1. technology and computing
2. hardware
3. computer components
4. memory

How to Solve DDR Parametric and
Protocol Measurement Challenges
DDR Measurements
Page 1
Mar. 2008
Agenda
DDR Memory Technology Overview
DDR Probing Challenges
New BGA Probe Adapters Solves Probing Challenges
Protocol Validation Challenges, and Solutions
Parametric Measurement Challenges, and Solutions
Questions and Answers
DDR Measurements
Page 2
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
1
DDR Memory Technology Everywhere
SO-DIMM (Small
Outline Dual In-line
Memory Module) for
Mobile PC
Embedded Designs for HDTV,
printers, phones, projectors,
cars, base stations, etc.
FPGA Design
DIMM (Dual In-line
Memory Module)
for Regular PC
DDR DRAM
DDR Measurements
Page 3
Mar. 2008
Comparison for DDR 1, 2, 3 Specification
DDR1
Operating Voltage
Clock Frequency
Data Transfer Rate
Pin Count
Package
Backward Compatibility
1.8 – 3.3 V
100 – 200 MHz
200 – 400 MT/s
184
TSOP/BGA
No
DDR2
DDR3
1.8 V
1.5 V
200 – 400 MHz
400 – 800 MHz
400 – 800 MT/s 800 – 1600 MT/s
240
240
BGA
BGA
No
No
DDR Measurements
Page 4
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
2
DDR Nomenclature as defined by JEDEC
DDR SDRAM Chip Specification (for Embedded)
D D R 3 - 1 6 0 0
DDR Technology
Designation
DDR Technology
Generation
Data Transfer Rate (MT/s)
Clock Rate is ½ Data Transfer Rate = 800 MHz
DDR DIMM Specification (for Computer)
P C 3 - 12800
DDR used in PC
Designation
DDR Technology
Generation
Memory Bandwidth (MB/s)
Data Rate (1600) x 8 = 12,800 MB/s
DDR Measurements
Page 5
Mar. 2008
Impact on Design and Validation
ƒ Clock Speeds reaching 1GHz
ƒ Parallel buses reaching the speeds of
serial technology
ƒ Tighter timing margins require
calibration and bus training for DRAM,
controller, and analyzer capture
ƒ Crosstalk, impedance, EMI, and jitter
issues
ƒ Noise susceptibility
ƒ Probe load effects are critical
“I’m becoming a
microwave designer!”
Memory Speed
Roadmap
DDR4 3.2 GT/s
DDR3 1.6 GT/s
2010+
DDR2 800 MT/s
2008+
DDR 400 MT/s
2005
SDR 100 MT/s
2002
2000
Benefits of good signal integrity
ƒ Guarantees interoperability with different
vendors
ƒ Improved device performance
ƒ More design margin
DDR Measurements
Page 6
Page 6
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
3
Agenda
DDR Memory Technology Overview
DDR Probing Challenges
New BGA Probe Adapters Solves Probing Challenges
Protocol Validation Challenges, and Solutions
Parametric Measurement Challenges, and Solutions
Questions and Answers
DDR Measurements
Page 7
Mar. 2008
Probing Requirement
Memory Controller
DRAM
Ideal Probing
Points – DRAM
Ballout
DIMM
PCB trace
DIMM
Connector
JEDEC defines the DDR spec at the DRAM ballout. To fully comply with the
specification, probing is recommended to be made at the DRAM ballout for
most accurate results.
DDR Measurements
Page 8
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
4
Probing Challenges
Where to probe?
If probing at the BGA signals is not difficult enough, new design with higher
density and limited board space post an even bigger challenge. Designing
special probe points or vias on the board is no longer an option.
DDR Measurements
Page 9
Mar. 2008
Alternative Probing Options and Issues for Oscilloscope
Probing at the
center of the trace
DRAM
Memory
Controller
Many engineers will find other alternative points to probe at the DDR signals. One
example above is probing at the transmission line. However, there is a risk of signal
reflection and other signal integrity issues.
DDR Measurements
Page 10
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
5
Issues with Current Probing Solution on Logic Analyzer
• Complete Protocol validation with the logic
analyzer requires access to all the buses.
• Current probing method does not address
individual DRAM probing
• Flying leads and midbus probing methods
require design-in footprints and connectors
– Not practical for boards with tight
board space especially on an
embedded system
– Tedious setup
DDR Measurements
Page 11
Mar. 2008
Agenda
DDR Memory Technology Overview
DDR Probing Challenges
New BGA Probe Adapters Solves Probing Challenges
Protocol Validation Challenges, and Solutions
Parametric Measurement Challenges, and Solutions
Questions and Answers
DDR Measurements
Page 12
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
6
Ideal Probing with DDR2 and DDR3 BGA Probe Adapters
DDR2 BGA Probe
Adapter for Scope and
Logic Analyzer
DDR3 BGA Probe
Adapter for Scope
Key Features and Benefits:
• Easiest way to access your
DDR signals
• Superior signal integrity
probing for most accuracy in
measurement
• Compatible with parametric
and protocol measurements
W2631-34A (each ship
with a kit of 4 probes)
W2635-36A (each ship
with a kit of 10 probes)
DDR Measurements
Page 13
Mar. 2008
Key Feature 1: Easiest way to access your DDR signals
No designated probe points
DDR2 BGA
Probe Adapter
Probe Here
Probe Here
Where to probe?
Probe Here
High density board
Probe Here
DDR3 BGA
Probe
Adapter
DDR2 and DDR3 BGA probe adapters provide signal access points.
DDR Measurements
Page 14
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
7
Key Feature 2: Superior signal integrity probing with embedded
resistors in BGA probe
Probe Here
Probe Here
DRAM
DDR2/3 BGA Probe
PCB
Embedded Resistors
Embedded resistor provides isolation of the
probe loading and the live signal.
Embedded resistor isolates the probe loading effect from the sig
nals.
signals.
DDR Measurements
Page 15
Mar. 2008
Key Feature 2: Superior signal integrity probing for most
accuracy in measurement
Sample Test Results from Key Customer on DDR3 BGA probe
Customer’s Quote: These attenuations of waveforms are acceptable and comprehensible. Therefore,
W2635A can be used for the measurements.
Without BGA Probe
With BGA Probe
Probing directly at the signals and BGA probes yield similar res
ults.
results.
DDR Measurements
Page 16
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
8
Key Feature 3: Compatible with parametric and protocol
measurements
InfiniiMax Probes
Waveform / Data Analysis
with Logic Analyzer
DDR2 and DDR3 BGA
Probe Adapters
E5384A & E5826/7A LA
Cable Adapters
Parametric Measurement
with Infiniium Scopes
Compatible with our scope and logic analyzer probes
Page 17
DDR Measurements
Mar. 2008
Agenda
DDR Memory Technology Overview
DDR Probing Challenges
New BGA Probe Adapters Solves Probing Challenges
Protocol Validation Challenges, and Solutions
Parametric Measurement Challenges, and Solutions
Questions and Answers
DDR Measurements
Page 18
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
9
Functional Validation Challenges
Signal Integrity issues create inaccurate timing and protocol measurement.
We need to be able to access and analyze all the buses at the same time to
obtain an overview of the bit error rate and SI issues.
Accurate Read and write data capture for protocol analysis. We need to be
able to sample at the correct sampling position on both read and write data
valid window to enable accurate state capture.
Spending a lot of time on the work bench, trying to analyze the raw command,
bank address and read/write data from the captured trace.
DDR Measurements
Page 19
Mar. 2008
EyeScan Feature for Quick SI Check
EyeScan result gives a
superior and quick SI insight
to all the memory buses
including Address,
Command, Control and Data.
DDR Measurements
Page 20
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
10
Protocol Decode Tool
Protocol Decode provides the following
for easy memory bus analysis:
ƒ Command
ƒ Bank Address
ƒ Column Address
ƒ Read or Write Data
DDR Measurements
Page 21
Mar. 2008
NEW DDR3 EyeFinder SW
The DDR3 EyeFinder software
helps you position the sampling
points for accurate read and write
data capture.
The software triggers on valid read
and write commands with your
system executing any memory test
suite or stimulus program.
The software will then display read
and write data valid window as a
result of the scan.
DDR Measurements
Page 22
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
11
Agenda
DDR Memory Technology Overview
DDR Probing Challenges
New BGA Probe Adapters Solves Probing Challenges
Protocol Validation Challenges, and Solutions
Parametric Measurement Challenges, and Solutions
Questions and Answers
DDR Measurements
Page 23
Mar. 2008
Scope Required Bandwidth for DDR Validation
Rise Time
Memory
App
Signal Rate
Fundamental
Calculated
Freq
Fastest Tr/Tf
from JEDEC spec
Real Signal
Tr/Tf
Optimum
Bandwidth
Most likely
Material
DDR1 Up to 400MT/s
200MHz
155ps (20-80%)
600 (20-80%)
600MHz - 1GHz
FR4
DDR2 Up to 800MT/s
400MHz
100ps (20-80%)
200 (20-80%)
2GHz - 4GHz
FR4
DDR3
800MHz
60ps (20-80%)
100 (20-80%)
4GHz - 8GHz
FR4
Up to 1.6GT/s
y No mention of signal rise/fall time or bandwidth specification in JEDEC DDR spec.
y Bandwidth requirement is a function of rise time. Rise time is a function of signal slew rate
and amplitude. Using the information in spec, the fastest rise time can be calculated.
y Although the calculated fastest rise time looks aggressive for silicon, the real performance is
much slower. This is due to the cheaper FR4 materials and connectors used in the real
product design and manufacturing.
y The actual signal bandwidth is lower with the higher signal harmonics filtered.
DDR Measurements
Page 24
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
12
Challenges That Needs to be Addressed Today
•
Probing system response. We have the BGA probes to
address signal accessibility. Is that all? Actually, the
entire probing system (including the probe and scope)
has effect on the measurement results.
•
Read and write signal separation on the same bus. We
need to trigger using the controls signals, but
sometimes scope channels are not enough to get a
stable trigger. We need to do many single acquisitions.
•
Not productive, too much time and effort required.
Engineers need to manually making measurements of
the signals. The maximum measurements is limited.
Too much effort to put all results into a test report.
DDR Measurements
Page 25
Mar. 2008
Probing System Response
Performance of probing system is a combination
of both scope and probe. You need the flattest
probing response for full confidence in DDR
measurement results. Select a probing where the
signals track directly with the signals measured
with SMA connection. As DDR signals are mostly
single-ended, probing is a major consideration for
accurate and repeatable measurement.
Agilent DSA91204 + N5381A
Magnitude (dB)
Choose a probing solution
you are confidence with.
Evaluate its performance if
you have to. You need to
have the full confidence
especially if you are
validating a new design.
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
-1.0
-2.0
-3.0
-4.0
-5.0
-6.0
Company X+ Various Solder-ins
Solder-in
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Frequency (GHz)
Magnitude (dB)
Magenta: SMA direct
Green: Probing
6.0
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
-1.0
-2.0
-3.0
-4.0
-5.0
-6.0
High BW 00D
High BW 90D
Short Solder-in
Med Solder-in
Long Solder-in
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Frequency (GHz)
DDR Measurements
Page 26
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
13
More InfiniiMax Probe Innovations
Need temperature
characterization?
N5450A InfiniiMax Extreme Temperature Cable Extension
ƒ Solution with Gore Cable Extension specially developed for InfiniiMax
ƒ Perfect solution for the environmental chamber testing
ƒ Agilent exclusive solution with 36 inches long (92cm) reach
ƒ Two Different Operating Temp depending of the probe head
ƒ N5381A solder-in:
-55 to +150°C
ƒ E2677A solder-in:
-25 to +80°C
Need probing with larger
pitch size?
N5451A InfiniiMax Long Wire ZIF Tip
ƒ Wider span than standard ZIF Tip to probe signal like DDR system
with larger pitch size. Need to reach to the ground point on the
board.
