ath5k: Add tx power calibration support

* Add tx power calibration support
* Add a few tx power limits
* Hardcode default power to 12.5dB
* Disable TPC for now

v2: Address Jiri's comments

Signed-off-by Nick Kossifidis <[email protected]>

Quoted 6 lines

=C2=A0* Add tx power calibration support
=C2=A0* Add a few tx power limits
=C2=A0* Hardcode default power to 12.5dB
=C2=A0* Disable TPC for now

Quoted 3 lines

=C2=A0v2: Address Jiri's comments

=C2=A0Signed-off-by: Nick Kossifidis <[email protected]>

After bisecting I have found that this patch causes a regression with=

wireless PCI board:

With the problematic patch there is no frequency sweep after the "iwc=

essid" command and I can't associate anymore (the frequency remains s=

5.18GHz but I work with 802.11G)

Mar 29 11:08:45 kernel: cfg80211: Calling CRDA to update world regula=

domain

Mar 29 11:08:45 kernel: ath5k 0000:00:0b.0: PCI INT A -> Link[LNKB] -=
GSI 10
(level, low) -> IRQ 10
Mar 29 11:08:45 kernel: ath5k 0000:00:0b.0: registered as 'phy0'
Mar 29 11:08:45 kernel: phy0: Selected rate control algorithm 'minstr=

Mar 29 11:08:45 kernel: ath5k phy0: Atheros AR5212 chip found (MAC: 0=

0x41)

Mar 29 11:08:45 kernel: ath5k phy0: RF5112B multiband radio found (0x=

Mar 29 11:08:45 kernel: udev: renamed network interface wlan0 to ath0
Mar 29 11:09:03 kernel: ath5k phy0: noise floor calibration timeout (=

Mar 29 11:09:36 last message repeated 3 times
Mar 29 11:10:43 last message repeated 6 times
Mar 29 11:11:48 last message repeated 6 times
Mar 29 11:12:54 last message repeated 6 times
Mar 29 11:14:00 last message repeated 6 times
Mar 29 11:15:06 last message repeated 6 times
Mar 29 11:16:12 last message repeated 6 times

and with "modprobe -r ath5k"

Mar 29 11:23:59 kernel: ath0: deauthenticating by local choice (reaso=

Mar 29 11:24:05 kernel: ath5k phy0: noise floor calibration timeout (=

Mar 29 11:24:38 last message repeated 3 times
Mar 29 11:24:49 kernel: ath5k phy0: noise floor calibration timeout (=

(I can't understand the deauthenticating line when before I don't see=

authenticate line). At this point it's impossible to remove the modul=

the execution of a top session identifies a "phy0" program which runs=

with high CPU usage (I need to reboot the system)

=C2=A0PID USER =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0PR =C2=A0NI =C2=A0VIRT =C2=A0RES =C2=

21548 root =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A015 =C2=A0-5 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 0 =C2=A0 =C2=

I can understand how this patch may have resulted a noise floor calibration timeout but i can't understand how it broke everything else. I've tested it with a very similar card (same MAC and PHY chips but from a different vendor) and it worked just fine. Also i know there is still something more to fix for RF5112 while setting rf buffer settings and we have 2 curves but i don't think that's related=

Quoted 3 lines

and with "modprobe -r ath5k"

Mar 29 11:23:59 kernel: ath0: deauthenticating by local choice (rea=

Quoted 6 lines

Mar 29 11:24:05 kernel: ath5k phy0: noise floor calibration timeout
(5180MHz) Mar 29 11:24:38 last message repeated 3 times
Mar 29 11:24:49 kernel: ath5k phy0: noise floor calibration timeout

(5180MHz)

(I can't understand the deauthenticating line when before I don't s=

Quoted 1 line

authenticate line). At this point it's impossible to remove the mod=

Quoted 1 line

and the execution of a top session identifies a "phy0" program whic=

Quoted 3 lines

forever with high CPU usage (I need to reboot the system)

=C2=A0PID USER =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A0PR =C2=A0NI =C2=A0VIRT =C2=A0RES=

Quoted 1 line

21548 root =C2=A0 =C2=A0 =C2=A015 =C2=A0-5 =C2=A0 =C2=A0 0 =C2=A0 =C2=

This is even more weird, do you have an SMP system ? That warning you get is from the periodic calibration function, it seems you run this function too often...

Quoted 7 lines

I can understand how this patch may have resulted a noise floor calibration timeout but i can't understand how it broke everything else. I've tested it with a very similar card (same MAC and PHY chips but from a different vendor) and it worked just fine. Also i know there is still something more to fix for RF5112 while setting rf buffer settings and we have 2 curves but i don't think that's related.

I was using wireless-testing when I have experienced the problem. Then after the bisectioning procedure I removed the entire patch solving the problem with the authentication-association process.

