Networking NVIDIA BlueField-4 Networking Platform User Guide
Networking NVIDIA BlueField-4 Networking Platform User Guide
Breadcrumbs

Hardware Installation

Installation and initialization of the BlueField-4 Platform require attention to the mechanical attributes, power specification, and precautions for electronic equipment.

Safety Warnings

Safety warnings are provided here in the English language. 

Please observe all safety warnings to avoid injury and prevent damage to system components. Note that not all warnings are relevant to all models.

Note that not all warnings are relevant to all models.

image2021-8-11_8-44-35.png

General Installation Instructions
Read all installation instructions before connecting the equipment to the power source.
image2021-8-11_8-56-28.png

Jewelry Removal Warning
Before you install or remove equipment that is connected to power lines, remove jewelry such as bracelets, necklaces, rings, watches, and so on. Metal objects heat up when connected to power and ground and can meltdown, causing serious burns and/or welding the metal object to the terminals.
image2021-8-11_8-44-35.png

Over-temperature
This equipment should not be operated in an area with an ambient temperature exceed­ing the maximum recommended: 55°C (131°F).  An airflow of 200LFM at this maximum ambient temperature is required for HCA cards and NICs. To guarantee proper airflow, allow at least 8cm (3 inches) of clearance around the ventila­tion openings.
image2021-8-11_8-56-28.png

During Lightning - Electrical Hazard
During periods of lightning activity, do not work on the equipment or connect or dis­connect cables.
image2021-8-11_8-44-35.png

Copper Cable Connecting/Disconnecting
Some copper cables are heavy and not flexible, as such, they should be carefully attached to or detached from the connectors. Refer to the cable manufacturer for spe­cial warnings and instructions.
image2021-8-11_8-56-28.png

Equipment Installation
This equipment should be installed, replaced, or serviced only by trained and qualified personnel.
image2021-8-11_8-44-35.png

Equipment Disposal
The disposal of this equipment should be in accordance to all national laws and regula­tions.
image2021-8-11_8-56-28.png

Local and National Electrical Codes
This equipment should be installed in compliance with local and national electrical codes.
image2021-8-11_8-44-3.png

 Hazardous Radiation Exposure

    • Caution – Use of controls or adjustment or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure. For products with optical ports.

    • CLASS 1 LASER PRODUCT and reference to the most recent laser standards:
      IEC 60 825-1:1993 + A1:1997 + A2:2001 and EN 60825-1:1994+A1:1996+ A2:20

Installation Procedure Overview

The installation procedure of  involves the following steps:

Step

Procedure

Direct Link

1

Check the system’s requirements.

Refer to System Requirements

2

Pay attention to the cooling consideration within the host system

Refer to Cooling Requirements

3

Follow the safety precautions

Refer to Safety Precautions

4

Unpack the package

Refer to Unpacking

5

Follow the pre-installation checklist

Refer to Pre-Installation Checklist

7

Install the BlueField-4 Platform according to the form-factor you have purchased. 

Refer to Installation Instructions

8

(Optional) Replace the bracket form-factor

Refer to Bracket Replacement Instructions

9

Connect cables or modules to the BlueField-4 Platform

Refer to Cables and Modules

10

Power-up the BlueField-4 Platform

Refer to BlueField-4 Platform Power-Up Instructions

System Requirements

Hardware Requirements

Unless otherwise specified, products are designed to work in an environmentally controlled data center with low levels of gaseous and dust (particulate) contamination.

The operating environment should meet severity level G1 as per ISA 71.04 for gaseous contamination and ISO 14644-1 class 8 for cleanliness level.

The below table lists the motherboard and power supply requirements per BlueField-4 Platform OPN. 

OPNs

Power Supply Requirement

B4240 DPUs: 900-9D4B4-00CW-AA0

Require a supplementary 12-pin power supply connectivity available through the external power supply connector.

B4240L DPUs: 900-9D4B4-00CW-SA0

Cooling Requirements

Model

OPN

Requirements

B4240 Air-Cooled Platform

900-9D4B4-00CW-AA0

The BlueField-4 DPU is offered with two airflow direction: from the heatsink to the network ports, and from the network ports to the heatsink. Please refer to the Specifications section for airflow numbers.

B4240L Liquid-Cooled Platform

900-9D4B4-00CW-SA0

TBD

Software Requirements

Software Stacks - The BlueField-4 Platform is shipped with Ubuntu – a Linux commercial operating system – which includes DOCA-Host, and is capable of running all customer-based Linux applications seamlessly. For more information, please refer to the DOCA SDK documentation or NVIDIA BlueField BSP. 

Safety Precautions

The BlueField-4 Platform is being installed in a system that operates with voltages that can be lethal. Before opening the case of the system, observe the following precautions to avoid injury and prevent damage to system components.

  • Remove any metallic objects from your hands and wrists.

  • Make sure to use only insulated tools.