ƒ Two different wire length: 7 mm (>6GHz) and 11 mm (>4.5GHz)
DDR Measurements
Page 27
Mar. 2008
Use InfiniiScan to separate Read and Write signals
There is no rule how to use the zones to separate the read or write signals. It
depends on the silicon characteristics and DIMM loading which shows distinctive
difference between the read and write signals.
High Impedance State
DQS read or write
normal bits
DQS read or write
normal bits
High impedance state
DQS read or write
preamble bit
Use InfiniiScan ““Zone
Zone Qualify
Qualify”” to trigger on Read and Write
distinctive waveform pattern.
DDR Measurements
Page 28
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
14
Read-Write Separation – Step 1
A “Must Not Intersect” zone is
drawn on the DQS waveform to
discard the normal bits or idle
state signals.
With the “Must Not Intersect”
zone drawn, the scope
consistently tracks the preamble
DQ signal is tracked at
bits of the read and write
the beginning of the
signals.
read or write burst, but
not separated yet.
DDR Measurements
Page 29
Mar. 2008
Read-Write Separation – Step 2
Drawing a “Must
Intersect” zone at the
upper pre-amble bit
voltage isolates the Write
separation. Compare the
DQS and DQ edges.
Write Separation –
Edges not aligned
Drawing a “Must
Intersect” zone at the
lower pre-amble bit
voltage isolates the Read
separation. Compare the
DQS and DQ edges.
Read Separation –
Edges are aligned
Read and Write separation made easy with InfiniiScan ““Zone
Zone Qualify
Qualify””
DDR Measurements
Page 30
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
15
Debugging Clock Jitter Issues with EZJIT tool
Find Correlation
Analyze Jitter spectrum
25MHz oscillator
50MHz oscillator
EZJIT is a great tool to debug clock jitter
issues. Analyzing the clock error spectrum,
you can identify the source of the clock
jitter coupled to your DDR clock signal.
Power switching line
Clock error trend
Comparing the low-pass filtered jitter
trend with signals like power line, you
can correlate the clock jitter with power
switching line with EZJIT.
DDR Measurements
Page 31
Mar. 2008
List of JEDEC DDR3 Test Parameters
Specification
JESD79-3 DDR3 SDRAM Specifications
Test Parameters
Table 26 – Single Ended AC and DC Input Levels (Page 103)
Vih(dc), Vil(dc), Vih(ac), Vih(dc)
Table 27 – Differential AC and DC input levels (Page 105)
VIHdiff, VILdiff
Table 28 – Cross Point Voltage for Differential Input Signals
Vix
(CK, DQS) (Page 105)
Table 31 – Single Ended AC and DC Output Levels (Page 109)
Voh(dc), Vom(dc), Vol(dc), Voh(ac), Vol(ac)
Table 32 – Differential Output Slew Rate (Page 109)
VOHdiff(ac), VOLdiff(ac)
Table 34 – Output Slew Rate (Single-Ended) (Page 110)
SRQse
Table 36 – Differential Output Slew Rate (Page 111)
SRQdiff
Table 37 – AC Overshoot/Undershoot Specification for
Maximum peak amplitude for overshoot area, Maximum peak
Address and Control Pins (Page 113)
area for undershoot area, Maximum overshoot area above
VDD, Maximum undershoot area below VSS
Table 38 – AC Overshoot/Undershoot Specification for Clock, Maximum peak amplitude for overshoot area, Maximum peak
Data, Strobe and Mask (Page 114)
area for undershoot area, Maximum overshoot area above
VDDQ, Maximum undershoot area below VSSQ
Table 66 – Timing Parameters by Speed Bin (Page 153)
tCK(avg), tJIT(per), tJIT(cc), tERR(2per), tERR(3per),
tERR(4per), tERR(5per), tERR(nper), tERR(nper2), tCH(avg),
tCL(avg), tJIT(duty), tAC, tDQSCK, tDQSQ, tQH, tDQSS, tDSS,
tDSH, tHZDQ, tHZDQS, tLZDQ, tLZDQS, tWPRE, tWPST, tRPRE,
tRPST, tDQSH, tDQSL, tDS(base), tDH(base), tIS(base),
tIH(base)
Huge list of DDR3 test parameters that have to be verified.
