EMC VNX Series - User Manual

TECHNICAL NOTES
This document describes the few exceptions in which DC-powered VNX series systems
differ from their AC counterparts. Topics include:
◆ Power considerations......................................................................................... 2
◆ Cabling DC power and powering the system up and down .................................. 8
◆ Installing a DC-AC inverter ................................................................................ 13
In general, you configure, operate, and maintain DC-powered systems as you would
the more common AC systems except:
◆ DC power supplies in the VNX5100, VNX5300, and VNX5500 disk processor
enclosures (DPE) and DAE6S disk array enclosures include power on/off switches
or buttons.
◆ DC storage systems do not include standby power supplies (SPS).
◆ DC storage systems that support file I/O include 1U DC-AC inverters for the control
stations.
• In VNX5100, VNX5300, and VNX5500 systems, the inverters occupy the
physical space reserved for an AC SPS.
• VNX5200, VNX5400, and VNX5600 systems install the inverters directly above
the control stations.
For the most up-to-date and complete set of VNX series documentation, visit the EMC
online support website at:
http://mydocs.emc.com/VNX/
EMC
®
DC-Powered VNX™ Series Enclosures
Installation and Operation Guide
P/N 300-012-880
Rev 03
April 11, 2014

Summary

Power considerations

Cabling DC power and powering the system up and down

Powering down a DC-powered VNX series system

Details procedures for safely powering down DC-powered VNX systems.

Installing a DC-AC inverter

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document describes the EMC DC-Powered VNX Series Enclosures, which are storage systems designed for environments with highly available and redundant DC power sources, such as those found in the telecommunications industry's "Central Office" grade power. These systems are primarily intended for block I/O operations, but can also support unified or file I/O configurations with additional components.

Function Description

The DC-Powered VNX Series Enclosures serve as robust data storage solutions, leveraging direct current (DC) power for operation. This design choice caters to specific infrastructure requirements where DC power is readily available and preferred for its reliability and efficiency. The series includes various disk processor enclosures (DPEs) like the VNX5100, VNX5300, VNX5500, VNX5200, VNX5400, and VNX5600, as well as disk array enclosures (DAEs) such as DAE6S and DAE5S. For systems that support file I/O, 1U DC-AC inverters are integrated to power the control stations, converting the incoming DC power to alternating current (AC) as needed for these specific components. The core function of these enclosures is to provide reliable and high-performance data storage, with a focus on seamless integration into existing DC power infrastructures.

Usage Features

The DC-Powered VNX Series Enclosures are designed for straightforward integration and operation within their intended environments.

• Powering Up: VNX DPEs and DAEs are designed to start immediately upon connection to an active DC input, eliminating the need for manual power switch toggling. This feature simplifies the power-up process and ensures quick system readiness.
• Power Cabling: The systems require two power cords per enclosure (A and B) for high availability, which should be connected to different power source feed circuits to ensure redundancy and continuous operation in case of a single power feed failure. EMC provides specific power cords for DPEs, DAEs, and control station inverters, with detailed pinout descriptions to guide correct connections. For data mover (blade) enclosures, a distinct power cord is provided.
• Grounding: Power supplies within the enclosures are equipped with grounding screws, offering additional grounding sources if required by the installation environment.
• File I/O Support: For unified or file I/O configurations, the systems incorporate control stations powered by 1U DC-AC inverters. In VNX5100, VNX5300, and VNX5500 systems, these inverters occupy the space typically reserved for an AC standby power supply (SPS). For VNX5200, VNX5400, and VNX5600 systems, the inverters are installed directly above the control stations. This modular approach allows for flexible system configurations based on specific storage needs.
• System Configuration: The document highlights that, in general, the configuration, operation, and maintenance of DC-powered systems are similar to their AC counterparts, with only a few key differences. This ensures a familiar user experience for those accustomed to EMC's AC-powered VNX systems.

Maintenance Features

Maintenance aspects of the DC-Powered VNX Series Enclosures are designed to ensure system stability and facilitate necessary interventions.

• Power On/Off Switches: Unlike some AC systems, the DC power supplies in VNX5100, VNX5300, and VNX5500 DPEs, as well as DAE6S disk array enclosures, include power on/off switches or buttons. This allows for localized control over power to these specific components when needed for maintenance or troubleshooting.
• Absence of Standby Power Supplies (SPS): A notable difference from AC systems is the absence of standby power supplies (SPS) in DC storage systems. This design choice reflects the expectation of highly reliable and redundant DC power sources in the intended operating environments, where the need for an SPS is mitigated by the inherent stability of the DC infrastructure.
• Powering Down Procedure:
  • For VNX5100, VNX5300, and VNX5500 DPEs, powering down involves pushing and holding the power button on each power supply for two seconds. It is crucial to allow the power supply to complete its shutdown sequence, which includes flushing all cache data, before removing the power source. A recommended waiting period of two minutes is advised before physically removing a power supply from the DPE chassis.
  • For VNX5200, VNX5400, and VNX5600 DPEs, the power-down procedure involves removing the power cords directly from the DPE power supplies.
  • For DAE6S enclosures, power is turned off by toggling the power switches to the off position.
  • For data mover enclosures, the front bezel must be removed, and the power button on each power supply should be pushed and held for two seconds. Similar to DPEs, a two-minute waiting period is recommended before removing a power supply from the data mover chassis.
  • Power cords should also be removed from DAE5S enclosures and the DC input power cords from control station inverters during a full system shutdown.
• DC-AC Inverter Installation: The document provides detailed steps for installing the 1U DC-AC inverter assembly, including mounting rail installation, sliding the tray onto the rails, securing the inverter units to the tray, and attaching latch brackets and bezels. This ensures proper physical integration and stability of the inverters within the cabinet.
• Non-Repairable Data Mover Power Cord: A critical maintenance note is that the data mover power cord is not repairable, and its integrated fuse is not replaceable. In the event of any component failure within the cord, the entire power cord must be replaced. This emphasizes the importance of using only EMC-provided replacement parts to maintain system integrity and safety.
• Documentation Access: For the most current and comprehensive documentation on VNX series systems, users are directed to the EMC online support website, ensuring access to up-to-date information for maintenance and troubleshooting.

EMC VNX Series Specifications