Manuals

PowerEdge Battery Backup Module: Dell^� PowerEdge^� Expandable RAID Controller

Battery Backup Module | Installing the Battery Backup Module | Replacing the Battery Backup Module | Configuring the Battery Backup Module | Charging the Battery Pack | Data Retention Time | Shipping or Storing the RAID Controller With the Battery Backup Module Installed

Battery Backup Module

WARNINGS: If your RAID controller is installed in a Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 or 4100/200 computer, have a trained service technician remove the controller from the computer before performing any of the procedures in this section. The power supplies in Dell PowerEdge 4100/180 and 4100/200 computers produce high voltages and energy hazards, which can cause bodily harm if not handled appropriately. Only a trained service technician is authorized to remove the computer cover and access any of the components inside the computer.

CAUTIONS: It is important that you follow the instructions provided in this document; otherwise, the controller card, SIMMs, or other components may be damaged. If you store or ship the RAID controller with the battery backup module installed, disconnect the battery cable connector from the J2 connector. Disconnecting the battery cable from J2 reduces the potential for electrical damage to the RAID controller's SIMMs during any subsequent installation or removal of the SIMMs.

The PowerEdge battery backup module protects the data handled by the PowerEdge Expandable RAID controller by providing protection from power supply interruptions to the PowerEdge cache memory.

The PowerEdge battery backup module monitors the voltage level of the SIMM modules installed on the PowerEdge card and supporting circuitry. If the voltage drops below a predefined level, the battery backup module switches the memory power source from the PowerEdge card to the battery pack attached to the PowerEdge battery backup module.

As long as the voltage level is below the predefined value, the PowerEdge battery backup module provides the memory refresh cycles necessary to retain the contents of the PowerEdge memory modules.

If the voltage level returns to an acceptable level, the battery backup module switches the power source back to the PowerEdge adapter card.

The backup module has no jumpers to set. There are only 2 connectors that attach this daughtercard to the PowerEdge controller card. Two 3-pin connectors (J1 and J2) attach the primary on-board battery pack and a secondary battery pack.

Installing the Battery Backup Module

CAUTIONS: While installing the battery backup module, wear an antistatic wristband or be sure to maintain contact with an electrical ground. Do not place the PowerEdge battery backup module or the PowerEdge adapter card on a conductive surface while the battery is being attached or after the battery is attached.

1. Remove the PowerEdge adapter card and place it on a flat, clean, static-free surface.
2. Remove the 4 shunts from the 8-pin connector.
3. Align the mounting holes on the battery backup module and the PowerEdge controller and mount the module on the controller, as shown in the following figure. Make sure the plastic standoff pin fits into the hole on the PowerEdge controller. Make sure all pins are seated correctly.
   
   
4. Attach the metal clip (see the following figure) to the battery backup module and the RAID controller.
   
   
5. Align the holes in the metal clip and the battery backup module.
6. Insert the screw that accompanied the metal clip into the holes, as shown in the following figure, and tighten the screw. Do not overtighten the screw.
   
   
7. Install the PowerEdge adapter card in the computer.

Replacing the Battery Backup Module

If you are replacing a backup battery module, disconnect the battery cable connector from the J2 connector, shown in the following figure, before removing the battery backup module. Connect the battery cable connector to the J2 connector only after the new battery backup module is installed or any SIMMs are installed.

Configuring the Battery Backup Module

1. Start the computer.
2. When prompted during the boot routine, press <Ctrl><M> to access the BIOS Setup program.
3. From the Objects menu, highlight Battery Backup and press <Enter>.
4. From the Battery Backup menu, highlight No. of Cycles and press <Enter>.
5. From the Reset Charge Cycles menu, highlight Yes and press <Enter> to reset the number of cycles to 0.

Charging the Battery Pack

The battery pack is shipped uncharged. You must charge the battery pack before you can use it.

NOTE: You should set the PowerEdge cache write policy option to write-through during the battery pack charging period. To change the write policy, run the PowerEdge RAID Console utility and right-click on a logical drive icon to display the action menu. Choose the Change Policy menu option and change the Write Policy field in the dialog box to write-through. Change the Write Policy for the other logical drives configured on your system. After the battery pack is fully charged, you can change the cache write policy to write-back.

The minimum time that the battery must be charged is:

Data Retention Time

The following table lists the data retention time of the battery backup module (BAT-NIMH-4.8-01) used with the RAID controller. The amount of SIMM memory installed in your Dell PowerEdge computer determines the data retention time.

Shipping or Storing the RAID Controller With the Battery Backup Module Installed

Anytime you store or ship the RAID controller with the battery backup module installed, you must disconnect the battery cable connector from the J2 connector. Disconnecting the battery cable from J2 reduces the potential for electrical damage to the RAID controller's SIMMs during any subsequent installation or removal of the SIMMs.