No
    Go to step 30. Go to step 33
  28. Restore service processor settings

    If the network connection uses static IP address assignments, do the following:

    1. Connect a client with a Web browser directly to the service processor network port using one of the following URLs:
      • https://169.254.2.147
      • https://169.254.3.147
    2. If not already connected, connect all system power cables by plugging them into power outlets. Note: Do not start the system at this time.
    3. Log on to Advanced System Management (ASM) with the user ID admin and the default password admin.
    4. Change the admin user ID's password and the general user ID's password when prompted.
    5. Configure network access using the static IP address.
  29. Restore service processor settings

    With the network connection now configured to use static IP address assignments, access the service network.
    Can you access the service network?
    Yes No
    ↓ Go to step 34
  30. Access the ASMI

    The Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI) is the interface to the service processor that is required to perform general and administrator-level service tasks, such as reading service processor error logs, reading vital product data, setting up the service processor, and controlling the system power. The ASMI may also be referred to as the service processor menus.

    To access the ASMI, refer to Accessing the Advanced System Management Interface.

    When you have accessed the ASMI, continue with the next step.
  31. Set System Enclosure Type

    The enclosure serial number is a seven-digit number printed on a bar-coded label on the system unit. When the system backplane is replaced, the seven-digit enclosure serial number needs to be manually inputted and stored in the new system backplane using the Advanced System Management Interface (ASMI).

    To input the system serial number:
    1. On the ASMI Welcome pane, specify your user ID and password, and click Log in.
    2. In the navigation area, expand System Configuration and Program Vital Product Data.
    3. Select System Enclosures. In the right pane, the current system enclosures are displayed.
    4. On the system being serviced, record the enclosure serial number printed on the bar-coded label on the system unit.
    5. Enter the enclosure serial number recorded from the system unit in the Enclosure serial number field.
    6. Click Save settings to update and save the enclosure serial number and the feature code.
  32. Go to step 36.
  33. Restore service processor settings

    If the network connection uses DHCP to establish an IP address, but does not use an HMC as the DHCP server, do the following:

    1. Complete any network configuration necessary to allow the DHCP server to recognize and assign an IP address to the service processor.
    2. Ensure that the service processor is connected to the existing service network by verifying that the network cable is connected to the network port on the service processor assembly.
    3. If not already connected, connect all system power cables by plugging them into power outlets. Note: Do not start the system at this time.
    Can you access the service network?
    No Yes
    ↓ Go to step 30
  34. Restore service processor settings

    You have indicated that you are still not able to access the service network.

    You will need to reset the service processor network interfaces (and passwords) by pressing the pin-hole switch on the control panel.
  35. Go to step 26.
  36. Restore service processor settings

    Change the admin user ID's password when prompted by following these steps:

    1. In the navigation area of ASM, expand Login Profile.
    2. Select Change Password.
    3. Specify the required information, and click Continue.

    Note: Passwords can be any combination of up to 64 alphanumeric characters. The default password for the administrator ID is admin. After your initial login to ASM, the administrator passwords must be changed.

    As a security measure, you are required to enter the password for your user ID in the Current password for current user field.
  37. Restore service processor settings

    Set the system name. The system name can be changed to any valid ASCII string. It does NOT have to follow the initialized MachineType-Model#-Serial# format.

    To change the system name, do the following:

    1. In the navigation area of ASM, expand System Configuration.
    2. Select System Name.
    3. Enter the desired system name using the previous naming convention.
    4. Click Save settings to update the system name to the new value.

    The new system name is displayed in the status frame, the area where the logout button is located. If another method, such as the HMC, is used to change the system name, the status frame does not reflect the change.
  38. Restore service processor settings

    Set the time of day.

    1. In the navigation area of ASM, expand System Configuration.
    2. Select Time of Day. If the system is powered off, the right pane displays a form that shows the current date (month, day, and year) and time (hours, minutes, seconds).
    3. Change either the date value or the time value or both, and click Update Time Of Day.
  39. Restore service processor settings

    Reenter any of the following settings that you previously changed through ASM, unless you want to use the default settings:

    1. System power settings.
    2. ASMI service aids settings.
    3. System configuration settings.
    4. Network services settings.
    5. Login profile settings.
  40. Restore service processor settings
    1. Reset any service processor settings that you may have set using operating system commands. You recorded these settings at the beginning of this procedure.
    2. If you choose to reset the HMC access password, do the following:
      1. From the HMC GUI (preferred method):
        • Expand the Systems Management folder in the navigation tree pane.
        • Expand the Servers folder.
        • Select the server to be powered off. A list of server-related tasks will display in the Tasks pane.
        • Expand the Configuration folder in the Tasks pane.
        • Under the Configuration folder, click the Update Managed System Password task.
      3. Or, from the HMC command line, type:
      4. chsyspwd -m managed system -t access --passwd --newpasswd newpassword

        where:

        • The value for managed system is the new service processor's managed system name.
        • No value for --passwd is entered thereby allowing authentication.
        • The value for newpassword is the new password value.
  41. Recover partition data on the FSP

    Profile data stored in the managed server has been cleared or corrupted.

    To recover profile data using the HMC, do the following:

    1. Expand the Systems Management folder in the navigation tree pane.
    2. Double click on the Servers folder.
    3. Use the checkbox to select a server.
    4. Click on the Tasks drop-down menu that appears on the table toolbar.
    5. From the menu, select Recover Partition Data.
  42. Update vital product data

    If your system is running IBM® i and is not managed by the HMC, you must update the load source after replacing the system backplane.

    To update the load source without using the HMC, do the following:

    1. Load the I_BASE_01 Licensed Internal Code optical media into the device that is defined for the system and access it to perform an Initial Program Load (IPL).
      Note: This IPL can take several minutes.
    2. When the Select a Language Group screen appears, press Enter to select the default language feature 2924 (English).
      Note: To change the language feature, type the language feature that appears on the media that contains the operating system; then, press Enter.
      Confirm the language feature by pressing Enter.
    3. The Install Licensed Internal Code display appears; select option 2 (Work with Dedicated Service Tools (DST)) and press Enter.

      Use the Dedicated Service Tools to make sure the disk units, including the Load Source, are reporting correctly and that there are no errors that might prevent the IPL from disk. When all errors have been resolved and the Load Source disk is reporting in correctly, continue with the next step.

    4. From the Work with Dedicated Service Tools (DST) screen, select option 2 (Work with disk units) and press Enter.
    5. Select option 8 (Update system vital product data) to identify the location of the load source disk unit. Press Enter.
    6. The Update System Vital Product Data display appears. Press Enter to confirm that you want the vital product data to be written.
    7. Press F12 twice.
    8. Press 1 and Enter to exit DST. Use the system control panel to perform a delayed power-off. Change the IPL mode to B; then, power on the system to perform an IPL from disk.
  43. Restore boot list and Host Ethernet Adapter settings

    The boot list is not present on a new system backplane, therefore; it is necessary to input the boot devices by booting into the system management services (SMS) menus. See Selecting boot options for information on setting the boot device list.

    After the operating system is booted, the bootlist command can be used to verify, or make additional changes to, the list of boot devices for a system or partition.

    To restore the Host Ethernet Adapter settings, see Configuring physical ports on a Host Ethernet Adapter.
  44. Go to Verifying a repair .
Parent topic: Removing and replacing FRUs
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Last updated: Thu, May 03, 2012