Emulex Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters

Chapter 1: Introduction

This installation guide describes how to install an Emulex® Fibre Channel (FC) Host Bus Adapter (HBA).

Note: Illustrations in this guide are examples only. The actual hardware might vary.

Figure 1: Two-Port HBA

Description: A printed circuit board (PCB) with a PCIe connector on one end and two Fibre Channel ports (SFP cages) on the other.

Figure 2: Single-Port HBA

Description: A PCB similar to the two-port version but with only one Fibre Channel port.

1.1 HBA Identification

Each HBA ships with several numbers clearly marked on the board. Record these numbers before installation:

• IEEE address: An IEEE unique 64-bit identifier used for system configuration.
• WWN (World Wide Name): Derived from the IEEE address; the FC industry uses the WWN for FC connectivity.
• Serial number: Assigned by Emulex. Use this number when communicating with Broadcom® Technical Support.

Note: If the HBA has two ports, it has two IEEE addresses and two WWNs, one for each port.

Chapter 2: Installation

The Emulex HBA can be connected to fiber optic cables (used with embedded optical transceivers). Additional information for these cable connections and other installation procedures are described in the following sections.

2.1 Preparing the HBA for Installation

Before installing the HBA, perform one or both of the following procedures:

• Change the bracket to a low-profile version as explained in Section 2.1.1, Changing the Bracket.
• Disable or enable the Secure Firmware feature available on selected HBAs using the instructions in Section 2.1.2, Setting the Secure Firmware Feature.

If changes to the HBA are not required, proceed to Section 2.2, Installing the HBA.

2.1.1 Changing the Bracket

A standard, full-height PCIe bracket is factory-installed. A low-profile bracket is included with HBAs that support this feature. The low-profile mounting bracket is shorter than the standard bracket: approximately 3.11 in. (7.9 cm) compared to 4.75 in. (12.06 cm) long.

To change the bracket, perform the following steps:

1. Some HBAs have optical transceivers embedded in their cage assemblies. These must be removed before the bracket can be removed. If the HBA contains optical transceivers, continue with the following steps; otherwise, proceed to Step 4.
2. Caution: This is a delicate operation. Take care not to damage the optical transceiver.
3. The HBA uses different types of optical transceivers.

Figure 3: Typical Optical Transceiver

Description: A small module designed for insertion into the HBA's port cage, featuring a connector for a fiber optic cable and a release mechanism, often a metal "bail" or handle.

2. To remove a transceiver, pull the bail out and down to release the latch and gently pull out the transceiver. Do not force it. After the latch is released, the transceiver slides out easily.

Figure 4: Releasing the Latch on an Optical Transceiver

Description: An illustration showing an optical transceiver partially ejected from its cage. The release latch (bail) is shown extended, indicating it has been activated for removal.

Figure 5: Removing an Optical Transceiver

Description: Depicts an optical transceiver successfully removed from the HBA's port cage, shown separate from the adapter. Another transceiver is shown still latched in place.

3. Observing ESD precautions, store the transceiver in an ESD-safe place.
4. Remove the mounting bracket screws and washers from the top of the HBA.

Figure 6: Removing the Mounting Bracket

Description: An illustration of the HBA with screws being removed from its standard-height mounting bracket.

5. Remove the mounting bracket and store it for future use.
6. Align the new mounting bracket tabs with the holes in the HBA.
7. Caution: Be careful not to push the mounting bracket past the grounding tabs on the transceiver housing. Make sure the LEDs are properly aligned with the holes in the mounting bracket.
8. Reinstall the screws and washers that attach the HBA to the mounting bracket.
9. Reinstall the transceiver by sliding it into the housing. When the latch engages, it clicks.
10. Push the bail back into place.

2.1.2 Setting the Secure Firmware Feature

The LPe31000-series and LPe32000-series HBAs have a jumper that enables or disables the Secure Firmware feature as required.

To update the firmware using a tool (e.g., Emulex HBA Manager application, boot utilities, or Elxflash utilities), there is no need to remove the jumper. The Secure Firmware feature can remain enabled if the update is from one secure firmware version to another. To change the firmware version from a secure to an unsecured version, you must remove the jumper before updating.

Note: The Emulex OneCommand® Manager application has been renamed as the Emulex HBA Manager application.

Replace the jumper after the firmware update is complete.

Figure 7: Secure Firmware Jumper Location J3

Description: A close-up view of the HBA's PCB, highlighting a specific jumper block labeled "J3", which controls the Secure Firmware feature.

2.2 Installing the HBA

To install the HBA, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the computer.
2. Remove the computer case.
3. For a stand-up HBA, remove the blank panel from an empty PCIe bus slot.
4. Insert the HBA into the selected slot. Press firmly until the HBA is seated.
5. Note: Make sure that the HBA is in an appropriate PCIe slot that does not interfere with other components or with the case to prevent damage to the HBA.
6. Secure the HBA mounting bracket to the case with a panel screw or clip.
7. Replace the computer case and tighten the case screws.

The HBA is now installed in the server and is ready for an FC device.

2.3 Attaching Media

You can connect fiber optic cables to the HBA. An HBA does not allow normal data transmission on optical links unless it is connected to a compatible optical interface connection.

Note: Use short range (SR), direct-connecting receptacle (DCR) multimode fiber cable for interface connections to a network.

To attach media to the HBA, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that the cages have optical transceivers installed in them. If necessary, insert an optical transceiver into each cage.

Figure 8: Installing an Optical Transceiver

Description: Shows an optical transceiver being inserted into the SFP cage on the HBA.

2. Insert an appropriate optical cable into the LC connectors on the HBA.

Figure 9: Connecting a Fiber Optic Cable

Description: Illustrates a fiber optic cable with LC connectors being plugged into the Fibre Channel ports on the HBA.

3. Connect the other end to the FC device.

You are ready to apply power to the system.

2.4 Applying Power

To apply power:

1. Verify that the HBA is securely installed in the system.
2. Verify that the correct media is attached.
3. Plug in the computer and turn it on.
4. Watch the LEDs for POST results.

2.5 Viewing the LEDs

You can view the green and yellow LEDs through openings in a stand-up HBA's mounting bracket. The yellow LED indicates port activity or link speed, and the green LED indicates firmware operation. Each port has a corresponding set of yellow and green LEDs.

Figure 10: Optical HBA LED Indicators

Description: A diagram of the HBA's port area, showing the location of the green and yellow LEDs associated with each Fibre Channel port (labeled PORT 0, PORT 1, TX, RX).

The following table summarizes POST conditions and results:

Note: For the link rate conditions, a 1s pause occurs when the yellow LED is off between each group of fast blinks (2, 3, 4, or 5, depending on the HBA). Observe the LED sequence for several seconds to be sure you have correctly identified the pattern.