Ever wondered how they test memory?

**HEXUS** · 21-11-2007, 01:50 PM

Testing thousands of memory chips a day is probably as enjoyable as having root canal work using a garden hoe. So, of course, companies such as GeIL will look for some sort of automated system…except that fully automatic machines drop in at around a cool US$3,000,000 - putting them out of reach of smaller memory-makers.

badass · 21-11-2007, 01:58 PM

"But if a chip fails testing in the automated machine, GeIL will double and triple check it before discarding as a dud. First Geils lab guys will use their semi-automatic machines and then, if the chip is still giving erroneous results, the chip is slotted into a test module and slotted into one of these mainboards"

So.......If a memory module fails 1 test, they keep testing it until they find a test that it can pass?
Hardly a mark of quality :S

**Steve** · 21-11-2007, 02:40 PM

I would imagine testing is quite rigid and unforgiving and that closer inspection may be required to verify if what the machine thinks is bad behaviour, is actually perfectly OK.

Of course, it may well be that it ends up on a slower module, where it'll operate fine...

DataMatrix · 21-11-2007, 03:28 PM

Exactly, only the best of the chips which pass the first test go in the more expensive faster modules.

**Nick** · 21-11-2007, 04:13 PM

Yep, that's exactly it.

**Zak33** · 22-11-2007, 08:24 AM

My guess, and this is important, Geil will then work out which other chips from that batch have the same erroneous error and look at Production and System, to see why it went wrong, and nail the issue.

If I was a major, high spec, well respected memory company, I'd wanna find dud units and test them to the nth degree.....

Nick...that was one of the most interesting, and coolest things I've read for months matey. I love this tech stuff....it's just so interesting and I want MORE!!!

freddie · 22-11-2007, 10:09 AM

things behind the scenes are interesting, if you had a movie it would be great to see it in action, how long it takes, does it let off steam when a bad chip os found.....

badass · 23-11-2007, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by Steve

Of course, it may well be that it ends up on a slower module, where it'll operate fine...

That makes more sense

endoman · 28-11-2007, 09:26 PM

Interesting, thanks for the info!

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