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

FIN #: I0599-1

Create Date: Jul/26/00

Keywords: 

Power/Cooling Module on EXX00 May Suffer a Silent Mode Failure.

Top FIN/FCO Report: Yes

Products Reference: EXX00 PCM Power/Cooling Module

Product Category: Server / Power

Product Affected: 

Mkt_ID   Platform   Model   Description           Serial Number
------   --------   -----   -----------           -------------
Systems Affected
----------------

  -       E6500     All     Ultra Enterprise 6500       -
  -       E6000     All     Ultra Enterprise 6000       -
  -       E5500     All     Ultra Enterprise 5500       -
  -       E5000     All     Ultra Enterprise 5000       -
  -       E4500     All     Ultra Enterprise 4500       -
  -       E4000     All     Ultra Enterprise 4000       -
  -       E3500     All     Ultra Enterprise 3500       -
  -       E3000     All     Ultra Enterprise 3000       -

X-Options Affected
------------------
X954A     -         -       300W Power Cooling Module   -

Parts Affected: 

Part Number    Description                     Model
-----------    -----------                     -----
300-1260-0X    Power/Cooling Module, 300W      Type A106
300-1444-0X    Power/Cooling Module, 300W SF+  Type A146

References: 

BugId:   4324657 
ESC:     525949 & 524634
DPCO:    173 
MANUAL:  802-6051 Ultra Enterprise 3000 System Manual
MANUAL:  802-3845 Ultra Enterprise 4/5/6000 System Manual
MANUAL:  805-2630 Enterprise 3500 Reference Manual
MANUAL:  805-2632 Enterprise 45/55/6500 Reference Manual

Issue Description: 

The purpose of this FIN is to advise the field of the possibility of
"Silent Mode Failure" with the PCM Power Supply on an installed EXX00
system.  The system will be functioning but may be in a state that
leaves it vulnerable to a system crash.

In the US from 12/31/1998 to 7/04/1999 there were 653 defective 300W
PCM return to logistics.  In the UK and Japan and Singapore from Jan/97 
to Dec/99, there were 3476 defective 300W PCM returns.  So total returns
worldwide were 4129.  Within this same time period 31 of these returns
had component failures that would cause "Silent Mode Failure", that is 
0.75% of FAILED power supplies.

In rare instances it is possible that the Enterprise Power Cooling
Module (300W) may fail and this failure may not be detected by the
system. No error is found in the /var/adm/messages file and prtdiag
reports the psu status as good. A visual inspection of the of the PCM
indicators reveals the two LEDs in the off mode, no AC input or AC
input failure.

PCM LED Codes (found on Power Cooler Module);

       -----------------------------------------------------------       
      | Green |  Yellow |  Description                            |
      |-------|---------|-----------------------------------------|
      | Off   |   Off   |  No AC Input, or "Silent Mode Failure"  |
      | On    |   Off   |  Normal Operation                       |
      | On    |   On    |  Fan Failure                            |
      | Off   |   On    |  DC Output Failure                      |
      |       |         |                                         |
       -----------------------------------------------------------

On systems with no redundant power, this defect will cause a system 
failure as would other types of PCM failure.

On systems with N+1 configuration for redundant power this defect will
not cause the system to fail but redundant power will be lost and not
reported.  Should another failure occur to a PCM a system failure would
be expected.

Implementation: 

---
        |   |   MANDATORY (Fully Pro-Active)
         ---

         ---
        |   |   CONTROLLED PRO-ACTIVE (Per Sun Geo Plan)
         ---

         ---
        | X |   REACTIVE (As Required)
         ---

Corrective Action: 

The following recommendation is provided as a guideline for authorized
Enterprise Services Field Representatives while providing service for
any Ultra Enterprise 3X00-6X00 servers;

Visually inspect the machines Power Cooling Module indicator LEDs
prior to carrying out any service.  The green LED should be on, the 
yellow fault LED off.  Should any Power Cooling Module show both LEDs 
in the off mode, suspect a "Silent Mode Failure" condition.  This can be
confirmed by checking the file /var/adm/messages for the presence of a 
PCM failure message, (no message then Silent Mode Failure), or by using
prtdiag to show the status of the power supply unit, (no failure status
would indicate a "Silent Mode Failure")

Power Cooling Modules in the "Silent Mode Failure" state should be 
replaced before any other intervention is attempted.

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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