Specifications

Escala Tower PL & S, E, T System Hardware
Chapter 1: Family Overview 3/30
9es3s1c1.doc
Rev 5.9
02/12/2003
1. Escala Tower PL, S, E and T Series - General Features
The Escala Tower PL and the S, E and T Series are AIX-based computers using the PowerPC® RISC
architecture. The Escala Tower PL, E and T servers also feature a symmetric multiprocessing
architecture to achieve performance scalability and high availability from the PowerPC processors. They
offer a full range of multi-user, multitasking, open-architecture servers. The Escala system units are
designed to be used in a wide variety of environments as Distributed Data Server, and target
input/output-intensive commercial applications, databases, and communication servers.
1.1. Reliability Availability and Serviceability
Excellent quality and reliability are inherent in all facets of Bull Tower PL, S, E and T products. The
measures taken help ensure that the products operate when required, perform reliably, efficiently
handle infrequent failures in a nondisruptive fashion, and provide timely and competent repair to allow
resumption of operations with minimal inconvenience. For example, the Escala Tower PL, E and T
servers have embedded service processor and ECC memory.
The AIX operating system and appropriate software tools make the most of the Escala S, E and T
hardware features by providing:
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Error monitoring (including alarm transmission).
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Remote service session management.
Remote maintenance and diagnostics - including console mirroring from a remote site - allows a
service technician to dial in through a secure connection and correct a potential malfunction before it
occurs or reboot and restore system function as soon as possible after an outage. For even greater
reliability, the platform also supports the HACMP software.
1.1.1. RAS Functions Summary
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ECC on system memory and L2 cache; single-bit error correction and double-bit error detection
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Parity detection for the system bus, PCI address, and data buses
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Hot-swap disk drives (Escala Tower PL, E and T Series only)
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Disk drive fault tracking and warning
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RAID 1 (optional on Escala Tower PL, E and T Series via AIX disk mirroring function)
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RAID 0, 1, and 5 (optional on Escala Tower PL, E and T series via adapter)
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On-line (concurrent) and remote (LAN or modem) system diagnostics
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Vital Product Data (VPD) for most base-system, field replaceable units (FRUs)
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Redundant power and cooling capability
The Service Processor or the BUMP, included as standard, enables or contributes to the following RAS
functions, among others:
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Integrated system environmental monitoring/alerting:
AC/DC voltage
Fan speed
Temperature sensing