  • Verify that the system is powered off and is unplugged.

  • It is strongly recommended to use an ESD strap or other antistatic devices.

Unpacking

Check against the package contents list that all the parts have been sent. Check the parts for visible damage that may have occurred during shipping. Please note that the BlueField-4 Platforms must be placed on an antistatic surface. 

Please note that if the BlueField-4 Platform is removed hastily from the antistatic bag, the plastic ziplock may harm the EMI fingers on the networking connector. Carefully remove the BlueField-4 Platform from the antistatic bag to avoid damaging the EMI fingers.

For package contents, please refer to Package Contents.

Pre-Installation Checklist

  1. Verify that your system meets the hardware and software requirements stated above.

  2. Shut down your system if active.
    Turn off the power to the system, and disconnect the power cord. Refer to the system documentation for instructions. Before you install the BlueField-4 Platform, make sure that the system is disconnected from power.

Bracket Replacement Instructions

The BlueField-4 Platform and PCIe Auxiliary Connection card are shipped with an assembled tall or short bracket. If the bracket's form factor is suitable for your requirements, you can skip the remainder of this section and move to Installation Instructions. If you need to replace the bracket's form-factor, please follow the instructions in this section. 

During the bracket replacement procedure, do not pull, bend, or damage the cage or EMI fingers. It is recommended to limit bracket replacements to three times.

To replace the bracket you will need the following parts:

  • The new brackets of the proper height

  • The 2 screws saved from the removal of the bracket

Removing the Existing Bracket

  1. Using a torque driver, remove the two screws holding the bracket in place.

  2. Separate the bracket from the BlueField-4 Platform. 

    Be careful not to put stress on the LEDs on the BlueField-4 Platform.


  3. Save the two screws.

Installing the New Bracket

  1. Place the bracket onto theBlueField-4 Platform until the screw holes line up.

    Do not force the bracket onto the BlueField-4 Platform.


  2. Screw on the bracket using the screws saved from the bracket removal procedure above. 

    Use a torque driver to apply up to 0.31-0.33 Nm torque on the screws. Ensure you do not pull, bend, or damage the cage or EMI fingers during the process.


Installation Instructions

This section provides detailed instructions on how to install your BlueField-4 Platform in a system.

Choose the installation instructions according to the BlueField-4 Platform configuration you would like to use.

Cables and Modules

Networking Cable Installation 

  1. All cables can be inserted or removed with the unit powered on.

  2. To insert a cable, press the connector into the port receptacle until the connector is firmly seated.

    1. Support the weight of the cable before connecting the cable to the BlueField-4 Platform. Do this by using a cable holder or tying the cable to the rack.

    2. Determine the correct orientation of the connector to the BlueField-4 Platform before inserting the connector. Do not try and insert the connector upside down. This may damage the BlueField-4 Platform.

    3. Insert the connector into the BlueField-4 Platform . Be careful to insert the connector straight into the cage. Do not apply any torque, up or down, to the connector cage in the BlueField-4 Platform.

    4. Make sure that the connector locks in place.

      When installing cables make sure that the latches engage.

      Always install and remove cables by pushing or pulling the cable and connector in a straight line with the BlueField-4 Platform.

  3. After inserting a cable into a port, the Green LED indicator will light when the physical connection is established (that is, when the unit is powered on and a cable is plugged into the port with the other end of the connector plugged into a functioning port). See Networking Ports LEDs interface under the Supported Interfaces section.

  4. After plugging in a cable, lock the connector using the latching mechanism particular to the cable vendor. When data is being transferred the Green LED will blink.

  5. Make sure not to impede the air exhaust flow through the ventilation holes. Use cable lengths that allow for routing horizontally around to the side of the chassis before bending upward or downward in the rack.

  6. To remove a cable, disengage the locks and slowly pull the connector away from the port receptacle. LED indicator will turn off when the cable is unseated.

12-pin Power Supply Cable

The 12-pin ATX power supply cable is mandatory when powering-up the following BlueField-4 Platform. Without a connection to the power supply cable, the DPU will not complete the power on procedure and will not function properly. 

The BlueField-4 DPU includes an 12-pin power connector that provides additional power supply.

Power Cable Installation  

  • Ensure both the system and card are completely powered off for at least 20 seconds before inserting the power connector.

  • DO NOT force the connector into place; the connectors are “keyed” to fit only one way. Refer to the mechanical keys below for further information.

  • Connect the power supply end of the 12-pin connector to the appropriate receptor on the power supply unit.

  • Apply parallel force when plugging the cable into the power supply connector. Do not bend or twist the cables when plugging or unplugging it.

  • Ensure the cable is fully and securely connected to your DPU and the connector lock is secured.

Mechanical Keys of the 12-pin ATX Power Cable (PCIe CEM Specification Rev 5.0)

TBD

Powering Up the BlueField-4 Platform

TBD



Last updated: