DDR4

Memory Analysis / JEDEC Compliance

March 27, 2018 By Nexus Technology, Inc.

Speed, power and size are driving the need for oscilloscopes with advanced probing solutions. High-fidelity interposers are required to make full use of the oscilloscope’s capabilities when working with JEDEC specification such as DDR4 (JESD79-4), LPDDR4 (JESD209-4), DDR5 (spec. in development) and LPDDR5 (spec. in development).

High Fidelity Interposers and Probing Services

Nexus Technology high-fidelity interposers are available in three different designs so that you can choose the best solution for your application. EdgeProbe(TM) interposers implement a patented design, enabling their fit on to any target. Socketed interposers implement another patented design that enable the user to quickly move the interposer from target to target without soldering; as well as enabling the user to install different memory on the interposer without soldering. Direct attach interposers reflect the traditional approach to interposer design and remain a popular alternative when mechanical clearance and/or re-usability/swapping is not of interest. Modern and emerging JEDEC standards create challenging test environments. Nexus Technology has advanced, high-fidelity interposer solutions and services ready for your challenges.

Interposer Family
EdgeProbe(TM) Patented Interposers	Socketed Patented Interposers	Direct Attach Interposers

Signal fidelity is key to accurate acquisition and analysis using an oscilloscope. Our EdgeProbe(TM) interposers – as well as socketed interposers and direct attach interposers – are designed to exacting performance characteristics. Advanced probing using Nexus Technology high-fidelity interposers

provide access to the signals you need;
are easy to install yourself or as a service;
fit anywhere w/patented EdgeProbe(TM) technology;
provide fidelity you can see and measurements you can trust with always included s-parameters;
and use exclusive patented designs.

You can see the signal fidelity of the interposer by comparing signals probed on the back-side of the component versus at the probe point of the interposer.

Signals With and Without Interposer Installed – No De-Embedding Filter Used!

You can also see the signal fidelity of the interposer by inspecting the simulation results which show the insertion and return loss.

Attachment Service

Nexus Technology’s expert attachment service provides a ready-to-go test solution customized to your application. We will attach the interposer and any additional accessories to your application’s target. We can also power-on and test your application to confirm functionality.

You have made a significant investment in your oscilloscope and probes. Don’t let the last inch between the probe and your memory component impact that investment! Nexus’ patented interposer designs enable high fidelity measurements for accurate analysis.

Custom interposers are also available for unique applications. Contact us, we’re here to help!

JEDEC Memory Compliance Testing Takes Step Forward

August 8, 2017 By Nexus Technology, Inc.

Nexus Technology reports that their DDR4 protocol analysis software and real-time memory analyzer supports JEDEC’s recently announced DDR4 Protocol Checks Engineering Procedure document JEP175.

“JEP175 is an important document that will help the industry standardize on protocol compliance and performance of memory systems. Representing a minimal but standardized set of procedures for the industry to follow, JEP175 is fully supported from day one with our real-time analyzer and protocol analysis software,” said Chris Shelsky, System Architect, Nexus Technology, Inc.

The DDR4 Protocol Checks Engineering Procedure document (JEP175) provides a concise accounting for many of the protocol checks that are necessary to confirm compliance to the DDR4 specification. These checks may also be measured and used for margin and performance analysis. Conforming to the latest specification of DDR4 (JESD79-4B released just last month), JEP175 is up to date with 55 unique checks.

Nexus’ real-time analyzer for DDR4 is the MA4100 and supports LRDIMM, R-DIMM, U-DIMM, SODIMM, and individual component bus monitoring. Similar to a logic analyzer and highly customized with real-time compliance and performance for DDR4, the MA4100 enables simultaneous compliance, performance and state capture of DDR4 traffic. This analyzer is required to validate compliance in real-world applications that is impossible to cover in verification simulations. The real-time analysis engine runs at-speed, processing up to 64Gbps to provide statistical insight and compliance validation as quickly as the data arrives. The real-time analysis engine is also coupled to the industry’s leading trigger and 1G-sample deep storage system. You can find more information on the MA4100 on our website.

Nexus’ DDR4 Protocol analysis software (PA-DDR4) enables memory interface functionality, timing and compliance analysis of simulated or post-capture DDR4 traffic. The software implements the same analysis package found in the MA4100 analyzer. This enables identical protocol checks during both verification and validation while also providing the same user experience and an easy transition from verification using industry standard VIP simulation packages to real-world validation using the MA4100 analyzer.

Having the same analysis packages and protocol checks performed during verification and validation, using the DDR4 protocol analysis software (PA-DDR4) and MA4100 analyzer, respectively, helps identify real design issues earlier and faster. This allows faster time-to-market for products implementing DDR4 memory. The core tools necessary to test, verify and validate any DDR4 design are: an industry standard simulation tool with a DDR4 controller model and memory model, Nexus’ NEX-PA-DDR4 software package, Nexus’ MA4100 analyzer and a high-speed oscilloscope.

EdgeProbe(TM) Interposers Solve Clearance Problems

March 21, 2017 By Nexus Technology, Inc.

Memory Component Interposer Installed on a DIMM

If the Memory Fits, the Interposer Will Too

Nexus’ patented EdgeProbe(TM) interposers enable high-fidelity measurements and remove the concern for mechanical clearance on your target. Download paper…

Interposer installed with a riser under it to elevate it above surrounding passive components.

Historically, interposers have been designed to be larger than the memory component they support. This forces the use of a socket or riser to elevate the interposer above passive components or another memory component on the target.

Nexus’ EdgeProbe(TM) technology enables our interposers to be virtually the same size as the memory component for easy probing with an oscilloscope.

Long wire shown to illustrate probe tip connection.

EdgeProbe(TM) interposer installed on a DIMM.

Advantages of EdgeProbe(TM) Interposers

Small size
Excellent signal integrity
Robust interconnect to any oscilloscope probe
S-Parameter files for simulation and de-embedding filter file creation
Available for all memory technologies including: DDR4, DDR3, LPDDR4, LPDDR3, Flash, GDDR5, and custom designs.