Does also your board support 802.11abg? I don't understand why the noise calibration process remains stuck @ 5.18GHz.

Is it possible to split your patch in shorter pieces to isolate the problem?

Quoted 3 lines

This is even more weird, do you have an SMP system ? That warning you get is from the periodic calibration function, it seems you run this function too often...

Unfortunately I don't have a SMP system but a very old processor, an Athlon Thunderbird 900MHz :-( I have to manually reboot the system (hardware button, the software procedure doesn't work).

Tell me if you need other information, I'll test possible patches to solve the problem.

Quoted 3 lines

Does also your board support 802.11abg? I don't understand why the noise calibration process remains stuck @ 5.18GHz.

My initial thought was that one of the cpus was stuck, running the calibration function again and again which would result what you describe.

This patch introduces a function (and some helpers) to set 2 tables on hardware, it doesn't mess with the rest of the driver. I've tested it both on sta and ap scenarios with all the cards i have available and it worked fine. If you want to make more tests just disable parts of hw_txpower on phy.c, you can start by commenting out everything below

ath5k_setup_rate_powertable(ah, txpower, &rate_info, ee_mode);

to skip the setting of tx power, if you comment out the whole function you'll disable the functionality that this patch adds.

Quoted 2 lines

This patch introduces a function (and some helpers) to set 2 tables =

Quoted 1 line

hardware, it doesn't mess with the rest of the driver. I've tested i=

Quoted 3 lines

both on sta and ap scenarios with all the cards i have available and it worked fine. If you want to make more tests just disable parts of hw_txpower on phy.c, you can start by commenting out everything =C2=A0=

Quoted 4 lines

ath5k_setup_rate_powertable(ah, txpower, &rate_info, ee_mode);

to skip the setting of tx power, if you comment out the whole functi=

Quoted 1 line

you'll disable the functionality that this patch adds.

I have discovered the problem. Inside ath5k_hx_txpower() it's called ath5k_setup_channel_powertable() where the gain curves of frequency piers are scanned (if I have understood correctly) to extract the dat=

the calibration of the current channel.

In particular, for the 5180MHz channel (the first of the A band), the=

ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min() is called with some critical data which =

an endless while loop.

Here are the bad numbers passed to ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min():
* pwrL[0] =3D 4
* pwrL[1] =3D 4
* stepL[0] =3D 20
* stepL[1] =3D 35
and with this configuration the variable 'tmp' is never decremented i=

first while loop.

I suppose the data comes from the EEPROM. Is there an easy way to rea=

contents of the EEPROM regarding the calibration data for all the cha=

Fabio

It's weird that your EEPROM contains a value twice, both pwrL[0] and pwrL[1] are 4 so interpolation always returns 4 and tmp is always > 1 so you have an endless loop.

Anyway since we have such cards
we just need to put a check there and where pwrL[0] == pwrL[1], we set tmp = stepL[0] or if pwrR[0] == pwrR[1], we set tmp = stepR[0]. Try this out and see how it goes...

Quoted 18 lines

2009/3/30 Fabio Rossi <[email protected]>:
I have discovered the problem. Inside ath5k_hx_txpower() it's called ath5k_setup_channel_powertable() where the gain curves of frequency piers are scanned (if I have understood correctly) to extract the data for the calibration of the current channel.

In particular, for the 5180MHz channel (the first of the A band), the function ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min() is called with some critical data which generate an endless while loop.

Here are the bad numbers passed to ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min():
* pwrL[0] = 4
* pwrL[1] = 4
* stepL[0] = 20
* stepL[1] = 35
and with this configuration the variable 'tmp' is never decremented inside the first while loop.

Quoted 5 lines

I suppose the data comes from the EEPROM. Is there an easy way to read the contents of the EEPROM regarding the calibration data for all the channels?

Fabio

Nice catch ;-)

It's weird that your EEPROM contains a value twice, both pwrL[0] and pwrL[1] are 4 so interpolation always returns 4 and tmp is always > 1 so you have an endless loop. This is not what we expect to have on EEPROM (we are supposed to have a monotonicaly increasing curve and in your case it should be almost linear). Anyway since we have such cards we just need to put a check there and where pwrL[0] == pwrL[1], we set tmp = stepL[0] or if pwrR[0] == pwrR[1], we set tmp = stepR[0]. Try this out and see how it goes...

Quoted 27 lines

Quoted 19 lines

2009/3/30 Fabio Rossi <[email protected]>:
I have discovered the problem. Inside ath5k_hx_txpower() it's called ath5k_setup_channel_powertable() where the gain curves of frequency piers are scanned (if I have understood correctly) to extract the data for the calibration of the current channel.

In particular, for the 5180MHz channel (the first of the A band), the function ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min() is called with some critical data which generate an endless while loop.

