Innoventions RAMCHECK

• About RAMCHECK

• RAMCHECK Test Times

• Adapters

• SDRAM Tests

• RAMCHECK Communication Program

ABOUT RAMCHECK

1. Q. What is the difference between RAMCHECK and the SIMCHECK II PLUS?
   A. RAMCHECK is our top of the line memory tester, with features that are significantly improved when compared to the SIMCHECK II PLUS product line.
   
   
2. Q. Can the new RAMCHECK test PC-133 SDRAM modules like the SIMCHECK II PLUS?
   A. The new RAMCHECK uses a more powerful 184MHz test engine to be able to test PC-133/100 SDRAM. In fact, RAMCHECK will surpass most of the SIMCHECK II PLUS features.
   
   
3. Q. What warranty do you offer with the RAMCHECK?
   A. New RAMCHECK products come with a 1-year warranty that cover internal defects of the equipment, but does not cover the external sockets, which are subject to wear and tear; the manual included with the equipment provides complete details concerning the warranty.
   
   
4. Q. What is the life expectancy of the sockets provided with the RAMCHECK test equipment?
   A. The sockets are rated to have over 10,000 cycles of insertion and removal over their lifetime. With proper care, they will last even longer.
   
   
5. Q. Can a SIMCHECK II PLUS be upgraded to the RAMCHECK level?
   A. In order to support our largely installed database of customers who use the popular SIMCHECK II PLUS test system, INNOVENTIONS has incorporated a clear upgrade path to the RAMCHECK level.
   
   
6. Q. Is the RAMCHECK upgradeable for future memory devices?
   A. Our products have always been geared for upgradability, and RAMCHECK is no different. We are determined in continuing to provide future upgrades where possible.
   
   
7. Q. Where is the product manufactured? What is INNOVENTIONS' expertise in memory testing?
   A. The RAMCHECK is designed and manufactured by INNOVENTIONS, Inc. in Houston, Texas, USA. In 1987, INNOVENTIONS pioneered the field of portable memory testers with the introduction of the world's first stand alone DRAM chip tester. Since then, we have developed several generations of advanced memory testers which were successfully distributed world wide.

TEST TIMES

1. Q. How long does it take RAMCHECK to test a module?
   A. It depends on the size and structure of the module, and which tests are performed.
   Our proprietary test program is divided into sub tests: BASIC test, EXTENSIVE test, and AUTO-LOOP test. The BASIC Test is the first test performed by RAMCHECK and it is optimized to be performed at the least amount of time.
   

   Sample BASIC Test Times with existing firmware.

   SIZE	BASIC TEST Time	EXTENSIVE Test Time
   4Mx64	2.3 sec	53 sec
   8Mx64	3.4 sec	54.2 sec
   16Mx64	6.5 sec	1 min 21 sec

   
   BASIC test is sufficient for most of your regular screening and verification tests, since each memory cells is tested several times. BASIC test also provides complete structure and speed information and it manages to complete all the device wiring checks. However, BASIC test may not detect intermittent and/or pattern sensitivity problems due to its short execution time.
   
   EXTENSIVE test may take several minutes as it performs quite a few test phases. You can easily customize the RAMCHECK test program to skip any EXTENSIVE test phase in accordance with your preference. The manual includes details on what is accomplished at each test phase so that you can decide which test phases may be skipped in your customized test. Of course, skipping a test will shorten the overall test time.
   
   AUTO-LOOP is our burn-in test, and therefore will run until you abort it

   ADAPTERS
   

   1. Q. Which optional adapters are available for the new RAMCHECK?
      A. Please review the adapters list to see our solutions to test DDR modules, individual chips, S.O. DIMMs, and many other devices. The wide variety of adapters available for the modular RAMCHECK family enhance its value to our customers, and we continue to develop more.
      
      
   2. Q. Can RAMCHECK test DDR SDRAM devices?
      A. Yes. Please refer to our RC DDR Adapter page for further details.
      
      
   3. Q. Are adapters from the SIMCHECK II PLUS product line compatible with RAMCHECK?
      A. No. Only RAMCHECK Adapters have the specific wiring that is needed to work with RAMCHECK. There is also a physical incompatibility in the connectors of the SIMCHECK II PLUS adapters and the RAMCHECK expansion ports. However, we do offer low-cost factory upgrades to convert popular SIMCHECK II adapters to the RAMCHECK level.
      
      
   4. Q. Can I acquire the adapter port pin out list so that I can interface my own custom adapter for RAMCHECK?
      A. In order to acquire the pin out list for RAMCHECK's ports, you will need to sign a standard NonDisclosure Agreement (NDA).
      
   5. Q. Can 72-p or 30-p modules be tested on RAMCHECK?
      A. Using the RC SIMM Adapter, customers can readily test older-style SIMM memory devices. This adapter is equipped with a 72-pin socket, but can also be ordered optionally with the 30-pin socket.
      
      
   6. Q. Can RAMCHECK test RAMBUS RIMMs?
      A. Not at this time. The testing technology is currently in development, and we are planning an upgrade path for the RAMCHECK.
      

   SDRAM TESTS

   1. Q. How can I set stricter test conditions when testing SDRAM on RAMCHECK?
      A. You can elect to use the speed setup feature to set a specific frequency rate for your tested module. This will insure a locked setting that will force the module to work at only this speed. Please refer to your owner's manual under Section 5.3.2 to review the information on TESTING DUT AT SETUP SPEED. Alternatively, you may also use the Change-On-The-Fly feature (described in Section 4 of your owner's manual) to set a one-time speed setting.
      

   RAMCHECK COMMUNICATION PROGRAM

   1. Q. Why is the RAMCHECK Automated Firmware Upgrade not working?
      A. You may have an older revision of the RAMCHECK PC Communication Program. Please download the latest version of the RAMCHECK Communication program.
      
      
   2. Q. Why is the RAMCHECK Communication program not transmitting the firmware to RAMCHECK? Why am I getting Communication Error Code 0?
      A. RAMCHECK's COM settings may be incorrect. From the RAMCHECK menu, select Setup Software. Choose the tab that says "Setup Serial Com". Click the Set Port Off button then change the Baud Rate to 38,400, afterwards, click the Set Port On button.
      
      
   3. Q. Should the serial port on RAMCHECK remain permanently connected to a PC?
      A. NO. RAMCHECK is made to be a portable device. The serial port is present to provide FLASH EPROM upgrades and to provide an interface for the Communications program, however, if you intend to leave your tester next to your computer, you may feel free to leave the serial port connected.