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ABOUT RAMCHECK
TEST TIMES
ADAPTERS
SDRAM TESTS
COMMUNICATIONS
ABOUT RAMCHECK
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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 / II se PLUS product line. RAMCHECK also supports DDR testing, while SIMCHECK II does not.
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Q. Why should I upgrade my SIMCHECK II PLUS to RAMCHECK?
A. Please review our document on Upgrading SIMCHECK II PLUS to RAMCHECK for this information.
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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.
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Q. How long does it take to test a memory module?
A. Please refer to our RAMCHECK Test Times FAQ
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Q. How can I get a quote on your test products?
A. Please fill out our information request form, specify the product of interest and state that you would like a quote. We will respond to your request promptly.
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Q. What warranty do you offer with the RAMCHECK?
A. New RAMCHECK products come with a 1-year limited warranty that covers internal defects of the equipment, but does not cover the external sockets,cables, etc which are subject to wear and tear..
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Q. Can RAMCHECK guarantee that my memory modules are 100% accurate?
A. Unfortunately no. All memory testers, including those costing $500,000 and more, cannot achieve exhaustive tests (that is, 100% accuracy) due to the virtually unlimited possibilities of data combinations which may be stored inside a memory device. Therefore, while we continuously thrive to improve RAMCHECK's test algorithms, we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy of the test results.
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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 insertion/removal cycles during their lifetime. With proper care, they will last even longer. Test sockets are not soldered to the board, so they are simple to replace if they wear out.
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Q. Can a SIMCHECK II PLUS be upgraded to the RAMCHECK level?
A. Yes. In order to support our many SIMCHECK II / II se PLUS memory tester customers, INNOVENTIONS has incorporated a clear upgrade path to the RAMCHECK level. Please review our page on Upgrading SIMCHECK II PLUS to RAMCHECK for further information.
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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.
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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
Q. How long does it take RAMCHECK DDR2/DDR1 to test a memory 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 in the least amount of time.
Sample test times with existing RAMCHECK firmware:
| Size |
BASIC Test Time |
EXTENSIVE Test Time |
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| 4Mx64 (32MB SDRAM) |
2.3 sec |
53 sec |
| 8Mx64 (64MB SDRAM) |
3.4 sec |
54.2 sec |
| 16Mx64 (128MB SDRAM) |
6.5 sec |
1 min 21 sec |
| 32Mx64 (256MB SDRAM) |
17.5 sec |
2 min 04 sec |
| 32Mx64 (256MB DDR) |
12.2 sec |
1 min 16 sec |
| 64Mx72 (512 MB DDR) |
21.4 sec |
1 min 25 sec |
| 128Mx64 (1GB DDR) |
38.0 sec |
1 min 49 sec |
| 256Mx72 (2GB DDR) |
57.0 sec |
2 min 15 sec |
| 32Mx64 (256MB DDR2) |
9.6 sec |
2 min 10 sec |
| 64Mx72 (512 MB DDR2) |
15.2 sec |
2 min 21 sec |
| 128Mx64 (1GB DDR2) |
30.4 sec |
3 min 0 sec |
| 256Mx72 (2GB DDR2) |
56.0 sec |
3 min 28 sec |
The BASIC test is sufficient for most of your regular screening and verification tests, since each memory cell is tested several times. The BASIC test also provides complete structure and speed information and it manages to complete all the device wiring checks. However, the BASIC test may not detect intermittent and/or pattern sensitivity problems due to its short execution time.
The 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 RAMCHECK 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.
The AUTO-LOOP is our burn-in test, and therefore will run until you abort it.
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ADAPTERS
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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.
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Q. Can RAMCHECK test DDR SDRAM devices?
A. Yes. Please refer to our RC DDR Adapter page for further details.
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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.
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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). Please refer to RAMCHECK's Application Note 2: Customer-Made Adapters for RAMCHECK for further information.
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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.
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Q. Can RAMCHECK test RAMBUS RIMMs?
A. Not at this time.
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Q. Can RAMCHECK test Fully Buffered DIMMs?
A. Not at this time. The testing technology is currently in development, and we are planning an upgrade path for the RAMCHECK. See note here
- SDRAM TESTS
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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
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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 by visiting our FTP Page.
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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.
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Q. What is the Automated Firmware Upgrade feature of the RAMCHECK Communications program?
A. If your computer has a dial-up or direct connection to the Internet, use the Automated Firmware Upgrade feature to start an automated process that will upgrade your RAMCHECK with the latest firmware version. The process will first download the current RCF.zip file from our FTP server, will unzip the file and send it to RAMCHECK.
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Q. Does the serial port on RAMCHECK have to 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.
- A note about FB-DIMM testing
Fully-buffered (FB-DIMM) DDR2 DIMMs are used in some servers and Apple computers. FB-DIMM relies upon very complex designs and is much different than DDR2 DIMMs found in everyday computers. As described in Wikipedia,
Fully Buffered DIMM architecture introduces an Advanced Memory Buffer (AMB) between the memory controller and the memory module. Unlike the parallel bus architecture of traditional DRAMs, an FB-DIMM has a serial interface between the memory controller and the AMB. This enables an increase to the width of the memory without increasing the pin count of the memory controller beyond a feasible level.
INNOVENTIONS memory test equipment does not support FB-DIMM technology. In fact, it seems that fully buffered devices are off the industry's roadmap for future development.
In 2007 Intel Developer Forum, it was revealed that major memory manufacturers have no plans to extend FB-DIMM to support DDR3 SDRAM. Instead, only registered DIMM for DDR3 SDRAM had been demonstrated.
We may manufacture an FB-DIMM adapter in the future, depending upon marketplace conditions, consumer demand and new electronic components. If you have questions about this or if you're interested in a customized solution for FB-DIMM testing, please call our Sales Department at 08700770077, e-mail sales@pctestpro.com.
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