DDR Measurements
Page 32
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
16
Setting Up the DDR App for Measurements - 1
Select the DDR speed grade.
Selecting the tests.
Configure the apps before
the measurements.
DDR Measurements
Page 33
Mar. 2008
Setting Up the DDR App for Measurements - 2
Making sure you have made
the right connections to your
device and scope.
User can choose to repeat the
measurements. Run the tests.
Result summary page. Includes margin
analysis on how close your device
passes of fails the spec.
DDR Measurements
Page 34
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
17
Example of Automated Measurements
Eye-Diagram Analysis
Write Preamble Width
DQ Setup Time
Falling Edge Slew Rate
DDR Measurements
Page 35
Mar. 2008
Automated HTML Report Generation
The app automatically
generates a HTML report for
sharing with others or result
archiving purpose.
DDR Measurements
Page 36
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
18
Summary
• New DDR technology speeds and architecture are driving new design
and measurement techniques.
• Superior signal integrity and BGA probing technology is required for
the most accurate DDR validation.
• Validation that would have otherwise been very difficult are made
easy through new instrument capabilities
• Powerful triggering and signal processing
• Automated testing of compliance thru SW applications
• Protocol aware calibration and data capture
DDR Measurements
Page 37
Mar. 2008
For Additional Information
Agilent’s DDR technology webpage:
• www.agilent.com/find/ddr
BGA Probe Information:
• www.agilent.com/find/ddr2bga
• www.agilent.com/find/ddr3bga-scope
A Time-Saving Method for Analyzing Signal Integrity for DDR Buses Application
Note:
• http://cp.literature.agilent.com/litweb/pdf/5989-6664EN.pdf
• http://www.techonline.com/learning/techpaper/199701791
InfiniiScan Product Info
• www.agilent.com/find/InfiniiScan
Memory Solution with Logic analyzer:
• http://www.home.agilent.com/USeng/nav/-536902586.0/pc.html
DDR Measurements
Page 38
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
19
Questions and
Answers
DDR Measurements
Page 39
Mar. 2008
Backup Information
DDR Measurements
Page 40
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
20
DDR2 and DDR3 BGA Probe Model Number
DDR2 BGA Probe Adapter for Logic Analyzer and Scope
W2631A
DDR2 x16 BGA command and data probe (4 units)
W2632A
DDR2 x16 BGA data probe (4 units)
W2633A
DDR2 x8 BGA command and data probe (4 units)
W2634A
DDR2 x8 BGA data probe (4 units)
E5384A
46-ch single-ended ZIF probe for x8/x16 DRAM BGA probe connect to 90-pin LA cable
E5876A
46-ch single-ended ZIF probe for x16 DRAM data only BGA probe connect to 90-pin LA cable
E5877A
46-ch single-ended ZIF probe for 2 x8 DRAM data only BGA probe connect to 90-pin LA cable
1130/60A
InfiniiMax probe amplifier
N5424A/25A
ZIF probe head and tips
N5381A
Solder-in probe head
DDR3 BGA Probe Adapter for Scope
W2635A-010
x8, 10 mm width DDR3 BGA probe adapter for x4 and x8 DRAM package (10 units)
W2635A-011
x8, 11 mm width DDR3 BGA probe adapter for x4 and x8 DRAM package (10 units)
W2636A-010
x16, 10 mm width DDR3 BGA probe adapter for x16 DRAM package (10 units)
W2636A-011
x16, 11 mm width DDR3 BGA probe adapter for x16 DRAM package (10 units)
1130/60A
InfiniiMax probe amplifier
N5424A/25A
ZIF probe head and tips
N5381A
Solder-in probe head
DDR Measurements
Page 41
DDR Measurement Challenges
Mar. 2008
21