Abstract: A method includes identifying a first distributed conversion and control assembly (DCCA) in a central electronics complex (CEC) of a computer system, the CEC containing the first DCCA and a second DCCA, each of the first DCCA and the second DCCA having a flexible service processor (FSP); determining that the computer system satisfies preconditions for concurrent replacement of the first DCCA; disabling control software for a thermal and power management device (TPMD) of the first DCCA; fencing off the first DCCA; depowering the first DCCA; receiving a new media access control (MAC) address of a replacement DCCA; reconfiguring an operating system of the CEC to recognize the new MAC address of the replacement DCCA; powering on the replacement DCCA; removing the fencing off of the first DCCA; and resetting an FSP of the replacement DCCA.

Abstract: A method includes identifying a first distributed conversion and control assembly (DCCA) in a central electronics complex (CEC) of a computer system, the CEC containing the first DCCA and a second DCCA, each of the first DCCA and the second DCCA having a flexible service processor (FSP); determining that the computer system satisfies preconditions for concurrent replacement of the first DCCA; disabling control software for a thermal and power management device (TPMD) of the first DCCA; fencing off the first DCCA; depowering the first DCCA; receiving a new media access control (MAC) address of a replacement DCCA; reconfiguring an operating system of the CEC to recognize the new MAC address of the replacement DCCA; powering on the replacement DCCA; removing the fencing off of the first DCCA; and resetting an FSP of the replacement DCCA.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism is provided for arbitrating between redundant controllers having outputs electrically connected together and provided as input to at least one device under control. The arbitration mechanism includes logic for automatically determining which controller of the redundant controllers is active controller, and a hardware output interlock for the redundant controllers to ensure that output controlled by only the active controller is enabled as input to the at least one device. The arbitration mechanism also includes logic for monitoring the active controller for failure, and upon detection of failure, for automatically switching active control to another controller of the redundant controllers transparent to the at least one device.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus for servicing an electrical/electronic device during power shut offs is provided. The apparatus comprises a service logic having a memory and control component for storing device information during normal device operation and one or more indicators driven by the memory and control component after power shut off to provide service signals. The service logic also includes an auxiliary energy source selectively engageable to provide auxiliary power to the memory and control component during power shut off and to enable providing of service signals through the indicator(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer hardware design, and in particular to a printed circuit board (card) comprising wiring dedicated to supply electric board components such as integrated circuits with at least three different reference planes. In particular at locations, where the pins of a card-to-card connector enter the layer structure of the card discontinuities brake the high frequency signal return path of a given signal wiring. In order to close the signal return path around a signal path from card to card including the connector, and thus to limit the signal coupling while concurrently keeping the card design as simple as possible, it is proposed to provide a) an additional capacitance for a given signal wiring in a discontinuity section, b) wherein the additional capacitance is formed by a voltage island placed within a signal layer located next to the given signal wiring.

Abstract: A data processing system and method providing a jumper which provides standby power from a redundant power supply to one of at least two critical functions in a frame having bays for holding at least two nodes. The redundant power supply supplying power to one of the nodes in the frame and one of the critical functions. A jumper is slidably engageable in the frame in place of one of the nodes. The jumper, when engaged in the frame, transfers power from the redundant power supply to the other of the critical functions. The jumper is included in a jumper book of an airblock which includes passive airblock books. Mechanical keys on the passive airblock books prevent the removal of the jumper book until after the passive airblock books are removed.

Abstract: A technique for testing an electronics assembly for a power short circuit is provided. The technique includes pre-characterizing power off resistance of an electronic component(s) of a first packaging level from at least one power boundary of the electronic component(s). The characterizing of the power off resistance occurs prior to placement of the electronic component(s) into an electronics assembly of a higher packaging level. The technique further includes determining actual power off resistance of the electronics component(s) after placement thereof into the electronics assembly, with the actual power off resistance being determined from the at least one power boundary. Thereafter, the actual power off resistance of the electronic component(s) in the electronics assembly is compared with the pre-characterized power off resistance of the at least one electronic component(s), and a determination is made therefrom whether a power short circuit exists within the electronics assembly.

Abstract: An arbitration mechanism is provided for arbitrating between redundant controllers having outputs electrically connected together and provided as input to at least one device under control. The arbitration mechanism includes logic for automatically determining which controller of the redundant controllers is active controller, and a hardware output interlock for the redundant controllers to ensure that output controlled by only the active controller is enabled as input to the at least one device. The arbitration mechanism also includes logic for monitoring the active controller for failure, and upon detection of failure, for automatically switching active control to another controller of the redundant controllers transparent to the at least one device.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for hierarchically encoding indicators used to identify an instance of a device. Multiple nodes are included. Each node includes an implemented instance of a device. Multiple hierarchical indicators and multiple identity indicators are provided. Each one of the hierarchical indicators is associated with a different one of the nodes. Each one of the identity indicators is associated with a different one of the devices. One of the hierarchical indicators and one of the identity indicators are used for identifying an instance of one of the devices.