In-depth Analysis of Common Faults and Maintenance Practices for ASIC Mining Devices

In the cryptocurrency mining industry, the efficient operation of ASIC miners is crucial for success. However, even the top-performing Antminer S19 series inevitably encounters some technical challenges. Based on years of mining experience, here is an in-depth analysis of common issues with the Antminer S19 series and their solutions, aimed at helping miners reduce equipment downtime and enhance the overall performance and efficiency of their machines.

Common Issues and Solutions

1.Fan Anomalies

Symptom:

The miner log shows ERROR_FAN_LOST, indicating a problem with the fan.

Solutions:

• Check that the fan socket and connection wires are secure.
• If the fan speed is slow, replace the fan; if the issue persists, the controller may need replacing.
• If multiple fans are malfunctioning, try restoring factory settings.
• If these measures fail, professional repair is advised.

2. PIC Chip Anomalies

Symptom:

Error message “Fail to read pic temp” appears.

Solutions:

• This issue is usually caused by a fault in the computing board. Check and possibly replace connection ribbons, try upgrading the firmware, or perform a card flash. If the problem remains, factory repair is required.

3. Missing Chips/Undetected Boards

Symptom: Chips are missing from the hashing board or the board is not detected.

Solutions:

• For missing chips: Replace the power supply, check the grounding, and if the issue continues, return to the factory for repair.
• For missing boards: Power down, check the connection ribbons, and if there is no improvement, factory repair is needed.

4. Network Issues

Symptom: WARN_NET_LOST appears in the log.

Solutions: Ensure that the network cable is securely connected and the network is functioning properly.

5. Power Issues

Symptom: ERROR_POWER_LOST error message.

Solutions: Check if the conductive copper strips and power control wires are loose or damaged, and replace the power supply if necessary.

6. Overheating Protection

Symptom: High ambient temperatures trigger the miner’s overheating protection.

Solutions:

• Check whether the cooling radiator on the computing board is blocked by dust or debris and clean it; cool down before restarting.
• Ensure the air supply temperature is suitable and the exhaust is unobstructed.
• Maintain the working environment temperature within 5–35°C.

Usage and Maintenance Tips

• Static Electricity Protection: Before touching any cables or fan connectors, make sure to discharge any static electricity or wear anti-static equipment to prevent damaging the IC.
• No Power During Maintenance: Always power down before maintenance to avoid damaging the computing boards or controllers.
• Power Sequence: Power up the computing boards first, then the controller, to avoid operational errors that could damage the equipment.
• Power Cables and Connectors: Use power cables and connectors that meet the specifications to ensure stable power supply and avoid issues due to improper cabling.

Professional Recommendations for the Use and Maintenance of ASIC Miners

Cryptocurrency mining demands peak performance from ASIC miners like the Antminer S19 series. Yet, even top-tier models face technical hurdles. Drawing from extensive experience, here’s a concise guide to common Antminer S19 issues and fixes, designed to streamline operations and maximize mining efficiency.

Basic Principles of Operation and Maintenance

1.Static Electricity Protection

When touching the miner’s controller wiring or fan interfaces, it is essential to discharge static electricity first to prevent damage to the IC pins. It is recommended to wear an anti-static wrist strap or use an anti-static mat before handling.

2. No Live Work

Always power off the miner before maintenance or debugging to avoid irreversible damage to the computing boards or controllers.

3. Power-up Sequence

The correct sequence for powering up is to supply electricity to the computing boards first, then to the controller, ensuring stable operation of the equipment.

4.Interface Connection Precautions

When connecting the 6-pin line, be sure to orient it correctly as incorrect connections could trigger power protection or cause hardware damage.

5.Power Supply Configuration

It is recommended that each miner be powered by a separate power supply. While multiple power supplies can power a single miner, it is not advisable to use multiple power supplies to power multiple miners simultaneously.

6.Power Requirements and Wattage

The output power of the power supply should be at least 20% higher than the miner’s requirements to ensure that the miner’s operational efficiency is not constrained by power limitations.

7.Choice of Power Cables

Depending on the voltage used, choose the appropriate specification of power cables; for 220V, cables of 10A or higher are recommended, and for 110V, 17A or higher to ensure stable and reliable power transmission.

8.Power Plugs and Interfaces

Use the APW series official power supply with a C13 input connector. For other types of power supplies, confirm the interface specifications.

9.Environmental Cleanliness

Keep the miner’s air intake and radiator area clean, avoiding blockages from dust and other debris, especially during seasons with high pollen and fluff, consider installing dust screens.

10.Moisture and Humidity Control

When using the miner in dusty or humid environments, pay attention to moisture protection. It is recommended to keep the ambient humidity below 65% to prevent corrosion of the circuit boards by moisture and salts.

11. Network Connectivity

If there are network connectivity issues with the miner, they should be resolved within 15 minutes. If the issue persists longer, to avoid data transmission problems, power down immediately.

12.Router Load

Determine the number of miners that can be connected to a single router and consult the router’s maximum load capacity in advance.

13.Low Temperature Environments

Be aware that low indoor temperatures may lead to unstable miner performance or a reduction in computing boards. Ensure that the environment does not drop below 5°C.

14.Grounding Requirements

Proper grounding can prevent electrical leakage from the power supply or miner, enhancing system safety. It is recommended that grounding be performed by a professional electrician.

15.Lightning Protection

Strongly recommended to implement comprehensive lightning protection measures. Lightning strikes can cause severe damage or completely destroy the equipment. Ensure that both the miner and its surrounding devices are well-grounded and protected against lightning.

16.Temperature Control Management

Miners operating in high-temperature environments are prone to damage. It is advised to maintain the ambient temperature between 5°C and 35°C to prolong the lifespan of the miner and ensure stable performance.

17. Avoid Using PoE

Do not use switches or routers with Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities directly connected to miners, as this can damage the miner’s controller. Ensure connections are made using standard network equipment.

18.Networking Method

Antminer machines must be connected to the local network using standard RJ45 ethernet cables. WiFi connections are not supported. Ensure the network connection is stable to prevent impacts on the miner’s online performance.

19.Ethernet Cable Specifications

Connect the miner using standard RJ45 ethernet cables. There are no specific specifications for the cables, but ensure the quality of the cables to maintain reliable data transmission.

20.Power Connection Sequence

When connecting the power supply to the miner, the order of the 6-pin power line is flexible; mainly avoid incorrect or loose connections to prevent damage to either the power supply or the miner.

21.Application of Power Voltage

Miners typically require a 12V DC input, necessitating the conversion from 220V or other AC voltages to DC.

The recommended power input is single-phase 220V AC.

Regarding the wiring of the power source: use one live and one neutral for single-phase electricity (220V). A three-phase 380V power supply missing one phase can also function as single-phase 380V. Ensure the power wiring is selected correctly according to the specifications of the miner.