There are many components within the switch that use updatable firmware. The firmware package available from My Oracle Support includes firmware for each of these components. When you perform a firmware update, each of these components are updated as a function of the operation. It is not necessary to update each component separately.
The SP firmware includes:
Basic I/O system for initial start up of the controller.
Linux OS that enables the SP to function as a service processor and host for the switch.
File system that contains the many hardware and IB commands, Subnet Manager, and other applications for the administration of the switch and IB fabric.
The switch chip has firmware that instructs how to route links, set data rates, and configure signal parameters.
When improvements to the operation of the switch are made or features are added, these enhancements are delivered through a firmware upgrade.