DMTF’s Platform Management Communications Infrastructure (PMCI) Working Group recently published two specifications – Field Replacement Unit (FRU) Data Format Specification version 1.0  (DSP0220) and Platform Level Data Model (PLDM) for FRU Data Specification version 2.0 (DSP0257). The new specifications update the overall approach to a common and extensible format for FRU.

The FRU Data Format specification version 1.0 (DSP0220) defines a new layout of FRU data at rest (in storage), along with the support of a simple file directory to support multiple aggregate sections of FRU data. The specification, now available for download, is for a minimum common FRU format and access. To enable wide industry adoption, the new specification supports a variety of data formats for the FRU File and enables compatibility with the legacy IPMI Platform Management FRU Information Storage Definition.

The PLDM for FRU Data Specification version 2.0 (DSP0257) provides a streamlined, intuitive mechanism for read/write access to a single FRU data item using PLDM. Traditional FRU data includes inventory asset information, such as the serial number, part number, and manufacturer for a field replaceable unit. Larger aggregate sections of the FRU data can also be transferred using the PLDM for File Transfer (DSP0242) specification.

For more information about the PMCI Working Group and the platform management standards it defines, please visit https://www.dmtf.org/standards/pmci.