Memory technology test apparatus

Abstract

A programmable control device that creates an environment for controlling, testing and evaluating memory designs. The control device provides automated testing of address eyes, data eyes and voltage margins. The control device interfaces with a conventional computer system, such as a personal computer (PC). The computer system gathers test data and outputs the data in a graphical format if desired. Since the control device is quickly re-programmable, new memory sequencing, control, timing and power techniques are rapidly proto-typed in an inexpensive and timely manner.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to memory devices and, more particularly to a mechanism for testing and evaluating current and new memory technologies. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] As processor speeds continue to increase, memory system designers are under increasing pressure to create memory devices that can input and output data at increasingly faster rates. As such, new memory system designs are constantly being proposed, tested and, if satisfactory, manufactured. [0003] Double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) devices are a relatively new form of memory device that was designed to help bridge the gap between processor and memory speeds. During read operations, DDR SDRAM devices return a data clock signal (or data strobe) along with the data, and this data clock signal is used to clock the data into the processor (or into a memory controller attached to the processor). The strobe is typically supplied at t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention provides a mechanism for testing and evaluating memory technology in a quick, flexible, efficient and inexpensive manner.

[0008] The above and other features and advantages are achieved by a programmable control device that creates an environment for controlling, testing and evaluating memory designs. The control device provides automated testing of address eyes, data eyes and voltage margins. The control device interfaces with a conventional computer system, such as a personal computer (PC). The computer system gathers test data and outputs the data in a graphical format if desired. Since the control device is quickly re-programmable, new memory sequencing, control, timing and power techniques are rapidly proto-typed in an inexpensive and timely manner.

Problems solved by technology

Designing a DDR SDRAM and an interface for the DDR SDRAM, as well as other high speed memory devices currently being developed, is a complex, time consuming and expensive process.

Clock skews may adversely effect data and address eyes (i.e., the short period of time in which the data and address information is reliable / valid).

This may cause spurious data to be used during read or write operations.

In addition, voltage margins may adversely effect the operation of the DDR SDRAM and its power consumption.

This process is expensive and time consuming.

As can be appreciated, the development of new memory devices takes a substantial amount of time, is expensive, wasteful and inefficient.

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