Here are the bad numbers passed to ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min():
* pwrL[0] = 4
* pwrL[1] = 4
* stepL[0] = 20
* stepL[1] = 35
and with this configuration the variable 'tmp' is never decremented inside the first while loop.

Quoted 5 lines

I suppose the data comes from the EEPROM. Is there an easy way to read the contents of the EEPROM regarding the calibration data for all the channels?

Fabio

Nice catch ;-)

Quoted 8 lines

It's weird that your EEPROM contains a value twice, both pwrL[0] and pwrL[1] are 4 so interpolation always returns 4 and tmp is always > 1 so you have an endless loop. This is not what we expect to have on EEPROM (we are supposed to have a monotonicaly increasing curve and in your case it should be almost linear). Anyway since we have such cards we just need to put a check there and where pwrL[0] == pwrL[1], we set tmp = stepL[0] or if pwrR[0] == pwrR[1], we set tmp = stepR[0]. Try this out and see how it goes...

Here is the full dump of the power levels inside my board EEPROM:

channel freq 2412,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-119, pwrR[1]=-96, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2417,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2422,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2427,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2432,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2437,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2442,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2447,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2452,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2457,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2462,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2467,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2472,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2484,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-106, pwrL[1]=-58, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5180,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5185,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5190,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5195,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5200,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5205,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5210,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5215,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5220,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5225,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5230,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=13, pwrL[1]=13, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5235,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=13, pwrL[1]=13, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=8, pwrR[1]=9, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5240,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=13, pwrL[1]=13, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=8, pwrR[1]=9, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5745,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5750,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5755,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5760,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5765,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5770,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5775,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5780,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5785,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5790,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5795,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5800,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5805,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5810,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5815,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5820,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5825,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=11, pwrL[1]=28, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35

As you can see the problem is related only to the frequency range 5180-5240MHz. I'll post a separate patch to solve the issue, please add your favourite tag.

Fabio

2009/3/31 Fabio Rossi <[email protected]>:

Quoted 172 lines · Nick Kossifidis

Quoted 26 lines

Quoted 18 lines

2009/3/30 Fabio Rossi <[email protected]>:
I have discovered the problem. Inside ath5k_hx_txpower() it's called ath5k_setup_channel_powertable() where the gain curves of frequency piers are scanned (if I have understood correctly) to extract the data for the calibration of the current channel.

In particular, for the 5180MHz channel (the first of the A band), the function ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min() is called with some critical data which generate an endless while loop.

Here are the bad numbers passed to ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min():
* pwrL[0] = 4
* pwrL[1] = 4
* stepL[0] = 20
* stepL[1] = 35
and with this configuration the variable 'tmp' is never decremented inside the first while loop.

Quoted 5 lines

I suppose the data comes from the EEPROM. Is there an easy way to read the contents of the EEPROM regarding the calibration data for all the channels?

Fabio

Nice catch ;-)

Quoted 8 lines

It's weird that your EEPROM contains a value twice, both pwrL[0] and pwrL[1] are 4 so interpolation always returns 4 and tmp is always > 1 so you have an endless loop. This is not what we expect to have on EEPROM (we are supposed to have a monotonicaly increasing curve and in your case it should be almost linear). Anyway since we have such cards we just need to put a check there and where pwrL[0] == pwrL[1], we set tmp = stepL[0] or if pwrR[0] == pwrR[1], we set tmp = stepR[0]. Try this out and see how it goes...

Here is the full dump of the power levels inside my board EEPROM:

channel freq 2412,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-119, pwrR[1]=-96, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2417, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2422, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2427, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2432, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2437, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2442, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2447, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2452, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2457, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2462, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2467, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2472, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-119, pwrL[1]=-96, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 2484, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=-106, pwrL[1]=-58, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=-106, pwrR[1]=-58, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5180, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5185,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5190,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5195,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5200,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5205,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5210,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5215,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5220,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5225,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=4, pwrL[1]=4, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5230,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=13, pwrL[1]=13, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=13, pwrR[1]=13, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5235, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=13, pwrL[1]=13, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=8, pwrR[1]=9, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5240,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=13, pwrL[1]=13, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=8, pwrR[1]=9, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5745,
ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5750, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5755, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5760, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5765, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5770, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5775, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5780, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5785, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5790, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5795, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5800, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5805, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5810, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5815, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5820, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=8, pwrL[1]=26, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35 channel freq 5825, ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrL[0]=11, pwrL[1]=28, stepL[0]=20, stepL[1]=35 ath5k_get_linear_pcdac_min pwrR[0]=11, pwrR[1]=28, stepR[0]=20, stepR[1]=35

Quoted 5 lines

As you can see the problem is related only to the frequency range 5180-5240MHz. I'll post a separate patch to solve the issue, please add your favourite tag.

Fabio

Any other issues after the patch ?