Designed and built
with the reseller, memory manufacturer and computer service center in mind, the
Ramcheck memory tester from Houstin-based
Innoventions is a one-of-a-kind portable memory
testing platform for the professional. At a cost of just under $2,000 USD for
the standard unit, the Ramcheck memory tester comes in fairly inexpensive in a
market populated by large desktop testers that can range in price from as much
as $8,000-$26,000USD.
The basic unit comes in a padded protective
case with a serial cable, power supply, desktop software and instructions.
Depending upon individual requirements, expansion adaptors can be used to widen
the capabilities of the Ramcheck from standard 168-pin SDRAM through to DDRAM,
SODIMM, SIMM, and even individual TSOP memory modules. The versatility of the
unit is quite unique, though at first glace it presents a more humble
impression.
The Ramcheck owes much of its boxy look to
the previous memory tester Innoventions offered, the Simcheck II. By maintaining
a cohesive layout, the company assured that users of its's earlier generation
memory tester could easily upgrade their unit to the more current Ramcheck
simply by switching out a component PCB board.
Additional firmware upgrades can be done
automatically online once the unit is connected to a computer via the serial
cable. Thus the upgrade path is an easy one for companies which have invested in
the product, and this ultimately lowers the total cost of ownership.
 |
A Device Under Test (DUT) interface
handles the following aspects of memory tests; "16 multiplex DRAM/Module
address lines for up to 4G addresses of direct processor access. Main
control lines: 4-RAS/-S lines, 8-CAS/DQM lines, 2-W/WE lines, 2-OE lines,
2CKE and 4 Clock lines. Complex wave generation and digital delay
synthesis on all -RAS/-S, -CAS/DQM and -W lines. Advanced setup of Tred
and Trah setup at 1-2ns resolution. Three programmable regulated voltage
sources 1.25v-5.7v with automatic current limiters. EDO/FRM DRAM access
time: direct measurement from 150ns down to 20ns at 1ns resolution, +/-3ns
accuracy. SDRAM clock access time: direct measurement from 150MHz to 66MHz
with 0.5ns resolution, +/-1ns
accuracy." |
The unit we tested came to us with the
DIMcheck 144 expansion adaptor in addition to the onboard 168-pin SDRAM socket.
Once docked onto the main unit, the DIMcheck 144 adaptor makes it possible to
test SODIMM memory modules. Innoventions have also just recently announced the
release of a new 184-Pin DDR Adapter for testing Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM.
The new adaptor (cost $1,495USD) will finally allow the existing Ramcheck
platform to test PC2700/2100/1600 memory, including registered and unbuffered
DIMMs. Given the popularity of DDR memory with consumers this feature is at
least six months overdue, and very much welcome.
The Ramcheck uses a 184MHz test engine to
test 133MHz and higher memory using a page burst feature where all cells are
tested simultaneously. This is a quicker type of testing, and can help identify
errors caused by interference among the chips. If the facility conducting the
tests has the capabilities to repair a error-stricken RAM module, the Ramcheck's
ability to point out which chips, and even which solder joints may be causing
the errors is invaluable.
Powered by a 40MHz Texas Instruments 486
processor, the Ramcheck also uses an 184MHz Altera CPLD as a secondary SDRAM
test engine. With 6MB of onboard memory the unit features an internet
upgradeable 512KB flash ROM, serial port for PC communication, 128x32 pixel
backlit LCD and proprietory test algorithms. The device measures 9.5"x6.5"x3",
weighs 3.5lbs and comes with an external AC adaptor. Test algorithms used in the
evaluation of memory include: Checker patterns, Walking 0/1, Voltage cycling and
Voltage Bounce, March up/down, Self-Refresh and Auto loop with changing
patterns.
Test
Setup:
There are essentially two possible
configurations for the Ramcheck to be operated under. The first is simply to
plug the unit in and read off the data from the small backlit LCD display. This
works well for situations where memory modules in are being tested for
compliance to one or two points of reference data (speed, error bits,
etc.).
However, in environments where memory is
being sorted according to more complex parameters, and test data for each module
needs to be recorded, a more effective option is available. Using the Ramcheck's
serial port, the unit can be connected to a standard desktop computer and the
data logged in real time as the testing progresses using a companion software
program.
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