Document fins/I0673-1


FIN #: I0673-1

SYNOPSIS: Internal data connector problem on E10K

DATE: Jun/14/01

KEYWORDS: Internal data connector problem on E10K


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- Sun Proprietary/Confidential: Internal Use Only -
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                            FIELD INFORMATION NOTICE
                  (For Authorized Distribution by SunService)



##SYNOPSIS: Internal data connectors in an E10K may come loose 
            during shipment, causing power supplies to not function.

             
TOP FIN/FCO REPORT: No 
 
PRODUCT_REFERENCE:  E10K Power Supply Data Cable Connection  
 
PRODUCT CATEGORY:   Server / Service 


PRODUCTS AFFECTED:  
 
Mkt_ID   Platform   Model   Description           Serial Number
------   --------   -----   -----------           -------------
Systems Affected
----------------
  -      E10000      ALL    Ultra Enterprise 10000      -

X-Options Affected
------------------
  -         -         -          -                      -

PART NUMBERS AFFECTED: 

Part Number   Description                         Model
-----------   -----------                         -----
599-2181-03   ASSY, PROC CBNT W/PALLET, E10000      -


REFERENCES:

N/A
      
PROBLEM DESCRIPTION:

Due to improper installation during manufacture, internal data
connectors in Sun E10000 systems may come loose during shipment and
prevent the control board from reporting correct power supply status.
This may cause system boards to not power-up and can also make it
difficult to diagnose the cause of the problem during system repair.
The symptoms for this condition will be similar to those for a failed
AC Input Module (see below).

Connectors J11, J12, J13, and J14 connect power supply status data
lines from the Power shelves to the Fan Centerplanes, which in turn
report ultimately to the Control Bd. These four connectors can be seen
by removing the cosmetic side panel (nearest the Power shelves) on the
E10000 system.  See page 2-86 in the Sun Enterprise 10000 System
Service Manual for an illustration of the E10000 internal data cable
connections.

NOTE- removal of the cosmetic panel requires access to the pertinent
      side of the E10k.  If the suspect E10k cabinet is directly 
      adjacent to another cabinet/etc, one or both will have to be 
      moved in order to gain access, as required.

If any of the cable connectors (J11-14) comes loose during shipment,
the SSP will lose contact with that power supply, resulting in
erroneous power readings. The AC power module that is affected will
continue to deliver power to the platform, but the SSP may prevent
individual system boards or the entire platform from being taken from a
powered-off state to a powered-on state because of the false impression
that there is insufficient power available.

Following are the ways to identify this may be the problem:

   . Green lights ("DC ON") on power supplies will not be lit.
   . Check the power supplies by typing at the SSP console:

        % hostinfo -p

   In the 'Bulk Power' section, the following readings may be an
   indication of a loose cable: Power supply 'FAIL', 'OFF', or  
   power supplies which are physically in the chassis will not show up 
   on the host inventory.

   . If using the HostView GUI, power supplies physically in the 
     system will show as 'OFF'.
   . Physical inspection of the data cable connection.

It has been found that the slide latch that is designed to keep the
cables securely attached have a slide latch that can slide [down] to
the "unlatched" position through gravity/vibration/shock. This will
most likely happen in the factory or during transit to the customer
site, or when an E10k is moved to a different location, and is not
believed to be a problem once a system is operational. 

If the green LED's are dark and the hostinfo -p command shows failed or
missing power supplies, the data cable should be physically inspected if
no other source of the problem can be found. Use the below stated
procedure under "Corrective Action" in order to determine if the cable
has become disconnected.

To address the occurrence of this happening at the factory, a new
procedure was implemented in Sun Manufacturing in June 2000..  Refer to
"CPAS 103603" which describes a method of inspection at Sun
Manufacturing to ensure that the cables are firmly in position and that
connector latches are in the locked position.

More recently, an ECO is in work that will reverse the direction of the 
slide-latch such that gravity and vibration will be in the direction of 
"latching" rather than "unlatching" as has been the case up to
now.

  
IMPLEMENTATION:  
 
         ---
        |   |   MANDATORY (Fully Pro-Active)
         ---    
         
  
         ---
        |   |   CONTROLLED PRO-ACTIVE (per Sun Geo Plan) 
         --- 
         
                                
         ---
        | X |   REACTIVE (As Required)
         ---
         

CORRECTIVE ACTION:

An Authorized Enterprise Field Service Representatives may avoid the
above mentioned problems by following the recommendations as shown
below.

During a new E10000 installation, if AC Input Units or power supplies
do not power-up, suspect that loose internal power connectors could be 
causing the problem.

  1) Disconnect AC power from the system by turning off all circuit
     breakers and unplugging AC power cords from wall outlets.
     
  2) Remove the left side cosmetic panel (facing the rear of system).
  
  3) Inspect connectors J11, J12, J13, J14 for tight fit.
  
  4) If any of these four connectors is loose, reconnect it and place
     its slide latch into the locked position. Note the orientation of
     the slide latch: if the upper position is the "latched position" 
     and there is potential that the E10000 system will be relocated 
     in its normal service life, reverse the slide latch as follows:

     A) Remove one cable from its mating connector on the side of the
        E10000 cabinet.

     B) Note the orientation of the slide latch and use a small
        flat-blade screw driver to remove two screws that secure the 
        slide latch.

     C) Reverse the slide latch and refasten using the same screws;
        tighten fully.

     D) Re-install the cable and secure in place by engaging the
        slide-latch fully (downward).

     E) repeat steps a - d for the remaining cables.
     
    NOTE- If it is believed that the E10000 system will not be
          transported in its service life, the slide-latches need 
          not be reversed; simply slide them to their fully latched 
          position (upward) - the reversal technique adds an 
          additional measure of safety against the loose-cable problem
          described in this FIN.
          
  5) Reapply power to the system.


COMMENTS:  

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Implementation Footnote:

i)   In case of MANDATORY FINs, Enterprise Services will attempt to    
     contact all affected customers to recommend implementation of 
     the FIN. 
   
ii)  For CONTROLLED PROACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services mission
critical    
     support teams will recommend implementation of the FIN  (to their  
     respective accounts), at the convenience of the customer. 

iii) For REACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services will implement the FIN as
the   
     need arises.
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