DDR Technology Testing Solutions

High-speed technologies like double data rate (DDR) and low-power double data rate (LPDDR) pose significant design and testing challenges. DDR has evolved over the past decade, improving speed, efficiency, and memory capacity. However, faster data transfer rates have narrowed margins, making design work and testing intricate.

Tools such as bit error rate testers (BERTs), oscilloscopes, probes, interposers, and compliance software address challenges at the physical layer. Logic analyzers assist in testing for functional and protocol compliance.

The semi-automated Keysight M80885RCA DDR5 receiver conformance and characterization test application ensures optimal performance and interoperability. It defines stress signal calibration for physical-layer testing at DDR5 device inputs, utilizing instruments like a BERT, Keysight Infiniium UXR-Series oscilloscope, compliance test card, and device test card with the M80885RCA software package.

Key test types essential for DDR testing include:
• DDR5 receiver conformance and characterization
• DDR5 physical-layer transmitter compliance testing
• Functional debugging, analysis, and DDR protocol compliance

The M80885RCA enables automated testing and margin analysis on DDR5 receiver designs using the Keysight M8020A J-BERT, streamlining testing, and providing insightful results with margin analysis.

The Keysight D9050DDRC DDR5 transmission (Tx) compliance test software enhances UXR-Series oscilloscopes' usability for physical layer and compliance testing. It simplifies compliance testing for jitter, electrical, timing, and eye measurements, with statistical analysis for read and write data, enabling margin testing. Data analytics features support offline analysis and reporting.

Precision probing is crucial for accurate oscilloscope measurements on high-speed digital signals. The UXR-Series oscilloscope supports PrecisionProbe technology, minimizing probing effects on the circuit under test. Keysight's D9010DMBA de-embedding software, with the N2125A calibration module, facilitates rapid characterization of the probing system, correcting for insertion loss.

The DDR5 compliance test application streamlines test selection, minimizes reconnections, and supports offline analysis by saving configurations as project files. Running compliance tests with saved waveform files from oscilloscopes or the Keysight PathWave Advanced Design System (ADS) frees up the oscilloscope for other acquisitions.

In protocol compliance testing, the Keysight U4164A logic analyzer offers rapid navigation of system traffic with correlated analysis views. Paired with the B4661A memory analysis software, it provides DDR and LPDDR protocol compliance violation testing and analysis, aiding in identifying system-level timing violations.

Keysight provides a comprehensive suite of tools for testing, validating, characterizing, and optimizing DDR5/LPDDR5 implementations. The M8020A J-BERT, UXR-Series oscilloscopes, and U4164A logic analyzer form a top-tier DDR5 design test toolkit.