Sun Storage 9990 System
 
Sun Storage 9960 System
 
Sun Storage 9980 System
 

GCS>Sun Microsystems>Sun FAB>Standard>Reactive
 

During an initial SE9960, SE9980 or SE9990 (multi-cabinet) unit installation or frame addition (an upgrade) or following a unit relocation, it is possible for either the inter cabinet connection cables (fibre path cables or environment cables) or any other internal cables that are loose inside either the DKC or DKU frame to become trapped and pinched, between the DKC to DKU, or DKU to DKU frame connection.

In the event that cables become trapped and the units are securely bolted together, it is probable that a fault condition will be readily apparent. However, the fault may only become apparent, when a particular set of HDD's or a Parity Group, or Parity Group's are first used for data access purposes, which could be sometime after the installation activity has completed.

It is also possible for the fibre path interconnect cables to be inadvertently cross connected either at the FSW's or DKA's.  The cross connected cabling error will NOT be immediately apparent unless Path INLINE diagnostics are run as part of the unit install process. Note: Path INLINE diagnostics are not run by default during a unit installation, they have to be selected and run manually via the SVP "Diagnosis" menu.

The fibre cable crossed connection error may only become apparent when Path INLINE diags are run automatically when a failed component e.g; a HDD, FSW, or DKA is replaced.  As that may be many months or years after the install, or unit relocation, diagnosing the issue as a cross connected cable, or cables may be difficult, and lead to a protracted recovery and diagnosis exercise.

Typical fault or SIM conditions include (but cannot be limited to):

• Diagnostic - Path INLINE failure events.

• HDD Path Temporary errors.

• HDD Path Blockades.

• Environmental errors.

These type of errors typically indicate that a DKA to FSW / HDD fibre path cable or environment cable has been trapped, or a HDD fibre path cable, or cables may have been cross connected.

MPS or Fan related SIM issues:

These type of errors SIM events typically indicate that an MPS/PSU or FAN cable has been trapped.

These error conditions will not be resolved when FRU parts are replaced, as the true cause is the cable or cables that have become trapped and pinched, or cross connected between the frames and frame components.

Great care should be taken during the installation or upgrade of SE9960, SE9980, or SE9990 (multi-cabinet) units, particularly at the stage where two frames are being located together.  A full visual inspection should be completed to ensure that there are no loose cables between the frames, that could inadvertently become trapped and pinched as the units locate together.

It is strongly recommended that Path INLINE diagnostics are run as part of a new unit install, or unit relocation where the DKU / DKC frames have been separated and then reconnected.

It is further recommended, that once frames are located together, but prior to securely bolting them together, that all the inter cabinet connecting cables are slightly tugged or pulled with one hand, from one cabinet, whilst holding the same cable in your other hand in the adjacent cabinet.  This is to ensure the cable still moves freely between the cabinets.  If any significant resistance is apparent, this suggests that a cable or cables may have been trapped between the frames, and a further visual inspection should be undertaken.

Any cables found to have been trapped or pinched must always be replaced as it is not always possible to determine the extent of the damage to the internals of the cable, and the cable may then be prone to premature failure.

In some instances it may require the frames to be gently separated by approx. 1 inch (25mm) to see if any cables have been trapped (the use of a torch or flashlight is recommended).  This is particularly recommended in the case of MPS or Fan type problems as these cables are towards the middle of the frame, and are not easily accessible.  Such activity should ideally be completed with the unit completely shutdown.  However, such activity can and has been completed with the unit active - but it requires the presence of a minimum of two engineers, to ensure the frames are edged away very gently and cautiously from each other.

Before attempting such a remedial exercise with an active unit, it is recommended that all other possible causes are eliminated. It is further suggested that the issue is escalated to PTS/SEJSC, to ensure that the frame separation is necessary, and that all the risks are known and understood.

Please Note: Not all the cables are FRU's, and some cables may also not be available via the NON FRU Part request process.  As a consequence, in certain circumstances, it might be necessary to return a unit frame or frames to a local HDS Distribution Centre for remedial work to be completed or a frame replaced.  These activities will incur considerable cost to Sun, and considerable impact to the customer.

• Updated Synopsis, References (ESC, URL), Affected Systems, Issue Description, Corrective Action 

Abbreviations used in this FIN.

DKA DisK Adaptor

DKC DisK Control unit

DKU DisK Unit

FSW Fibre SWitch

HDD Hard Disk Disk

MPS Multi Power Supply

PSU Power Supply Unit

SIM Service Information Message

• Manual: Maintenance Manuals for the 99xx Series arrays.
• URL: http://pts-storage.west/products/T99x0/documentation.html
  
  
  

This solution has no attachment