Battery Backup Units (BBUs) and Standby Power Supplies (SPS) are critical components in EMC VNX2 storage systems, ensuring data integrity during power failures. Over time, firmware updates have addressed various issues related to BBU self-tests, SPS calibration, and system power faults.
VNX vs. VNX2: Understanding the Generations
The first-generation VNX models (5100, 5300, 5500, 5700, 7500) did not utilize BBUs, which were introduced with the VNX2 series (5200, 5400, 5600, 5800, 7600, 8000). This guide focuses specifically on BBU-related issues and fixes within the VNX2 platform.
Understanding VNX2 Software Updates: Block OE, File OE, and Unisphere
VNX2 systems receive updates across three major components:
- VNX Block OE (Operating Environment): The low-level firmware that controls storage hardware, RAID configurations, and backend data handling.
- VNX File OE: The file-level storage system that manages CIFS, NFS, and NAS-based storage functions.
- Unisphere: The web-based management interface that provides administrators with tools for system monitoring and configuration.
Each of these components receives independent updates, and BBU/SPS fixes may be tied to one or more of these software environments.
Common BBU & SPS Issues in EMC VNX2 Systems
These components are known to encounter faults due to age, firmware inconsistencies, or self-test misconfigurations. Below is a structured timeline of updates addressing BBU and SPS-related issues:
Software Updates for BBU & SPS Issues (Newest to Oldest)
| Software Update | Date | Issue | Fix / Workaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| VNX Block OE 05.33.009.5.184 | Sep 2016 | BBU fault LED did not clear after a replacement was installed. | Corrected LED status sequence in 05.33.009.5.184. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.009.5.184 | Sep 2016 | Separate internal tracking reference for the same BBU LED clearing issue (ID 813153). | Officially fixed in this revision as well. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.006.5.096 | Mar 2015 |
|
All addressed in 05.33.006.5.096, including updated fault reporting and self-test scheduling. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.000.5.072 | Jul 2014 | Scheduled BBU checks sometimes showed a faulted BBU even though it was operational. | Fixed in 05.33.000.5.072 to ensure proper scheduling & flagging. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.000.5.051 | Feb 2014 | An inaccurate call-home message was generated indicating a BBU was missing, even though the unit was present. | Resolved in 05.33.000.5.051. BBU presence is now accurately detected. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.000.5.051 | Feb 2014 | Occasional call-home alerts reported BBUs as missing or degraded even though physically present. | Fixed; ensures call-home aligns with actual BBU presence. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.000.5.038 | Jan 2014 | During weekly tests, SPA and SPB could trigger BBU tests simultaneously, causing repeated self-test cycles. | Resolved in 05.33.000.5.038; introduced a coordinated test mechanism. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.000.5.034 | Oct 2013 | Unisphere reported “BBU A: Not Ready” and “BBU B: Not Ready.” Self-test repeated continuously due to scheduling overlap. | Fixed in 05.33.000.5.034 by refining “Not Ready” alerts & self-test exit conditions. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.000.5.034 | Oct 2013 | BBU self-test repeatedly triggered, never exiting test mode if schedule overlapped with reboots. | Changed logic to ensure the system exits test mode properly on restart. |
| VNX Block OE 05.33.000.x | All 5.33 versions | Marker LED on the BBU might not set for certain fault conditions (e.g., if it does not reach full charge after 16 hours). | No direct workaround; hardware and logs must be checked to confirm status. |
Replacement BBU Part Numbers
When a BBU is determined to be at the end of its life, a replacement is necessary. The following are the most common replacement part numbers used in VNX2 systems:
- 078-000-092-07 (Most searched and commonly replaced)
- 078-000-123-05
- 078-000-132-00
Understanding BBU Failures Over Time
As VNX2 systems age, BBU failures become more frequent. Older part numbers like 078-000-092-07 see the highest failure rates, correlating with system deployment years. Newer BBUs, such as 078-000-123-05, are expected to experience increasing replacement rates in the coming years.
For the latest firmware releases and hardware compatibility lists, visit the Dell Support Portal.
