Method to synchronize a replacement controller's firmware version to the native configuration database version on a simplex array

摘要

Disclosed are a method and a simplex array controller device that synchronize firmware revisions between an original, native, storage array controller in a single controller storage array system (i.e., a simplex array controller) and a replacement storage array controller that replaces the original, native, storage array controller. An embodiment may create and store an original firmware code image containing a copy of the firmware revision information running on an original simplex array controller along with controller and firmware revision identification off-board of the original array controller on a firmware repository storage device. The firmware repository storage device may be one of the storage devices selected from the array of storage devices controlled by the original array controller. When the original array controller is replaced by the replacement array controller, such as when the original array controller has failed, the replacement array controller may compare the firmware revision information of the firmware currently running on the array controller with the firmware revision information stored in the original firmware code image, and, if the revision information does not match, replace/overwrite the firmware revision on the replacement controller with the firmware revision stored in the firmware code image.