SCSILEVL Utility
8032-based SCSI Controllers
80188-based SCSI Controllers
80186-based SCSI Controllers
Content by David L. Beem (original HERE). Modified by Tomáš Slavotínek.
Last update: 20 Jan 2021 (synced with David's version dated 19 Jan 2021).
SCSILEVL Utility
Hidden away on one of the support diskettes, IBM has a small program named
SCSILEVL.COM. It reports the microcode firmware version on most of the different
IBM SCSI controllers used on Micro Channel (MCA) PS/2s (This page does not cover
the SCSI RAID controllers that IBM had on its server models nor the rebranded
Future Domain controller IBM called the Patriot). Besides being a little too
simplistic for my tastes, the program doesn't work on a few IBM models
(Industrial Gearbox 800, 8556/8557, and 9556/9557 PS/2s) that have SCSI
implemented on the system planar.
I intend to expand the program somewhat, as well as document how it works.
Most of the code is fairly easy to understand for those fluent in Assembler. For
some sections, you may have to see a debugging program (like Microsoft's
CodeView for DOS) single-step through the code on a system with IBM SCSI. I
recommend running the programs only in a pure DOS environment!
The original SCSILEVL.COM program doesn't even check if it is running on an
MCA system (the things IBM takes for granted)! I just find some areas worth
improving, mainly to make it check all the IBM SCSI microcode versions. The
interface can also be changed to be more grammatically correct (i.e. not
identifying a planar SCSI controller as being on a "slot").
SCSILEVL.COM - IBM's original version (ZIPped up for download)
SCSILEVL.DIS - The original version disassembled
IBM made three different families of non-RAID Micro Channel SCSI controllers,
mainly distinguished by the microcontroller or microprocessor of the circuit
that controlled the SCSI bus. Even though some of the controllers could use the
same microcode firmware, I have separated them by how I see those series laid
out. The functionality among the families is largely the same, with the members
having similar capabilities.
I don't profess to know what the different microcode versions added or fixed,
but it is helpful to know if there is a later version for an upgrade (I will
have some microcode images of the non-Flash series up soon so you can burn your
own EPROMs if you have the equipment). Generally, it is advised to have the
latest firmware possible. I have charted all the versions I have found so far.
If you have an unlisted version or one marked as
"Unknown", please notify me to add it.
8032-based SCSI Controllers
Based on the Intel-designed 8032 microcontroller. It is "Narrow" SCSI able to
do a 5 Mbps transfer rate. All models of this series have no controller cache.
The microcode is on a single 64 K x 8 EPROM. When the series was renumbered
to version 02 and 03, it supports the SCSI-2 command set.
80188-based SCSI Controllers
Based on the Intel-designed 80188 microprocessor. It is "Narrow"
SCSI able to do a 5Mbps transfer rate. Most models of this series have a base
512 KB controller cache, some expandable to 2 MB using proprietary IBM SIMMs.
The microcode is on a single 64 K x 8 EPROM.
EPROM |
µCode |
© Date |
Location |
64F1333 |
Unknown |
Unknown |
U47 of "Old" Spock, FRU 84F8149 |
33F5546 |
07h/07d |
1988, 1989 |
U47 of "Newer" Spock, FRU 85F0063 |
57F2423 |
08h/08d |
1989 |
U43 of Gearbox 800 Drives Module |
57F2716 |
09h/09d |
1990 |
U43 of Gearbox 800 Drives Module |
64F5984 |
09h/09d |
1990 |
U47 of "Old" Spock, FRU 84F8149 |
64F5984 |
09h/09d |
None |
U10 of 2/3 Length SCSI A/32 w/ Cache (50 pin), FRU 95F4488 |
10G4890 |
25h/37d |
1991 |
U47 of Spock Prime, FRU 85F0063 |
10G4890 |
25h/37d |
None |
U12 of Short SCSI A/32 w/ Cache (DIP Term.), FRU 35G2818 |
10G4890 |
25h/37d |
None |
U9 of Long SCSI 32/A w/ Cache and 2.5" HD , FRU 35G3785 |
10G4891 |
25h/37d |
None |
U12 of Short SCSI A/32 w/ Cache (SIP Term.), FRU 07G3063 |
39G2066 |
25h/37d |
1992 |
U20 of 9576/9577 Bermuda planar |
39G2066 |
25h/37d |
1992 |
U51 of 9585 'X' planar |
61G2976 |
26h/38d |
1993 |
U47 of Spock Prime, FRU 85F0063 |
80186-based SCSI Controllers
Based on the Intel-designed 80186 microprocessor. It is "Fast/Wide" SCSI able
to do a 20 Mbps transfer rate. All models of this series have no controller
cache. The microcode is on two Flash 32 K x 8 chips able to be upgraded
with software.
REV71UPD.EXE - SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Firmware Rev 7.1
corv77.EXE - SCSI-2 Fast/Wide Firmware Rev 7.7
Flash |
µCode |
© Date |
Location |
61G3929/30 |
57h/87d |
1993 |
U1 & U2 of Corvette, FRU 92F0160 |
61G3929/30 |
57h/87d |
1993 |
U139 & U140 of 9585 'K' or 'N' planar |
61G3929/30 |
58h/88d |
1993 |
U1 & U2 of Corvette, FRU 92F0160 |
61G3929/30 |
58h/88d |
1993 |
U139 & U140 of 9585 'K' or 'N' planar |
61G3929/30 |
58h/88d |
1993 |
U1 & U2 of Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-6", FRU 11H3599 or 11H7660 |
61G3929/30 |
71h/113d |
1993 |
U1 & U2 of Corvette, FRU 92F0160 |
61G3929/30 |
71h/113d |
1993 |
U139 & U140 of 9585 'K' or 'N' planar |
61G3929/30 |
71h/113d |
1993 |
U1 & U2 of Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-6", FRU 11H3599 or 11H7660 |
61G3929/30 |
73h/115d |
Unknown |
U1 & U2 of Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-6", FRU 11H3599 or 11H7660 |
61G3929/30 |
74h/116d |
N/A |
U1 & U2 of RS/6K "4-7" Corvette, FRU 11H3600 |
61G3929/30 |
74h/116d |
N/A |
U1 & U2 of Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-6", FRU 11H3599 or 11H7660 |
61G3929/30 |
75h/117d |
12/97 |
U1 & U2 of RS/6K "4-7" Corvette, FRU 93H8814 |
61G3929/30 |
77h/119d |
1994 |
U1 & U2 of Corvette, FRU 92F0160 |
61G3929/30 |
77h/119d |
1994 |
U139 & U140 of 9585 'K' or 'N' planar |
61G3929/30 |
77h/119d |
1994 |
U1 & U2 of Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-6", FRU 11H3599 or 11H7660 |
88G1094/95 |
C5h/197d |
Unknown |
U1 & U2 of Enh. Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-C", FRU 52G3380 |
88G1094/95 |
C6h/198d |
Unknown |
U1 & U2 of Enh. Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-C", FRU 52G3380 |
88G1094/95 |
C7h/199d |
Unknown |
U1 & U2 of Enh. Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-C", FRU 52G3380 |
61G3929/30 |
C9h/201d |
1993 |
U1 & U2 of Corvette, FRU 92F0160 |
88G1094/95 |
C9h/201d |
1995 |
U1 & U2 of Enh. Diff. F/W or RS/6K "4-C", FRU 52G3380 |
|