Memory tester supports DDR5 and LP-DDR5 devices

4th April 2018

Mick Elliott

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Semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest has introduced its T5503HS2 memory tester, a test solution for the fastest memory devices available today as well as next-generation, super-high-speed DRAMs. The new system’s flexibility extends the capabilities of the T5503 product family in the current “super cycle,” of skyrocketing memory market growth.

The memory super cycle has been driven by rapid growth in end markets including portable electronics and servers.

Mobile DRAM bit share has grown more than 500% since 2009, according to market research firm IHS Markit which estimates that, by 2021, 120 billion gigabits of DRAM capacity will be needed for such diverse data-processing applications as mobile electronics, data centres, automobiles, gaming and graphics cards.

To meet this large and growing demand, chip makers are developing new, advanced SDRAM technologies such as DDR5 and LP-DDR5 memories with data-transfer speeds up to 6.4 gigabits per second (Gbps).

Advantest’s T5503HS2 is designed to provide test solutions for this new wave of memories as well as existing devices.

It is capable of testing at speeds up to 8Gbps with overall timing accuracy of ±45ps. Leveraging its 16,256 channels, the highly versatile system achieves the semiconductor industry’s highest parallelism and cost efficiency in testing next-generation LP-DDR5 and DDR5 SDRAM devices while also allowing users to continue testing today’s DDR4 ICs, LP-DDR4 devices and high-bandwidth memories.

With its built-in features, the T5503HS2 supports key new features in LP-DDR5 and DDR5 devices.

For instance, the tester can automatically recognise and adjust DQS-DQ timing differences to secure more timing margin by real-time tracking. In addition, a robust new algorithmic pattern generator (ALPG) allows fast, high-quality evaluation of advanced device features. The T5503HS2 also comes with a new programmable power supply that responds four times faster than the previous edition, resulting in much lower voltage drop.

Users currently operating T5503 testers can upgrade to the new T5503HS2 system to seamlessly and economically transition their production floors for the next generation of memory devices.

“Our T5503HS2 delivers best-in-class performance and precision for at-speed testing of next-generation memory ICs,” said Masuhiro Yamada, executive officer at Advantest Corporation.“The system’s unmatched scalability and productivity enable it to evaluate LP-DDR5 and DDR5 devices as quickly, accurately and cost effectively as possible.”

The first system shipments to customers are expected to begin in the second quarter of this year.