AX4-5 Series

Hardware and Operational Overview

December 2, 2007

This overview describes the major hardware features of AX4-5 series storage systems.
For greater clarity, the illustrations in this document show the storage-system chassis independent of a cabinet or deskside mounting

Topics include Storage-system components ........................................................... Disk and filler modules.................................................................. Storage processors (SPs)................................................................. Link control cards (LCCs) .............................................................. Power/cooling modules ................................................................ Standby power supplies (SPSs)....................................................... Powerup and powerdown sequence ............................................... 2 5 7 8 9 10 11

Storage-system components
The AX4-5 series storage system consists of rack-mountable storage-system enclosures, 3.5 inches (2U) high, that contain 4 to 12 Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) or Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) disk drives. The AX4-5 and AX4-5SC storage systems use a Fibre Channel arbitrated loop (FC-AL) or Fibre Channel switch (FC-SW) as an interconnect interface to host servers. The AX4-5i and AX4-5SCi storage systems use the Internet Small Computer System Interface (iSCSI) protocol.
The AX4-5, AX4-5SC, AX4-5i, and AX4-5SCi are also called the AX4-5F, AX4-5FSC, AX4-5I, AX4-5ISC, respectively.

Navisphere Express software manages the storage systems from any qualified workstation on a shared Ethernet LAN. Sophisticated RAID (redundant array of independent disk) technology and data caching prevent data loss in case of component failure. Redundant hardware options provide levels of high availability usually restricted to much larger (and more expensive) storage systems. Besides economical disks, the AX4-5 series storage systems include the following major components: A disk-processor enclosure (DPE-AX). A DPE-AX contains one (AX4-5SC or AX4-5SCi) or two (AX4-5 or AX4-5i) storage processors (SPs), each with: One dual-inline memory module (DIMM) One serial port (RJ45 connector) for service One 10/100 Ethernet LAN port (RJ45 connector) for management For the AX4-5 or AX4-5i, one serial port for connection to a standby power supply (SPS) One input/output (I/O) module per SP, each with: For the AX4-5 or AX4-5SC, two 4-Gbps Fibre Channel host ports with small form factor pluggable (SFP) connectors For the AX4-5i or AX4-5SCi, two Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) ports

Hardware and Operational Overview

Two power supply/system cooling (power/cooling) modules Figure 1 shows an AX4-5 DPE-AX, which has Fibre Channel I/O modules; Figure 2 shows an AX4-5i DPE-AX, which has iSCSI instead of Fibre Channel I/O modules; Figure 3 shows an AX4-5SC DPE-AX; and, Figure 4 shows an AX4-5SCi.
PS B on Power supply B fault LED Fan B fault PS A on LED Power supply A fault LED Fan A fault LED

FRU Label

FRU Label

SP B service SP B management
Figure 1

Fibre SP B fault LED

SP A service SP A management

Fibre SP A power LED SP A fault LED

CL3725

SP B power LED
AX4-5 DPE-AX (rear view)

FRU Label

FRU Label

CL3771

Figure 2

AX4-5i DPE-AX (rear view)

FRU Label

FRU Label

CL3853

Figure 3

AX4-5SC DPE-AX (rear view)

FRU Label

FRU Label

CL3854

Figure 4

AX4-5SCi DPE-AX (rear view)

Hardware and Operational Overview

AX4-5 and AX4-5i systems include a standby power supply (SPS); a second SPS is optional. AX4-5 and AX4-5i systems support as many as four optional disk array enclosures (DAE-AXs). Like the DPE-AX, each DAE-AX includes two power/cooling modules and can contain a total of twelve disk drives. Instead of SPs, a DAE-AX has two link control cards (LCCs) that manage disks on a single redundant back-end bus. You can install, upgrade, or replace all of the major storage-system components without professional assistance.

Hardware and Operational Overview

Disk and filler modules

Each DPE-AX includes at least four hard disk drives. The first four disks, marked 0-3, are system disks (sometimes called vault disks) and contain vital software specific to the physical slot they occupy in the chassis. Do not move a system disk from its assigned slot to another slot. Remove a system disk only if you need to replace it because it failed.

