| Q. | I having problem testing PC133 168pin DIMM module on the Eureka tester ?
If you are using SDRAM1 platform with SDRAM1 Adapter – you will face some problem testing PC100 & PC133 Modules.
The SDRAM1 was design for testing 66Mhz or PC66 SDIMM only – using this platform to test PC100 or PC133 DIMMs will yield incorrect test results.
To test PC133/PC100 SDRAM DIMM – you need to use EK-SDRAM2-Platform with EK-SDRAM2-Adapter or EK-SDRAM3-Platform with EK-SDRAM3-Adapter to correctly identify a PC133/PC100 DIMM module. The SDRAM2 Platform can be also used to test PC66 SDIMM.
To test PC133 SDRAM DIMM – you need to use the latest SDRAM3 platform and SDRAM3 Adapter to correctly identify a PC133 DIMM module. The SDRAM3 Platform can be also used to test PC100 & PC66 SDIMM.
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| Q. | What is the difference between EK-SDRAM2 & EK-SDRAM3 Test Solution?
The main difference between the SDRAM3 and SDRAM2 are as follows:
SDRAM3 Test speed is 2X faster than SDRAM2, it is able to perform a comprehensive full test for 32Mb SDRAM in under 8 sec
SDRAM3 is a self calibrating platform using DLL technology
SDRAM3 is capable of detecting and testing PC133 DIMM
SDRAM3 test full 80bits in parallel.
SDRAM2 requires an analog calibration- by adjusting a delay line. |
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| Q. | The SDRAM3 Test Hardware does not Identify or test my SDRAM modules?
A fully functional SDRAM3 will Auto-Identify most JEDEC standard module, size/capacity, device configuration, access time (speed), parity / non parity/ ECC and voltages.
Check all test connector for firm connection.
If you are not able to continue testing– you need to perform a one time calibration for the tester.
To perform the CALIBRATION, please refer to the SDRAM3 User Manual -Page 12 for the CALIBRATION PROCEDURE. This step need only be carried out once.
After calibration – if the tester is still not able to identify or test several different known good SDRAM DIMM – you need to contact CST for a RMA number and to send back the tester for repair.
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| Q. | How do I interpret the failure message that is shown on software for the module that I am testing?
For DRAM module testing , if the Eureka fail the following test :
Walk Address Failure - checks and detect open/short on address pins and bad address decoder.
Walk Data Failure - checks and detect open/short on data bits
Marching Failure – checks and detect bad cells and decoder interaction problem
Checkerboard Failure – checks and detect for bad cells, decoder interaction problem.
Leakage Failure ( Optional) – checks and detect one and shorts on all control an data pins, and memory cell leaks.
Pre-heat Test Failure– checks and detects reliability during chip warming –up.
Voltage bouncing test – check and detect modules with noise related problem
Loop Test Failure– to simulate module burn-in situation
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For SDRAM Testing:
In addition to the above patterns, the following are found only in SDRAM testing mode :
Burst test failure - checks for faulty chip that fail to read and write during consecutive clock cycles.
Chip select test - checks for assembly shorts and open on the CS pins
DQM failure test - checks for shorts and open on the SDRAM chip input and output masking ability
WP fail test - check for module that is PC-100 Intel compliance.
*If your module is a known good module that works on the computer- but fail on the Eureka, it might be caused by a worn out test socket , defective test adapter, or a Calibration is due.
Contact CST for an RMA number if you have tried all the above. |
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| Q. | Why does the Eureka detects my PC100 DIMM as a PC66 ?
Check the chip marking on the module – a PC100 DIMM should have a “8” marking an the access time should be identify as 8ns not 10 or 12ns by the tester.
If you select the 100Mhz frequency – and preset the access time to 8ns and a DIMM module fail walk address/data , the module is not a PC100 compliance module. It could be a PC66 DIMM module.
If you select the 66 Mhz frequency – and preset the access time to 8ns and a DIMM module fail – walk address/data , the module speed should be set to 10 or 12ns to correctly test the module at 66Mhz.
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| Q. | Why does the Eureka identify my DRAM module as 66ns when the marking on the chip indicates 60ns ?
Occasionally you might chance upon certain modules that the tester identify as eg 64ns instead of 60ns, this can be caused by several factors:
Signal degradation due to the chip loading effect on the SIMM or DIMM module, the result only happen to one or two types of module, typically with a sizable amount of chips mounted on board.
If the timing is consistently high irregardless of type of module, then contact CST for RMA number to have your tester checked out. |
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| Q. | While testing SDRAM , the Eureka keep failing SPD test.
* If the “SPD data test” is selected in the test pattern , the tester will perform a SPD read and write comparison after functional test.
* If the original SPD data store in the tester buffer does not match the programmed SPD – the tester will fail “ SPD Data Test”. Ensure the SPD write compare enable function is enable from the” SPD Edit function”.
* Certain SDRAM DIMM modules are assembled with preprogrammed SPD EEPROM which are software write protected, you will not be able to reprogrammed this type of EEPROM again. Check with your supplier if you are not sure.
* Solder shorts on the SPD pins could also result in “Fail SPD Test”, perform a visual inspection on the SPD EEPROM leads.
* A defective EEPROM which is incapable of data retention – will also fail “SPD data test” . Try rewriting the SPD several times and it still fail- replace a new SPD EEPROM chip.
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| Q. | The Eureka prompt “Hardware Interface error” ?
One possible cause – could be caused by a bad connection between the base tester and the Interface card. Check both the AC power cable and the Eureka interface capable.
Check the 3A fuse at the rear of the tester.
If error message persist, you need to contact CST for an RMA number |
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| Q. | The Eureka prompt “Data I/O failure” – when performing a self test ?
One possible cause – could be caused by a broken fuze from any of the 3 fuse on the Timing Board and the Driver motherboard.
If you have attended CST Training workshop – you can measure the fuse by using a ohmmeter. ( Caution only trained personnel are authorized to remove the casing for further troubleshooting).
Otherwise, please contact CST for an RMA number to send the Eureka for repair.
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| Q. | Where can I get help on Memory module data specification and spd information
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| Q. | Where can I get help on Memory module data specification and spd information
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| Q. | Where can I obtain the latest software updates for the Eureka and related platforms ?
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Eureka Technical Information
