HMC Connections to the Eserver pSeries 655 
Asynchronous adapters in the HMC are used to connect the HMC to processor nodes in the Eserver
pSeries 655 and bulk power controllers (BPCs) in the racks. This section includes detailed information 
about how to connect the HMC to processor nodes and BPCs. It also shows how these connections are 
used in an Eserver pSeries 655 system. 
Connecting an HMC to Eserver pSeries 655 Processor Nodes 
One HMC can connect up to 16 Eserver pSeries 655 processor nodes in up to 4 Eserver pSeries 
7040-W42 racks by using RS232 cable connections. These connections can be made from an HMC by 
using the asynchronous ports on FC 2944 (128-Port Asynchronous Controller) or FC 2943 (8-Port 
Asynchronous Controller). An integrated port (using RS232) on the HMC is also available to be used to 
connect to a processor node. 
The following table lists the features used to make the RS232 connections from FC 2944 (128-Port 
Asynchronous Controller) to Eserver pSeries 655 processor nodes.
 
 
Feature 
Code 
Description 
Connects 
From 
Connects 
To 
2944  128-Port Asynchronous Controller  HMC  FC 8131 
8131  128-Port Asynchronous Cable, 4.5 M (14.8 ft.)  FC 2944  FC 8137 
8137 
16-Port Remote Asynchronous Node (RAN) with ac transformer
See note 1. 
FC 8131 
FC 8132 and 
FC 8133 
8132 
128-Port Asynchronous Cable, 23 cm (9 in.)
See note 2. 
FC 8137  FC 8137 
8133  RJ-45 to DB-25 Converter Cable  FC 8137 
FC 8120 or 
FC 8121 
8120  Attachment Cable, HMC to Host, 6 M (19.7 ft.)  FC 8133  p655 node 
8121  Attachment Cable, HMC to Host, 15 M (49.2 ft.)  FC 8133  p655 node 
  
Notes:  
1.    Each FC 8137 requires a 98xx power-cable-specify feature code. 
2.    FC 8132 is used as a connection between two RANs (FC 8137) when multiple RANs are used.
For more information about using FC 2944 to Eserver pSeries 655 processor nodes, see the illustration 
“HMC to Host - RS232 Connection with FC 2944” on page 122. 
 
 
Chapter 2. Physical Characteristics of Systems  121