How to Distinguish Between Different IGX NTM Models

Document ID: 10728

Introduction
Before You Begin
      Conventions
      Prerequisites
      Components Used
Distinguishing Between NTM Hardware Model Types
Distinguishing Between NTM Hardware Model Types via Command Line Interface
Distinguishing NTM Hardware Model Types on 9.1 SWSW, or Earlier
Related Information

Introduction

This document describes how to distinguish between the following three IGX network trunk module (NTM) card models:

NTM(A)
NTM(B)
NTM(C)

These three module types—A,B, and C—represent three functionally different hardware designs for the NTM card. This is different than the hardware versions, which represent minor upgrades to a single hardware design. The cards for the three models are interchangeable; however, you should still be able to distinguish between the model types.

Before You Begin

Conventions

For more information on document conventions, see the Cisco Technical Tips Conventions.

Prerequisites

Readers of this document should be knowledgeable of the following:

Cisco IGX hardware
Cisco Switch Software (SWSW)

Components Used

This document is not restricted to specific software and hardware versions.

Distinguishing Between NTM Hardware Model Types

The simplest way to distinguish between NTM models is to look at the cards. The older NTM, the NTM(A), consists of two modules bolted together. The new cards, NTM(B) and NTM(C), are single module boards. The NTM(B) and NTM(C) can be distinguished from each other visually by the on-board Motorola Microprocessor. The NTM(B) has a Motorola MC68000 FN10 processor, while the NTM(C) has an MC68EC000 FN10 processor.

Distinguishing Between NTM Hardware Model Types via Command Line Interface

The following table shows the firmware model type for each NTM hardware model type, along with their Fab/Top Asm Number.

NTM Hardware Model Type

Firmware Model Type

Fab/Top Asm Number

NTM (A)

—

NTM (B)

214402-XX

732534-XX

NTM (C)

282022-XX

Use the dspcd slot-num command to gather the Firmware and Fab/Top Asm Number. The first character of the "Revision" field indicates the firmware Model type. The above table shows what NTM hardware model type uses what Firmware. Because the NTM(B) and NTM(C) uses the same firmware, you then need to check the card's fab (9.2 and earlier), or top assembly number (9.3).

Below is a screen captures of an NTM (A):

IGX-A          TN    Cisco         IGX 8430    9.3.47    Sep. 23 2003  20:37 GMT
Detailed Card Display for NTM in slot 16
Status:          Active
Revision:        EKJ 
!--- Indicates Firmware Model E => NTM(A).

Serial Number:   272960 
Top Asm Number:  21xxxx
Backplane Installed
Backcard Installed
  Type:          T1
  Revision:      AL
  Serial Number: 111222
Last Command: dspcd 16

Below is a screen capture of an NTM(B):

IGX-A           TN    Cisco         IGX 8430    9.3.47    Sep. 23 2003  20:37 GMT
Detailed Card Display for NTM in slot 15
Status:          Standby
Revision:        FED  
!--- The "F" indicates Firmware Model F => NTM(B). 
!--- The second letter indicates the hardware version of the card. Because of
!--- know issues, NTM(B)'s with hardware version "F" or lower needs
!--- to be upgraded to "H" or later.
!--- The third letter indicates the firmware revision.
 
Serial Number:   289438              
Top Asm Number:  73253401            
Backplane Installed                  
Backcard Installed                  
  Type:          T1
  Revision:      AL
  Serial Number: 262287

Last Command: dspcd 15

Distinguishing NTM Hardware Model Types on 9.1 SWSW, or Earlier

If your SWSW versions is earlier than 9.1, the dspcd command output does not give you the Fab/Top Asm Number. Instead, you will need to use the dspnovram command (sample output is shown below). If you discover that the card is an NTM(B) and the hardware version is "F" or earlier, replace the card by contacting the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and requesting a return materials authorization (RMA). See the Related Information section of this document for more information.

Because of inconsistancies in nonvolatile RAM (NVRAM) programming that occurred as StrataCom processes merged into Cisco processes, some NTM(B) cards were programmed with the assembled Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA) number, which begins with "73." Note both possible values of the NTM(B) FAB Number.

NTM(B) card NOVRAM data with bare PCA FAB number:
       Card Type:                 NTM
       Firmware Revision:         9 (Hex)
       Serial Number:             663216
       FAB Number:                214402-00 
!--- Note the FAB number, which indicates an NTM(B).

       Hardware Revision:         A (Hex)       Card Revision:   FHF    (ASCII)
       EPROM Write Cycles:        2

Last Command: dspnovram 15


NTM(B) card NOVRAM data with assembled PCA FAB Number:
       Card Type:                 NTM
       Firmware Revision:         8 (Hex)
       Serial Number:             531909
       FAB Number:                732534-01 
!--- Note the FAB number, which indicates an NTM(B)

       Hardware Revision:         A (Hex)       Card Revision:   FHE    (ASCII)
       FPROM Write Cycles:        1

 Last Command: dspnovram 12
 
NTM(C) card NOVRAM Data:
       Card Type:                 NTM
       Firmware Revision:         9 (Hex)
       Serial Number:             656345
       FAB Number:                282022-02 
!--- Note the FAB number, which indicates an NTM(C).

       Hardware Revision:         5 (Hex)      Card Revision:   FBF    (ASCII)
       EPROM Write Cycles:        3

Last Command: dspnovram 16

Related Information

Updated: Apr 17, 2009

Document ID: 10728

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