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123 PN:123456789 REV 123 PN:123456789 REV 123

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

CL3880

Figure 5

DPE-AX system (vault) disks

If a drive fails, you can replace it with another while the storage system continues running; software rebuilds the contents of the original disk onto its replacement. DPE-AX and DAE-AX chassis have twelve slots for disk modules. Any unoccupied disk module slot requires a filler module to maintain air flow.

Disk modules
Each disk module, shown in Figure 6, consists of one disk drive in a carrier. You can add or remove a disk module while the storage system is powered up, but you should exercise special care when removing drives while they are in use.

Hardware and Operational Overview

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

EMC2830

Figure 6

Disk module

Disk drives The disk drives are standard 3.5-inch (8.75-cm) by 1.0-inch (2.54-cm) serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) or serial attached SCSI (SAS) drives. For a detailed list of supported disk drives and the minimum revision of the FLARE operating environment (OE) that supports each disk, refer to the Disk and FLARE OE Matrix under Technical description on the Learn page on the storage-system support website or contact your service provider. Drive carrier The disk drive carrier is a plastic assembly that provides smooth, reliable contact with the enclosure slot guides and system board connectors. It has a handle with a latch and spring clips. The latch holds the disk module in place to ensure proper connection with the connectors.

Hardware and Operational Overview

Storage processors (SPs)

The storage processor (SP) is the storage systems intelligent component and acts as the input/output (front end) and data storage (back end) control center. Besides the processor board and memory DIMM, each SP includes an I/O module that determines the connection protocol to host servers. DPE-AX systems with two SPs support write caching for increased performance. The redundant storage processors also provide high availability should one SP fail or lose power.

Hardware and Operational Overview

Link control cards (LCCs)

Optional disk array enclosures (DAE-AXs) do not include SPs, but use link control cards (LCCs) to support additional disk capacity. The LCCs in each DAE-AX connect to expansion ports on SPs or other LCCs with serial-attached SCSI (SAS) expansion cables to create a redundant back-end bus that can support both SATA and SAS drives. Each LCC includes a display indicating the enclosure address of the DAE-AX; the address is assigned automatically by the system. LCCs also include a service port connector. An LCC receives input from the previous SP or LCC on the bus through a primary connector (marked by a circle symbol) and can pass input to the next LCC on the bus through an expansion connector (marked by a diamond symbol). Figure 7 shows a DAE-AX with two LCCs below the power/cooling modules.
*VVVYYWWRRRRR* *VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX
*AXX*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX
*AXX*

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

FRU Label

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

REV: AXX
*AXX*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

FRU Label

REV: AXX
*AXX*

#
046-003-042_A03 046-003-042_A03

CL3775

Figure 7

DAE-AX (rear view)

Hardware and Operational Overview

Power/cooling modules
Each power/cooling module integrates an independent power supply and blowers into a single module. The power supply in each module is an auto-ranging, power-factor-corrected, multi-output, offline converter. The power/cooling modules, A and B, are located above the SPs or LCCs. They share load currents and provide power and cooling for an entire enclosure. An SP, LCC, or power/cooling module with power-related faults does not adversely affect the operation of any other component. If one power/cooling module fails, the other compensates until the failed module is replaced. If the failed module is in a dual-SP DPE-AX, the system also disables write caching. Removing a power/cooling module from the enclosure causes a cooling fault that will shut down the enclosure within two minutes.

Hardware and Operational Overview

Standby power supplies (SPSs)

A 1U, 1000-watt DC SPS provides backup power for SP A. An optional second SPS supports SP B. During a power failure, the SPSs allow write caching to continue, which prevents data loss. A faulted or not fully charged SPS disables the write cache. Each SPS rear panel has one AC inlet power connector with power switch, AC outlets for the DPE-AX SPs, and one connector for serial connection to an SP. Figure 8 shows the SPS connectors and status lights.
SP interface Active (green) On batte ry (amber)

DPE-AX

AC power connector
Figure 8

Power switch

Fault (amber)

Replace batte ry (amber)

CL3881

1000watt SPS connectors, power switch, and status lights

You can replace an SPS while the storage system is powered up.

10

Hardware and Operational Overview

Powerup and powerdown sequence

A DAE-AX does not have a power switch. It powers up immediately and its light begins blinking once it is connected to a live power source.

