Abstract: A method for accurately tracking fault status in a computer system. The method includes storing a prior state for a sensor associated with a component of the computer system and receiving a sensor reading. When the prior state indicates the sensor was unavailable or unreadable such as when the component was removed, the method includes resending or re-emitting a faulty event to the fault diagnosing module, e.g., after reinsertion of the component in the computer system while it is still faulty. The method may include, prior to the triggering of the resending of the faulty event, determining that the sensor is in a non-nominal state. The method may also include storing in the data storage a definition of a nominal state for the sensor such that the determining the sensor is in the non-nominal state includes comparing one or more sensor readings with the nominal state definition.

Abstract: A method for accurately tracking fault status in a computer system. The method includes storing a prior state for a sensor associated with a component of the computer system and receiving a sensor reading. When the prior state indicates the sensor was unavailable or unreadable such as when the component was removed, the method includes resending or re-emitting a faulty event to the fault diagnosing module, e.g., after reinsertion of the component in the computer system while it is still faulty. The method may include, prior to the triggering of the resending of the faulty event, determining that the sensor is in a non-nominal state. The method may also include storing in the data storage a definition of a nominal state for the sensor such that the determining the sensor is in the non-nominal state includes comparing one or more sensor readings with the nominal state definition.

Abstract: A management subsystem and method for discovering management device functions. A management subsystem includes a system controller coupled to a plurality of devices each configured to monitor system resources and a non-volatile storage device via a first communication path. The non-volatile storage device may store a plurality of functions associated with the devices. The system controller may access the non-volatile storage device during initialization and create a function list including assigning a unique identifier to each of the functions. The system controller may transmit the function list via a second communication path in response to receiving a request for the function list. Further, the system controller may obtain system management information from one of the devices by invoking a particular one of the functions in response to receiving a request including a particular unique identifier corresponding to the particular one of the functions.

Abstract: A management subsystem and method for discovering management device functions. A management subsystem includes a system controller coupled to a plurality of devices each configured to monitor system resources and a non-volatile storage device via a first communication path. The non-volatile storage device may store a plurality of functions associated with the devices. The system controller may access the non-volatile storage device during initialization and create a function list including assigning a unique identifier to each of the functions. The system controller may transmit the function list via a second communication path in response to receiving a request for the function list. Further, the system controller may obtain system management information from one of the devices by invoking a particular one of the functions in response to receiving a request including a particular unique identifier corresponding to the particular one of the functions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for communicating configuration information are disclosed. A live insertion device has a status, or configuration, such as a state of readiness to be removed from a powered up computer and a state of readiness to operate. The removal readiness may include factors such as whether the live insertion device is related to ongoing processes, such that immediate removal would cause errors. The operational readiness may includes factors such as whether the relevant software is ready and whether the live insertion device can function. The live insertion device also has a seating state, such as whether the live insertion device is properly physically positioned in or coupled to the computer. Prior to an attempt at removing and/or operating the live insertion device, the configuration state of the live insertion device can be verified via an indicator that receives the configuration information about the live insertion device.

Abstract: A computer system and method of performing service thereto includes a centralized system status panel to identify and display the status of all field replaceable units (FRUs) within the computer system. The system uses electronic signaling such as LEDs on the system status panel to identify the presence and state of the FRUs within the system. The system further may use color differentiation to identify specific FRUs within the system. The system status panel may also include spatial locators to determine the location of the field replaceable units. Acronyms or symbols for the FRUs may further be included on the system status panel. Additionally, the computer system uses color differentiation on user accessible components and their interface features. Color differentiation on the user interface areas may allow a service technician to quickly identify where on the enclosures or individual component handling is possible or desirable. In addition, the computer system may use captive fasteners for the FRUs.