Advantest Introduces 2Gbps Source Synchronous Interface Test Solution
Advantest's new 2Gbps Digital Module (2GDM) test solution, a complete functional/AC/DC test solution for the company's T2000 open-architecture test system, features very high performance at low cost. The high-density test module provides a total of 36 Input/Output (I/O) channels, each with digital drive, digital compare, and an additional FlyBy(2) compare channel, along with DC and frequency measurement capabilities. Its unique edge shift and patented Advantest multi-strobe capabilities significantly speed timing margin testing providing for single pass testing of most source-synchronous and timing parameters. The new module addresses the industry's need for an SoC tester that can perform high-throughput at-speed functional test on source- synchronous interfaces.
Meets Changing Market and Technology Needs
Growing market demand for multimedia (video, music, online games) personal computers means that CPU and memory data processing capacity of semiconductors must also become more advanced. Particularly in the memory field, because of Microsoft's recently introduced Windows Vista, a shift is expected from DDR2 to DDR3, the latest generation offering fast processing speeds and larger capacity. This technology requires source-synchronous interfaces, which enable high-speed data transfer between the CPU and memory devices. Testing these interfaces on traditional SoC test systems carries significant added test costs, because without the FlyBy comparators available on the 2GDM, two tester channels are required per DUT pin. Additionally, confirming the timing margins on these source-synchronous interfaces requires that the tester pin-electronics track the DUT output clock and perform timing measurements relative to its timing. The 2GDM is unique in the industry as it performs this task within a single test pass, using patented Advantest technology.
New Product Meets New Needs for Performance, As Well As For Cost
The new 2GDM enables full functional testing of high-speed source- synchronous interfaces up to a speed of 2Gbps on the T2000 OPENSTAR standard-based test platform, with high accuracy, low cost and overall reliability that sets a new level of performance.
Features and Benefits * The industry's first testing solution to support source-synchronous testing with the use of multi-strobe technology. Advantest's patented multi-strobe, which enables real-time testing of high-speed source- synchronous interfaces, dramatically simplifies test setup and reduces device test time. * The 2GDM supports test speeds up to 2Gbps to keep pace with high-speed data transfer requirements for DDR2/DDR3 interface testing. * Each of the 36 channels on the 2GDM provides a secondary compare channel which allows the module to test bi-directional I/O busses with a zero round-trip delay. This effectively nullifies the impact of the signal delays through the interconnect and performance board. An integrated zero round-trip solution provides the user a simpler test setup environment as well as much lower cost. * It expands the range of tests that can be performed on a single SoC test system, Advantest's T2000, extending and enhancing ROI. The 2Gbps not only enables real-time testing of high-speed source-synchronous interfaces on an SoC test system, but it expands the capabilities of the T2000 non-proprietary test platform.
The new module is part of a suite of SoC test solutions for Advantest's T2000, which also includes higher speeds (up to 6.5Gbps), higher density (up to 128 cost effective channels per module), higher power, mixed signal, and RF testing capabilities (see 12GWSGA RF module release dated 10/28/07). The 2GDM adds cost effective testing of bi-directional source-synchronous interfaces to the offerings.
Advantest's 2Gbps Digital Module will be available in January, 2008. Pricing provided on request.
(1) The device transmitting data also constantly outputs the standard clock signals simultaneously, thereby achieving highly accurate timing of data reception.
(2) FlyBy is a registered trademark of Advantest Corporation in the United States, Japan and other countries.
SOURCE: Advantest Corporation