Powering up the storage system

1. Verify the following: Master switch/circuit breakers for any cabinet/rack power strip are off. The power cord for power/cooling module A in the DPE-AX (viewed from the rear, A is the right side of the enclosure) is plugged into the SPS, if present, and the power cord retention bails are in place. In a storage system without an SPS, the power cord for power/cooling module A is plugged directly into a power source. The power cord for power/cooling module B is plugged into the nearest power distribution unit on a different circuit feed than the SPS or module A. In systems with two SPSs, power/cooling module B is plugged into its corresponding SPS. In a dual-SP system, the serial connection (sense cable) between SP A and SPS A is in place. If the system has two SPSs, the serial cable between SP B and SPS B is in place. The power cords for the SPSs and any DAE-AXs are plugged in; the power cords for the A and B sides do not share a power source; and, the power cord retention bails are in place. Any other devices in the cabinet are correctly installed and ready for powerup. Figure 9 shows a storage system with one SPS correctly cabled for high availability.

Hardware and Operational Overview

11

B
*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

A
*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX
*AXX*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

REV: AXX
*AXX*

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

FRU Label

*VVVYYWWRRRRR*

REV: AXX
*AXX*

S/N: VVVYYWWRRRRR P/N: 118031924

*118031924*

FRU Label

REV: AXX
*AXX*

#
046-003-042_A03 046-003-042_A03

FRU Label

FRU Label

CL3882

Figure 9

Power cord and serial (sense) cable connections

2. Turn on the master switch/circuit breakers for each cabinet/rack power strip.
The DAE-AXs power up immediately and their lights begin blinking once they are connected to a live power source.

3. If present, turn the SPS power switches to the on position (Figure 10).

CL3781

Figure 10

SPS power switch (SPS A shown)

4. Press the power button on SP A (Figure 11). SP B powers up automatically when SPA powers on.

12

Hardware and Operational Overview

FRU Label

FRU Label

CL3766

Figure 11

SP power button

The storage system can take 8-10 minutes to complete its powerup. The system fault light on the front of the DPE-AX and the SPS recharge lights on the rear of the SPS commonly stay on for several minutes while the SPS fully charges.

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123 PN:123456789 REV 123 PN:123456789 REV 123

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

PN:123456789 REV 123

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

SATA 500 GB

7.2K RPM

+-

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

SN: 1234ABCD1234ABC 123 BPS

CL3761

Figure 12

DPE-AX system fault light and SPS recharge light

If any amber lights not related to the SPS recharge remain on for more than 8-10 minutes, make sure the storage system is correctly cabled. Most amber lights indicate problems you can solve later, once your storage system management software is available to help you troubleshoot the system.

Hardware and Operational Overview

13

If the power buttons do not remain solid/steady green, contact your authorized service provider.

Powering down the storage system

CAUTION Never shut down a DPE-AX by disconnecting the AC power cords for its power/cooling modules. Bypassing the controlled powerdown in that manner prevents the system from saving any write cache data to the system drives, and may result in data loss. 1. Stop all I/O activity to the DPE-AX, and if the server connected to the DPE-AX is running the AIX, HP-UX, Linux, or Solaris operating system, back up critical data and then unmount the file systems on storage-system virtual disks. Stopping I/O allows the SP to save any cache data to the system drives, and may take some time. The length of time depends on criteria such as the size of the cache, the amount of data in the cache, the type of data in the cache, and the target location on the disks, but it is typically less than one minute. We recommend that you wait five minutes before proceeding. 2. For a dual-SP system, after five minutes, use the power switch on each SPS to turn off power to its corresponding SP. SPs with power/cooling modules connected to an SPS power down within two minutes. 3. Push the power button on SPs that are not connected to an SPS SP B in a single-SPS system and SP A in a single-SP DPE-AX.

14

Hardware and Operational Overview

Copyright 2007 EMC Corporation. All Rights Reserved. EMC believes the information in this publication is accurate as of its publication date. The information is subject to change without notice. THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED "AS IS." EMC CORPORATION MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Use, copying, and distribution of any EMC software described in this publication requires an applicable software license. Trademark Information For the most up-to-date listing of EMC product names, see EMC Corporation Trademarks on EMC.com. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Hardware and Operational Overview

15