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IBM Power System E850C: Technical Overview and Introduction
Converters that are used for processor voltage levels are configured for redundancy so
that when one is detected as failing, it is called out for repair while the system continues to
run with the redundant voltage converter.
The converters that are used for memory are configured with a form of sparing. In this
sparing, when a converter fails, the system continues operation with another converter
without generating a service event or the any sort of outage for repair.
As with the Power E870 and Power E880 servers, the Power E850C uses triple redundant
ambient temperature sensors.
4.2 Reliability
The reliability of systems starts with components, devices, and subsystems that are highly
reliable. On IBM POWER processor-based systems, this basic principle is expanded upon
with a clear design for reliability architecture and methodology. A concentrated, systematic,
and architecture-based approach is designed to improve overall system reliability with each
successive generation of system offerings. Reliability can be improved in primarily three
ways:
Reducing the number of components
Using higher reliability
grade parts
Reducing the stress on the components
In the POWER8 systems, elements of all three are used to improve system reliability.
During the design and development process, subsystems go through rigorous verification and
integration testing processes. During system manufacturing, systems go through a thorough
testing process to help ensure the highest level of product quality.
4.2.1 Designed for reliability
Systems that are designed with fewer components and interconnects have fewer
opportunities to fail. Simple design choices, such as integrating processor cores on a single
POWER chip, can reduce the opportunity for system failures. The POWER8 chip has more
cores per processor module, and the I/O Hub Controller function is integrated in the
processor module, which generates a PCIe BUS directly from the processor module. Parts
selection also plays a critical role in overall system reliability.
Summary of Contents for E850C
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