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Note 43.0 RQDX Controller Status/Info No replies
FURILO::PROPPER 819 lines 13-AUG-1986 15:04
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
+---------------+ +-----------------+
| d i g i t a l | | uNOTE # 043 |
+---------------+ +-----------------+
+----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+
| Title: RQDX CONTROLLER STATUS/INFORMATION | Date: 10-Jun-86 |
+----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+
| Originator: JACK TOTO | Page 1 of 14 |
+----------------------------------------------------+-----------------+
This MicroNote contains a collection of data and charts which will allow
users to match the correct RD/RX controller and firmware revision to his
system/CPU, as well as compatibility of disk formatting software. All
chart compatibilities were developed using the latest versions of
operating system software available as of the date posted on this
MicroNote. The MicroNote is divided into 4 sections, one for each of
the controllers as outlined below.
I. RQDX1
A. RQDX1 History
B. RQDX1 Firmware
C. RQDX1 Compatibility
1. Controller/TYU Upgrades
2. System Upgrade Examples
II. RQDX2
A. RQDX2 History
B. RQDX2 Firmware
C. RQDX2 Compatibility
III. RQDX3
A. RQDX3 History
B. RQDX3 Firmware
C. RQDX3 Compatibility
1. Controller/CPU Upgrades
2. System Upgrade Examples
IV. Compatibility Charts
A. RQDX1
B. RQDX2
C. RQDX3
399
uNOTE # 043
Page 2 of 14
I. RQDX1 HISTORY:
-----------------
The first version of RQDX1 micro-code (version 7.0) had
incompatibilities with RX50 diskettes/drives transported from one
machine to another, this was noted and changed with ECO (Engineering
Change Order) M8639-ML002 dated June 1984. The new ROM micro-code
became known as Version 8.0.
When the RD52 was announced, the same controller was to be used with
these drives, but the firmware obviously needed to be changed in order
to recognize this new drive. The new micro-code for the RD52s became
known as version 9.0, and was documented in ECO M8639-ML004.
The RQDX1 later underwent another ECO that allowed it to be resident in
any Q-bus slot after the CPU. This ECO involved changes in etch work,
micro-code and nomenclature. The controller name and module number
changed from the RQDX1 with module number M8639-YA stamped on the
handles, to the RQDX2 with module number M8639-YB stamped on the handle.
The firmware revision became known as version 9.4E, and was compatible
with the RX50 and RD5n (n = 1, 2, 3) series devices.
RQDX1 FIRMWARE:
---------------
The RQDX1 has had three revisions to its firmware. The ROM part numbers
for the RQDX1 controller are listed below. The two ROM part numbers
represent the low and high byte pieces of micro-code, and both parts are
needed when upgrading a system from one level to the next. The low byte
ROM is installed in socket E106 and the high byte ROM is installed in
socket E105. Refer to the RQDX1 maintenance prints (PN MP-01731-01) for
the location of those sockets.
Version 7.0 ROMs For RQDX1 Support of The RX50 and RD51:
23-238E4-00 for the low byte ROM.
23-239E4-00 for the high byte ROM.
Version 8.0 ROMs For RQDX1 Support of The RX50 and RD51:
23-264E4-00 for the low byte ROM.
23-265E4-00 for the high byte ROM.
Version 9.0 ROMs For RQDX1 Support of The RX50 and RD51/52:
23-042E5-00 for the low byte ROM.
23-043E5-00 for the high byte ROM.
400
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RQDX1 COMPATIBILITY
-------------------
CONTROLLER/CPU UPGRADES:
------------------------
It is important to note that when upgrading either the CPU or the RX/RD
controller, that you change the firmware on both of the modules. For
example if your current system is a MicroPDP-11/23 with version 8.0
firmware on both the CPU and the controller, your system will
successfully boot an RD51 as a fixed device in the system. If you wish
to upgrade your system to allow for the usage of a larger fixed disk
(RD52), you will need to upgrade the ROMs on the RQDX1 from version 8.0
to version 9.0 (see RQDX1 HISTORY for actual part numbers). However due
to some timing considerations the ROMs on the CPU card should also be
changed to version 9.0 (this will change the CPU from a KDF11-BE to a
KDF11-BF). Further the formatter used with the newer micro-code will
not be the same as the one used for the older micro-code. To obtain the
proper formatter file name, refer to the chart below.
