The DRAM CARD TESTER (p/n INN-8484-3) enables SIMCHECK to test the JEIDA/JEDEC 88-pin DRAM memory cards with basic configurations of 18, 32, and 36 bits. The DRAM memory card has an internal architecture which is similar to the JEDEC 72-pin SIMM standard. It uses TSOP DRAM chips and TSOP address buffer logic chips which results in a remarkable thin package. They are becoming increasingly popular for laptop, notebook computers, and various other applications where minimum size and ease of removal/insertion are at a premium. The DRAM CARD TESTER is conveniently installed in the 40-BIT PORT expansion slot, and is automatically recognized by SIMCHECK. All memory cells are fully tested, with parallel write/read of 36 bits. The test procedure is similar to the 40-BIT PORT test. The unit can test memory cards at 3.3V or 5V, with maximum capacities of 32Mx36.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This adapter requires the SIMCHECK PLUS or SIMCHECK II.
40-BIT PORT 3.3V COMPATIBILITY: Your 40-BIT PORT should have serial number #20158 or higher for compatibility with the new 3.3V tests performed with this adapter. This serial number cutoff corresponds to May 9, 1995 or later. If your 40-BIT PORT has an earlier serial number, the 3.3V tests will be actually done at 3.7V-4.1V instead of 3.0V-3.5V. Please consult application note INN-8448-APN09 "40-BIT PORT 3.3V COMPATIBILITY MODIFICATION" which comes with this adapter, or contact your dealer.
SIMCHECK II COMPATIBILITY: To use your existing DRAM CARD ADAPTER with SIMCHECK II, please verify that the PAL chip on your DRAM CARD ADAPTER (a socketed chip on the right hand side) is marked by "2". Replacement PAL chips for upgrading earlier, nonmarked DRAM CARD ADAPTERS are available for $10 and can be acquired by contacting our order desk. If you are using the adapter only with SIMCHECK PLUS, no upgrade is necessary.
This tester connects to SIMCHECK via the 40-BIT PORT (see Section 7.8). Plug the adapter into the 40-BIT EXPANSION PORT of the 40-BIT PORT only when SIMCHECK is turned OFF.
HANDLING THE DRAM CARDS: The memory card has a miniature 88-pin socket connector with tiny holes arranged along two staggered lines. The upper surface of the card is marked with the manufacturer's logo, p/n, model number, and other markings. There are small tabs at the two corners of the connector which allow the insertion of the memory card only when the card is facing up. The DRAM CARD TESTER uses a high quality Low Insertion Force (LIF) socket rated at 10,000 insertions.
Turn SIMCHECK ON once the DRAM CARD TESTER is installed in the 40-BIT PORT, and insert the first DRAM CARD. THERE IS NO NEED TO SETUP SIMCHECK, as it automatically recognizes this tester. After the first DRAM CARD has been tested and SIMCHECK returns to the STANDBY mode, the presence of the DRAM CARD TESTER is recognized.
5V/3.3V VOLTAGE SELECTION: The DRAM CARD TESTER can test the memory cards at either 5V or 3.3V. Once the memory card is inserted, press F1 to start the test.
Press F2 to set the test at 3.3V, or press F1 to select the default 5V test (if no selection is made within a few moments, SIMCHECK will default to 5V). The BASIC test follows the voltage selection as described below. If the 3.3V test was selected, you will see the message '3V' at the top right corner of the display during BASIC test and the final test of the EXTENSIVE test. The voltage selection menu WILL NOT APPEAR on subsequent tests - the voltage selection you have made upon startup remains in effect throughout all subsequent tests. You can change the voltage selection setting using the setup mode: from STANDBY mode, press F2, then F1, and the above voltage selection menu will reappear. After the voltage selection, the standard setup menus will appear; if no additional setups are needed, simply press ESC after your selection. You can also change the voltage selection by simply turning SIMCHECK off and on. The voltage selection menu will appear as soon as you start a new test.
3.3V vs. 5V TEST: Most DRAM cards that are rated for 5V will still be testable at 3.3V. You will notice, however, a large decrease in access time at the 3.3V tests. A 3.3V DRAM card can still be tested at the 5V test without damage, as most 3.3V chips are "5V Tolerable". You will still notice a better speed at 5V than at 3.3V, but the difference will be much smaller than with the 5V DRAM cards. Future DRAM cards may come with 3.3V devices which are not 5V tolerable. Such devices should be tested only at the 3.3V setup. Although the JEIDA/JEDEC standard allows several separate pins for the 3.3V power source, currently available DRAM memory cards use the 5V power source lines for both 5V and 3.3V versions. Once modules utilizing the special 3.3V pins become available, we will modify the SIMCHECK test program to automatically detect such 3.3V cards.
Required EPROM Version: 2.34 or above.
NOTE: THIS ADAPTER IS COMPATIBLE WITH BOTH SIMCHECK PLUS AND SIMCHECK II.
