Reading the IPMI Spec

I'm currently trying to read the IPMI specification so that I can re-program a Serial EEPROM over I2C. I think I'm using an IPMB command to do so. I connect over the UART and login to the BMC using hyperterminal. Now our BMC code hasn't been finalised yet so it may or may not work. I'm hoping that I can figure out the commands as it would really save time and work if I could program the devices this way instead of removing the device, programming it using an external programmer and then soldering it back onto the board.

Unfortunately we don't have an in-circuit programmer as this would be very useful indeed. I figure that this way I learn how to access something and gain knowledge on a subject I have never touched before. Another notch in the belt as you may say.

What a great week!

In work terms, this has been a great week. I'm on top of my game on nearly everything I've done. I found a solution to one of our Infiniband issues we've been having trouble with all week. I've successfully reworked a number of boards back into good working health and I'm unofficially referred to as the Mellanox expert. I'm on a roll. Now if I could only fix this one last board before the weekend, it truly will have been a great week.

I haven't seemed to have any luck with writing to the Serial EEPROM over the BMC interface yet. Will have to figure that all out from the IPMI Specifications as to how to write the commands correctly into the device. I'd be happy just being able to read the device at the moment.

Unfortunately topping this week, next week is going to be a real challenge. I'll have to work extra hard.

Also this week, I've purchased two new books from Amazon.co.uk

VHDL: Programming by Example (Hardcover)
Verilog HDL: A Guide in Digital Design and Synthesis (Hardcover)

So I hope to get my butt in gear and get learning Verilog and VHDL so I can finally read and understand the code they use here and I can debug the boards completely, looking at timing relationships and the signals as they bring up the board.

Good luck to Vlad

All the best to Vladimir Zaytsev, one of our BIOS engineers who is top of his game. He's moving to California to join a startup company and live with his girlfriend in Los Angeles. He is a great engineer and he will be missed here in the company.

Intel's Embedded Design Center

Awesome, I just got private access to Intel's Embedded Design Center. It truly is incredible. Am currently watching a TechTalk video for an introduction to signal integrity. Basically it explains the important factors on using an Intel reference board design and what considerations to note down when deviating from the current tested design.

I'd highly recommend gaining access to this site as it seems to be quite an incredible tool to use.

Intel sites for embedded computing

Intel came into us yesterday for an overview and roadmap presentation. We work a lot with Intel and I found this extremely useful. It is interesting to see what upcoming products they have and the support they have in place for helping with current products.

Two very helpful websites are ark.intel.com and edc.intel.com. The Ark site is helpful for translating codes on their devices into specific data relating to the device itself. IF for example you are working on a project with an as of yet unreleased Intel device with a specific codename and then it is released into production, this codename will no longer be used. But using Ark you can find out the exact details regarding this product.

edc.intel.com is the Embedded Design Center for Intel and it contains a number of blogs, forums and access to a wide range of technical datasheets and information regarding the use of their products and what they support.

Driver Robot

This is a nifty little tool I found while performing IPL's (Initial Product Launch) on the systems we have here. Basically it scans your PC and records the Device ID's, stores these in a database. If you're connected to the web, then it will show you which drivers to download, thus sorting out those horrible exclamation marks in Device Manager. If you're not connected to the web or you're trying to install device drivers for your ethernet controller, it stores the information in a simple html file which you can then copy to a system connected to the net and it will show you which drivers and files to download to resolve those uninstalled device drivers.

Check it out, tis pretty cool.

http://www.driverrobot.com

Useful sites as a Hardware Engineer

While at work, I'd use a number of different websites to help me find out what I need or how I can find it out. Enough can't be said for just googling what you're looking for. Wikipedia is full of useful information as well, for example RS232 pinouts, acronym descriptions and details.
If you're having specific trouble with finding information on a component, check the manufacturer's website, more often than not, they have all the information you need.

I've listed below a few simple enough websites which I use on a day to day basis and they're very useful and easy to use.

Mega Converter
Handy tool for converting measurements, I usually use it for naming footprints for IC's.
http://www.megaconverter.com/mega2/

Standard Resistor Value Calculator: 1%, 5%, 10% - EIA: E12, E24, E96
This is a handy tool to look up what resistance values are possible with regards tolerances.

For parts ordering, I'd recommend the following
Radionics, based in Rialto, ship same day, cheap enough, however they don't have the best range of components. Very handy if you need something quick and they have it. Website is easy to use.

Farnell Electronics Ireland, these guys have a great range of components and tools. They're fast and efficient, but slightly more expensive. They lack access to datasheets or specific details on the components but trying to find what you need is easy enough.

DigiKey Corp., based in the US, these guys have everything, even the most obscure of stuff. They are fast and efficient. Shipping usually costs a bit more because they're based in the US and setting up an account makes it a little more difficult if you're just buying for personal use. Other than that, Digikey make life so much easier. For every component, they provide easily accessible datasheets and nearly all the information you need.

Mouser Electronics, UK based company, I've not used these guys all that much, but they do have a great selection of components and would be on my list of vendors for purchasing components.

For Learning, I'd recommend the following
cprogramming.com A website designed to help learning C or C++. Understandable C and C++ programming tutorials, compiler reviews, source code, tips and tricks.

Circuit Design Lab, a handy website to help you brush up on basic circuit design with java program to help demonstrate change in circuits.

Prentice Hall Interactive Online Resources, includes complete training courses and CD's for purchase.

I can't think of anything else off hand now, but this looks good for the moment. I think I'll post up a useful programs post next.

List of commonly used manufacturer sites include:
Advanced Micro Devices
Analog Devices
Atmel Corporation
Foxconn
Intel
Integrated Device Technology
Linear Technology
Maxim IC
Micron
Numonyx
Samsung
Silicon Storage Technology
ST MicroElectronics
Texas Instruments