Fire and 753 controllers

[Michele Hoven]

A recent USENET posting reported a fire in a workstation containing a
Xylogics 753 disk controller.  As the message indicated, several months
ago Xylogics determined that under certain conditions, the heat buildup
around a 753 controller could reach levels that could cause problems.
These conditions occurred when using 9U form factor adaptors which affect
the airflow over the board, as well as clogged air filters which limit the
total airflow in the system.

While it takes a combination of factors to cause the problem, Xylogics
felt that it was prudent to notify our customers and to offer a no-charge
upgrade program which involved placing a heat sink on the board.  A large
number of boards have been returned for this upgrade, but unfortunately,
it appears that not all end-users have received this information.

To determine if your 753 requires this upgrade, power down your system and
remove the 753.  Determine the model number, revision level and artwork.
There will be a white stick-on label on the solder side of the board in
the following format: 753-XXX-XXX.  If the first set of numbers is either
753 or 754 and the board does not already have the heat sink installed,
you should have your board upgraded.  The heat sink is a bronze colored
metal strip 1.5 inches wide running the length of the board near the VME
connectors.

Please note these numbers, as well as the serial number located on a
second white label and notify the company from which you bought the
controller or call Xylogics at 1-800-225-3317.  Ask for extension 362 for
information on how to have your board upgraded.