Changing Timing Parameters on the RAMCHECK for SDRAM Modules

INN-8668-APN18
--Created 5-10-2005, Updated 9-22-2015

The RAMCHECK test algorithm, in its default automatic test mode, has protection against errors due to tightly set timing parameters. While the settings are within specifications, they may be somewhat relaxed for certain modules. When you encounter questionable memory you may adjust these settings in order to test the memory under stricter conditions. RAMCHECK's ability to change timing parameters sets it far ahead of the competition! Changing timing parameters is easy and can be done by all advanced users. This application note guides you further when you want to adjust any of these settings.

SDRAM SETTINGS

Setting tighter test conditions for SDRAM devices can be accomplished by manually selecting the frequency which will disable the default automatic mode. There are two ways to do this, The easiest way is by the "Change-on-the-Fly" method which changes the test frequency only on the current SDRAM device that you are testing. Insert a SDRAM device and press the "F1" key like you would normally do to start the Basic Test, noting the frequency that the automatic mode detected. At any time during the Basic Test press the "F2" key. A menu will be displayed. Press "F1" for Speed (Frequency), which should automatically display the frequency detected in Auto Mode. If not, use the "F2" and/or "F5" keys to select the frequency you noted earlier. Now press "F1" to start the test. This will disable the default automatic mode and test the module at the selected frequency even through the Extensive and Auto Loop test phases.

The second way to manually change the test frequency is via the RAMCHECK Setup. This is useful if you want to test several SDRAM devices at a selected frequency. You can enter the Setup menu by pressing "F2" while you are in standby mode, then press "F1" for "PARAMETERS". Next press "F1" for "TIMING", then "F1" for "SPEED", then "F1" for "SETUP FREQUENCY", then F4 for SDRAM. Use the "F2" and/or "F5" keys to select the desired frequency and then press "F1" to enter it. Next press the "ESC" key a few times to save it. You should see "SAVING to EPROM" displayed on the LCD Display. This change will remain in the RAMCHECK's internal memory even if you turn the unit off then on again. Once you finish your test you can reset the RAMCHECK back to its default automatic mode by simply pressing the "F2" then "F4" keys anytime you are in standby mode. 

You can also use the RAMCHECK's "SETUP" or the "Change on the fly Method" to adjust the frequency slightly faster to check the quality and overclocking capabilities of the SDRAM device.

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