SYSTEM UPGRADE EXAMPLES:
------------------------
VERSION 7.0/8.0 SYSTEM
----------------------
CPU ROMs: (KDF11-BE) RQDX1 ROMs:
23-158E4-00 23-238E4-00 {version 7.0}
23-159E4-00 23-239E4-00
-- OR --
23-264E5-00 {version 8.0}
23-265E5-00
VERSION 9.0/9.4E SYSTEM
-----------------------
CPU ROMs: (KDF11-BF) RQDX1 ROMs
23-183E4-00 23-042E5-00 {version 9.0}
23-184E4-00 23-043E5-00 {RQDX1 }
-- OR --
23-172E5-00 {version 9.4E}
23-173E5-00 {RQDX2 }
401
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II. RQDX2 HISTORY:
------------------
As mentioned above, the RQDX1 controller became the RQDX2 with an ECO to
the board itself and a change to the firmware allowing it to support the
latest mass storage devices on MicroPDP-11s and MicroVAX I's (RD52s).
The announcement day (MicroVAX II) ROMs (version 10.0D) were available
to be used with the RD53s, and have been upgraded once, to the version
10.0E micro-code. These two versions of the firmware will boot any of
the RD devices available for the MicroPDP-11s or the MicroVAXs.
RQDX2 FIRMWARE:
---------------
The RQDX2 has had three revisions to its firmware. The ROM part numbers
for the RQDX2 controller are listed below. The two ROM part numbers
represent the low and high byte pieces of micro-code, and both parts are
needed when upgrading a system from one level to the next. The low byte
ROM is installed in socket E106 and the high byte ROM is installed in
socket E105. Refer to the RQDX2 maintenance prints (PN MP-01731-01) for
the location of those sockets.
Version 9.4E ROMs For RQDX2 Support With The RX50 and RD51/52:
23-172E5-00 for the low byte ROM.
23-173E5-00 for the high byte ROM.
Version 10.0D ROMs For RQDX2 Support With The RX50 and RD51/52/53:
23-178E5-00 for the low byte ROM.
23-179E5-00 for the high byte ROM.
Version 10.0E ROMs For RQDX2 Support With The RX50 and RD51/52/53:
23-188E5-00 for the low byte ROM.
23-189E5-00 for the high byte ROM.
RQDX2 COMPATIBILITY
-------------------
CONTROLLER/CPU UPGRADES:
------------------------
It is important to note that when upgrading either the CPU or the RX/RD
controller, that you change the firmware on both of the modules. For
example if your current system is a MicroPDP-11/23 with version 9.0 or
firmware on the CPU and version 9.0 or 9.4E firmware on the controller,
your system will successfully boot an RD52 as a fixed device in the
system. If you wish to upgrade your system to allow for the usage of a
larger fixed disk (RD53), you will need to upgrade the ROMs on the RQDX2
from whatever version you currently have to version 10.0D. This change
will further require that the CPU be able to boot the RD53. If your
system is a MicroPDP-11, the user will need install the KDF11-B3 ROM set
installed on the CPU. If the user's system is a MicroVAX II the system
ROMs on the KA630 CPU module will boot the RD53. Finally, the formatter
402
uNOTE # 043
Page 5 of 14
used with the newer/upgraded micro-code will not be the same as the one
used for the older micro-code. To obtain the correct formatter
filename, refer to the chart below.
SYSTEM UPGRADE EXAMPLES:
------------------------
VERSION 9.0/9.4E SYSTEM
-----------------------
CPU ROMs: (KDF11-BF) RQDX1/2 ROMs:
23-183E4-00 23-042E4-00 {version 9.0}
23-184E4-00 23-043E4-00 {RQDX1 }
-- OR --
23-172E5-00 {version 9.4E}
23-173E5-00 {RQDX2
VERSION 10.0D/10.0E SYSTEM
--------------------------
CPU ROMs: (KDF11-BH) RQDX2 ROMs
23-380E4-00 23-178E5-00 {version 10.0D}
23-381E4-00 23-179E5-00 {RQDX2 }
-- OR --
23-188E5-00 {version 10.0E}
23-189E5-00 {RQDX2 }
III. RQDX3 HISTORY:
-------------------
The RQDX3 is the enhanced version of the RQDX family of MSCP RX/RD
device controllers. Disks previously formatted on RQDX1/2 controllers
will not be compatible with the RQDX3 controller. The RQDX1/2 stores
the disk geometry information in ROM while the RQDX3 stores the data on
the disk itself and reads in the track that contains this information
during the power up sequence. Further the RQDX3 uses a 17 sector per
track format while the RQDX1/2 uses an 18 sector per track format.
