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Intel® Server Board SE7520JR2 Error Reporting and Handling
Revision 1.0
C78844-002
155
6.3 Error Logging
This section defines how errors are handled by the system BIOS. Also discussed is the role of
the BIOS in error handling and the interaction between the BIOS, platform hardware, and server
management firmware with regard to error handling. In addition, error-logging techniques are
described and beep codes for errors are defined.
One of the major requirements of server management is to correctly and consistently handle
system errors. System error sources can be categorized as follows:
• PCI bus
• Memory multi-bit errors (single-bit errors are not logged)
• Sensors
• Processor internal errors, bus/address errors, thermal trip errors, temperatures and
voltages, and GTL voltage levels
• Errors detected during POST, logged as POST errors
Sensors are managed by the mBMC. The mBMC is capable of receiving event messages from
individual sensors and logging system events
6.3.1 SMI Handler
The SMI handler handles and logs system-level events that are not visible to the server
management firmware. If SEL error logging is disabled in the BIOS Setup utility, no SMI signals
are generated on system errors. If error logging is enabled, the SMI handler preprocesses all
system errors, even those that are normally considered to generate an NMI.
The SMI handler sends a command to the BMC to log the event and provides the data to be
logged. For example, The BIOS programs the hardware to generate an SMI on a single-bit
memory error and logs the location of the failed DIMM in the system event log.
6.3.2 PCI Bus Error
The PCI bus defines two error pins, PERR# and SERR#, for reporting PCI parity errors and
system errors, respectively. The BIOS can be instructed to enable or disable reporting the
PERR# and SERR# through NMI. Disabling NMI for PERR# and/or SERR# also disables
logging of the corresponding event. In the case of PERR#, the PCI bus master has the option
to retry the offending transaction, or to report it using SERR#. All other PCI-related errors are
reported by SERR#. All the PCI-to-PCI bridges are configured so that they generate a SERR#
on the primary interface whenever there is a SERR# on the secondary side, if SERR# has been
enabled through Setup. The same is true for PERR#.
6.3.3 Processor Bus Error
If the chipset supports ECC on the processor bus then the BIOS enables the error correction
and detection capabilities of the processors by setting appropriate bits in the processor model
specific register (MSR) and appropriate bits inside the chipset.
In the case of irrecoverable errors on the host processor bus, proper execution of the
asynchronous error handler (usually SMI) cannot be guaranteed and the handler cannot be
relied upon to log such conditions. The handler will record the error to the SEL only if the
system has not experienced a catastrophic failure that compromises the integrity of the handler.