DDR5 SDRAM DIMM Slot Detection via Virtual Memory Model

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional DDR5 SDRAM DIMM connection interface detection systems face long test cycles, low coverage for physical pin connection verification, and deviations in error reporting directionality.

Innovation Solution

A DDR5 SDRAM DIMM slot detection system comprising a circuit board under test, first and second detection boards, an adapter circuit board, a JTAG controller, and a detection device, where the first detection board is serially connected to the second detection board, and the JTAG controller converts DIMM detection instructions into JTAG format for data conversion through the adapter circuit board to detect DDR5 SDRAM DIMM slots efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical memory is used for test solution, then DDR5 SDRAM DIMM connection interface detection can be performed, but test cycle becomes long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidtest cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual memory model that replicates the electrical characteristics and pin configurations of physical DDR5 SDRAM DIMM modules. This virtual model allows the detection system to simulate and test connection interfaces without requiring actual physical memory modules, thereby maintaining detection capability while eliminating the time-consuming aspect of physical testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a detection board with a virtual memory model as an intermediary between the test system and the DUT. This intermediary contains a pin configuration file that maps and simulates the electrical connections, allowing indirect detection of connection interfaces without direct physical memory module involvement, thus reducing test cycle while preserving detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If physical memory is used for test solution, then detection can be performed, but coverage for physical pin connection verification becomes low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidpin connection verification coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The virtual memory model in the detection board is designed to be universal, supporting multiple pin configurations and memory module types through configurable pin configuration files. This allows the same detection system to verify various pin connections (DQ, DQS, ADDR, CMD, etc.) across different memory module specifications, significantly expanding verification coverage without requiring separate physical test setups for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes configurable pin configuration files that can be modified to change electrical parameters, pin assignments, and connection mappings. By adjusting these parameters in the virtual memory model, the detection system can adapt to verify different pin configurations and connection types, thereby improving versatility and coverage of pin connection verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If physical memory is used for test solution, then detection can be performed, but error reporting directionality shows deviation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiderror reporting directionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The detection board with virtual memory model serves as an intermediary that maintains precise tracking of signal directions and connection paths. The system records which detection board pins correspond to which DUT pins, preserving the directional information of electrical connections. This intermediary layer ensures that error reports accurately indicate whether faults originate from the DUT or the detection system, eliminating the directional ambiguity present in direct physical memory testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If detection board is connected to DUT, then DDR5 SDRAM DIMM slot detection can be performed, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection board is designed as a universal platform that can test multiple DUTs with different configurations using the same hardware architecture. By implementing a configurable virtual memory model and standardized pin configuration files, the system achieves multi-functionality, reducing the need for multiple specialized detection boards and thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230296673A1DDR5 sdram DIMM slot detection system and method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.09.21 INVENTEC PUDONG TECH CORPOARTION

AI summary

A DDR5 SDRAM DIMM slot detection system and a method thereof are disclosed. A first detection board is serially connected to a second detection board, a JTAG controller converts a DIMM detection instruction, which is generated by a detection device, into a DIMM detection instruction in JTAG format; the DIMM detection instruction in JTAG format is provided to the first detection board or second detection board through the adapter circuit board, so as to detect DDR5 SDRAM DIMM slots of the circuit board under test, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving efficiency in detection for DDR5 SDRAM DIMM connection interface.