There are also a few performance enhancements to the RQDX3 that add to
its preference as a disk controller over the older versions, those being
a 1:1 disk interleaving versus 3:1 interleaving for the earlier
controllers, an elevator seek reordering algorithm is used as well as an
algorithm to handle overlapped seeks when multiple RD5ns are resident in
a system. Further the problem that existed with the RQDX2 hold-off
timer has been fixed on the RQDX3 by increasing the length of the timer
so as not to steal DMA grants from a second RX/RD controller or other
DMA devices in the system.
403
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RQDX3 FIRMWARE:
---------------
The RQDX3 has had only one firmware version to date. The ROM part
numbers for the RQDX3 controller are listed below. The two ROM part
numbers represent the low and high byte pieces of micro-code, and both
parts are needed when upgrading a system from one level to the next.
The low byte ROM is installed in socket E22 and the high byte ROM is
installed in socket E21. Refer to the RQDX3 maintenance prints for the
location of those sockets.
VERSION 1.10 ROMs 23-216E5-00 for the low byte ROM.
23-217E5-00 for the high byte ROM.
RQDX3 COMPATIBILITY:
-------------------
CONTROLLER/CPU UPGRADES:
------------------------
It should be noted that whenever you upgrade your system by adding an
RQDX3 controller in place of an RQDX1/2 that the disks (RD51/52/53) will
have to be reformatted using the newest XXDP+ or MDM formatter. The
disks are NOT forward compatible as they were when upgrading with the
two earlier controllers. Along with this controller upgrade the user
SHOULD upgrade his CPU. If your system is a MicroPDP-11, the user will
need to install the KDF11-B3 ROM set on the CPU module. If the users
system is a MicroVAX II the system ROMs on the KA630 CPU module will
boot the RD53.
SYSTEM UPGRADES EXAMPLES:
-------------------------
VERSION 1.10 SYSTEM
-------------------
CPU ROMs: (KDF11-BF) RQDX3 ROMs:
23-183E4-00 23-216E5-00 {version 1.10}
23-184E4-00 23-217E5-00
-- OR --
CPU ROMs: (KDF11-BG)
23-380E4-00
23-381E4-00
404
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IV. COMPATIBILITY CHART:
------------------------
When using any of the RQDX* compatibility charts find the correct
controller type (RQDX1/2/3) and revision level. Then follow any of the
connected lines from that point, any of the devices that are on the line
are compatible, any of the devices not connected by the lines are
obviously not compatible. The formatters for PDP-11 systems can be
found either in the XXDP+ diagnostics package or on the set of RX50s
that ship with the system. It is the specific diagnostic routine that
is listed in the column under formatter. The formatter for MicroVAX I's
and II'S are found either in the MDM diagnostic package for MicroVAX II
and on the RX50s that come with the MicroVAX I system. The RX50s that
come with the MicroVAX II contain NO formatter and the MDM package must
be obtained. It is possible to take the unformatted drive to Field
Service and have them format the disk.
The charts are outlined as follows:
A. RQDX1
1. Version 7.0
2. Version 8.0
3. Version 9.0
B. RQDX2
1. Version 9.4E
2. Version 10.0D
3. Version 10.0E
C. RQDX3
1. Version 1.10
NOTE
There are no diagnostics that are available for the
RQDX3 on a MicroVAX I that is the only reason that the
RQDX3 is not supportted on a MicroVAX I.
