CHAPTER 13

Frame Buffer Test (fbtest)

fbtest is a generic test for all dumb frame buffers used with the Solaris 2.x software.

The fbtest checks the frame buffer by sequentially writing, reading, and verifying small blocks of random patterns across the entire video RAM. The block size is 64 x 64 pixels. If a miscompare occurs, the test stops with an error message that indicates the location of the error.

If a generic frame buffer device name (dvc/fb) is specified, fbtest automatically detects the depth of the frame buffer, and adjusts testing to the frame buffer size.

FIGURE 13-1 fbtest

Note - To start SunVTS with vtsui, but without vtsk, you must add the host name to xhost as:

xhost + <hostname>.

---

fbtest Command Line Syntax

/opt/SUNWvts/bin/fbtest -o dev=device_name lock=E(nable)/D(isable)
standard_arguments

TABLE 13-1 fbtest

Argument	Explanation
dev=device_name	Specifies which frame buffer to be tested.
lock=E(nable)/ D(isable)	Enables or disables the window system locking option. See the section about Testing Multiple Frame Buffers in the SunVTS 2.1 User's Guide for details. Frame buffer locking is enabled by default on the window server running the OpenWindows software.

fbtest Test Modes

Due to the nature of graphic tests, reading from or writing to the frame buffer during graphic tests disturbs user operation. This test is only available in Functional test.

fbtest Error Messages

TABLE 13-2 fbtest

	Error Message	Probable Cause(s)	Recommended Action
6000	Data compare error	FB lock is disabled.	Enable FB lock.
		Bad frame buffer .	If the problem persists, call your authorized Sun service provider.
6001	Video memory error at	FB lock is disabled.	Enable FB lock.
	<address>, expected: <number>, observed: <number>	Bad frame buffer.	If the problem persists, call your authorized Sun service provider.

TABLE 13-2 fbtest(Continued)

	Error Message	Probable Cause(s)	Recommended Action
6002	Unable to lock frame buffer	FB lock was enabled while Windowsystem was not running.
8000	can't acquire console	System load is too heavy	Reduce the system load.
		semaphore
System error	If the problem persists, contact your Sun service provider.
8001	Parameter error -Improper test parameters supplied	fbtest can only run in Functional test
8002	Device name missing!	Parameter error	Must provide device name
8003	Create_Raster() failed	Parameter error
	for <name>	No such device
8004	Create_Raster() failed for type RAS_CHILD	Operator error	Check test options, mode and retry, if appropriate.
		Software error	Contact your Sun service provider.
8005	Malloc failed	System load too heavy	Reduce the system load
		System error	If the problem persists, call your authorized Sun service provider.