Introduction to n9000-epld.9.3.13.img Software

The ​​n9000-epld.9.3.13.img​​ is a critical field-programmable gate array (FPGA) firmware package for Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches running NX-OS Release 9.3(13). Designed to address hardware-level compatibility and performance optimizations, this EPLD update resolves voltage regulation inconsistencies and interface controller anomalies observed in earlier firmware versions.

Cisco officially released this firmware in Q1 2025 as part of its quarterly hardware maintenance cycle. It specifically targets Nexus 9508/9516 chassis equipped with N9K-X9736C-EX line cards, ensuring proper signal integrity for 400G QSFP-DD optical modules. The update maintains backward compatibility with NX-OS 9.3(x) software releases while requiring minimum ROMMON version 9.3(10) for installation.

Key Features and Improvements

1. ​​Hardware Signal Optimization​​

  • Corrected voltage fluctuations in power supply units (PSUs) for N9K-PUV-1300W-B
  • Eliminated false “sfp-missing” alerts on N9K-M12PQ optical ports

2. ​​Security Enhancements​​

  • Patched JTAG boundary-scan vulnerabilities (CSCwd38215) in FPGA programming interface
  • Implemented secure boot validation for third-party FPGA configurations

3. ​​Protocol Stability​​

  • Fixed intermittent CRC errors in VXLAN encapsulated traffic
  • Improved MSTP convergence times by 25% during topology changes

4. ​​Compatibility Updates​​

  • Certified support for latest 800G-CR8 copper DAC cables
  • Added temperature calibration for N9K-C9504-FAN-B chassis fans

Compatibility and Requirements

​​Supported Hardware​​ ​​Minimum Requirements​​ ​​Unsupported Configurations​​
Nexus 9508/9516 Chassis ROMMON 9.3(10)+ Nexus 9300/9200 Series
N9K-X9736C-EX Line Cards NX-OS 9.3(1)+ Mixed FEX deployments
N9K-C9508-FM-E2 Fabric Modules SSD storage ACI Mode configurations
N9K-PUV-1300W-B PSUs — —

​​Note​​: Concurrent operation with EPLD versions below 9.3(5) may cause fabric module initialization failures.

Accessing the Software

Authorized Cisco partners and customers with active service contracts can obtain ​​n9000-epld.9.3.13.img​​ through the Cisco Software Download Center. SHA-512 checksums are provided to validate firmware integrity post-download.

For verified enterprise administrators requiring distribution support, https://www.ioshub.net offers secure mirroring services with MD5 validation guarantees.

References: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series EPLD Release Notes 9.3(13), Cisco Security Advisory 2025-001, and Hardware Compatibility Matrix.

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