405
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Page 8 of 14
RQDX1:
-----
CONTROLLER CPU DISK(S) FORMATTER
---------- --- ------- ---------
KDF11-BE RD51 ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
+------------------> ----------> -------------->
|
|
|
|
RDQX1 |
VERSION 7.0 | KDJ11-AA RD51 ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
---------------> +------------------> ----------> -------------->
|
|
|
|
|
| KDJ11-BA RD51 ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
+------------------> ----------> -------------->
|
|
|
|
|
| FALCON PLUS RD51 ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
+------------------> ----------> -------------->
|
|
|
|
|
| MICROVAX I RD51 SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
+------------------> ----------> ------------------>
EHXRQ
406
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CONTROLLER CPU DISK(S) FORMATTER
---------- --- ------- ---------
RD51
+--------->
KDF11-BE | ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
+------------------> | ------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
| +--------->
| KDF11-BF | ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
RQDX1 | +--------->
VERSION 8.0 | KDJ11-AA | ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
---------------> +------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
| +--------->
| KDJ11-BA | ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
| +--------->
| MicroVAX I | SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
+------------------> | ------------------>
| | RD52 EHXRQ
| +--------->
|
|
|
| FALCON PLUS RD51 ZRQBA0, ZRQBC1
+------------------> ----------> -------------->
407
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CONTROLLER CPU DISK(S) FORMATTER
---------- --- ------- ---------
RD51
+--------->
KDF11-BF | ZRQCB1, ZRQBC1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
| +--------->
| KDF11-BG | ZRQCB1, ZRQBC1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
RQDX1 | +--------->
VERSION 9.0 | KDJ11-AA | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
---------------> +------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
| +--------->
| KDJ11-BA | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
| +--------->
| MicroVAX I | SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
+------------------> | ------------------>
| | RD52 EHXRQ
| +--------->
|
|
| RD51
| +--------->
| MicroVAX II | MDM 1.06
+------------------> | --------->
| RD52 MDM 1.08
+--------->
408
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Page 11 of 14
RQDX2:
-----
CONTROLLER CPU DISK(S) FORMATTER
---------- --- ------- ---------
RD51
+---------->
KDF11-BF | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDF11-BG | RD52 ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> +----------> -------------->
| | RD53
| +---------->
|
| RD51
RQDX2 | +---------->
VERSION 9.4E | KDJ11-AA | RD52 ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
---------------> +------------------> +----------> -------------->
| | RD53
| +---------->
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDJ11-BA | RD52 ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> +----------> -------------->
| | RD53
| +---------->
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| MicroVAX I | SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
+------------------> | ------------------>
| | RD52 EHXRQ
| +---------->
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| MicroVAX II | RD52 MDM 1.06
+------------------> +----------> -------->
| RD53 MDM 1.08
+---------->
409
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Page 12 of 14
CONTROLLER CPU DISK(S) FORMATTER
---------- --- ------- ---------
RD51
+---------->
KDF11-BF | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDF11-BG | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
RQDX2 | +---------->
VERSION 10.0D | KDJ11-AA | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
---------------> +------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDJ11-BA | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| MicroVAX I | SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
+------------------> | ------------------>
| | RD52 EHXRQ
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| MicroVAX II | MDM 1.06
+------------------> | -------->
| RD52 MDM 1.08
+---------->
410
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Page 13 of 14
CONTROLLER CPU DISK(S) FORMATTER
---------- --- ------- ---------
RD51
+---------->
KDF11-BF | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDF11-BG | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
RQDX2 | +---------->
VERSION 10.0E | KDJ11-AA | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
---------------> +------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDJ11-BA | ZRQBC1, ZRQCB1
+------------------> | -------------->
| | RD52
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| MicroVAX I | SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS
+------------------> | ------------------>
| | RD52 EHQRX
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| MicroVAX II | RD52 MDM 1.06
+------------------> +----------> -------->
| RD53 MDM 1.08
+---------->
411
uNOTE # 043
Page 14 of 14
RQDX3:
-----
CONTROLLER CPU DISK(S) FORMATTER
---------- --- ------- ---------
RD51
+---------->
KDF11-BF | RD52 ZRQCB1
+------------------> +----------> ------>
| | RD53
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDF11-BG | RD52 ZRQCB1
+------------------> +----------> ------>
| | RD53
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
RQDX3 | +---------->
VERSION 1.10 | KDJ11-AA | RD52 ZRQCB1
---------------> +------------------> +----------> ------>
| | RD53
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| KDJ11-BA | RD52 ZRQCB1
+------------------> +----------> ------>
| | RD53
| +---------->
|
|
| RD51
| +---------->
| MicroVAX II | RD52 MDM 1.08
+------------------> +----------> -------->
| RD53
+---------->
412
