HP-UX 11i Version 2 March 2006 Release Notes

Server-Specific Information
PCI Error Handling
Chapter 4
92
Performance
There are no known performance issues.
Documentation
When the new cards are released, documentation will be available on
http://docs.hp.com in the “I/O Cards and Networking Software” section.
Obsolescence
Not applicable.
PCI Error Handling
The PCI Error Handling feature allows an HP-UX system to avoid a Machine Check
Abort (MCA) or a High Priority Machine Check (HPMC) if a PCI error occurs (for
example, a parity error).
Without the PCI Error Handling feature installed, PCI slots are set in hardfail mode. If a
PCI error occurs when a slot is in hardfail mode, an MCA or HPMC will occur; then the
system will crash.
When the PCI Error Handling feature is installed, the PCI slots containing I/O cards
that support PCI Error Handling will be set in softfail mode. If a PCI error occurs when
a slot is in softfail mode, the slot will be isolated from further I/O, the corresponding
device driver will report the error, and the driver will be suspended. The olrad command
and the Attention Button can be used to recover, restoring the slot, card, and driver to a
usable state.
The PCI Error Handling feature is only supported on certain I/O card drivers and a
limited number of systems. A firmware update may be required. For more information
about supported drivers and systems, as well as firmware requirements, see the PCI
Error Handling Product Note (HP Manufacturing Part Number 5991-4793), available at
http://docs.hp.com in the “High Availability” section.
Summary of Change
The PCI Error Handling feature is now available on the Software Pack (SPK) media for
HP-UX 11i v2 March 2006. For more information about SPK, see “Software Pack
(Optional HP-UX 11i v2 Core Enhancements)” on page 27.
Impact
This feature allows your systems to continue running even when a PCI error occurs.