Intel S5000XAL Server User Manual


 
Intel
®
Server Board S5000PAL / S5000XAL TPS Appendix C: POST Code Diagnostic LEDs
Revision 1.4
Intel order number: D31979-007
101
Appendix C: POST Code Diagnostic LED Decoder
During the system boot process, BIOS executes a number of platform configuration processes, each of
which is assigned a specific hex POST code number. As each configuration routine is started, BIOS will
display the given POST code to the POST Code Diagnostic LEDs found on the back edge of the server
board. To assist in troubleshooting a system hang during the POST process, the Diagnostic LEDs can
be used to identify the last POST process to be executed.
Each POST code will be represented by a combination of colors from the four LEDs. The LEDs are
capable of displaying three colors: green, red, and amber. The POST codes are divided into two nibbles,
an upper nibble and a lower nibble. Each bit in the upper nibble is represented by a red LED and each bit
in the lower nibble is represented by a green LED. If both bits are set in the upper and lower nibbles then
both red and green LEDs are lit, resulting in an amber color. If both bits are clear, then the LED is off.
In the below example, BIOS sends a value of ACh to the diagnostic LED decoder. The LEDs are decoded
as follows:
red bits = 1010b = Ah
green bits = 1100b = Ch
Since the red bits correspond to the upper nibble and the green bits correspond to the lower nibble, the
two are concatenated to be ACh.
Table 45: POST Progress Code LED Example
8h 4h 2h 1h
LEDs Red Green Red Green Red Green Red Green
ACh 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0
Result Amber Green Red Off
MSB LSB
Figure 28. Diagnostic LED Placement Diagram
LSBMSB
Diagnostic LEDs
Back edge of baseboard
USB Port
USB Port