Licensed Internal Code (LIC) initialization

Includes functions like setting the internal processing unit registers and arrays.

Functions performed

The following list is a high-level description of the functions that are performed by LIC during an initial program load (IPL):

LIC sets the internal processing unit registers and arrays.
When the initialization is complete, LIC signals the service processor of the event.
LIC enters the disabled state (task dispatcher is disabled). After the service processor starts the processing unit, the earlier constructed queue is made ready. The LIC then does its normal work-time functions.

See IPL status SRCs for information that is displayed on the control panel during an IPL.

Abnormal ending

LIC ends an IPL when a condition is detected that prevents the machine from doing work. The service processor sends the correct SRC to the control panel.

Conditions that cause LIC initialization to fail are:

LIC hangs (loops or waits), causing a LIC initialization time-out. The processor gives control to the service processor which, in turn, ends the IPL.
LIC that is not compatible with the control storage.
Some of the LIC is in main storage in an area that is known as the LIC overlay area. If this code is not compatible with resident code in control storage, the IPL might end during the LIC initialization phase.
Bad data on file.
If bad data is not detected when read from the file but is detected by the LIC initialization routine, the IPL ends with an SRC. If bad data is on the file, use the Main storage dump manager option from the Start a Service Tool display under DST to save the main storage dump to removable media. You must install the LIC again to correct this problem. If the system does not complete an IPL after initializing the LIC again, the LIC tape is bad.
Hardware errors.
If hardware errors occur during the LIC initialization step, the IPL ends. If the hardware error is associated with the file, you might need to install the LIC again.

At any point in the LIC initialization phase, errors that end machine processing during an IPL can occur. If this occurs, indicators are set to the data function. The machine check error log buffer, LIC log, or the Product Activity Log contain information about the condition that caused the ending.

Initialization output

The output that is created when the LIC is initialized consists of the following:

Machine status information saved in the machine initialization status record (MISR).
Status codes for an initial program load displayed on the control panel for long-running IPL functions.
Product Activity Log and LIC log information that service personnel need to service the machine.

Data descriptions

Preceding stopped data
Bad page table