System and method for on-board diagnostics of memory modules

• US 20060206766A1
• Filed: 05/11/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/19/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Original Assignee: JEDDELOH, JOSEPH M.
• Inventors: Jeddeloh, Joseph M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,278,060 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 714/42
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 2029/5602 Interface to device under test
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 29/48 Arrangements in static stores specially adapted for testing by means external to the store, e.g. using direct memory access [DMA] or using auxiliary access paths
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 29/56 External testing equipment for static stores, e.g. automatic test equipment [ATE]; Interfaces therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 29/56004 Pattern generation
• CPC Class Codes: G11C 5/04 Supports for storage elements , e.g. memory modules; Mounting or fixing of storage elements on such supports

Abstract

A memory hub includes an on-board diagnostic engine through which diagnostic testing and evaluation of the memory system can be performed. The memory hub includes a link interface for receiving memory requests for access to memory devices of the memory system and a memory device interface coupled to the memory devices for coupling memory requests to the memory devices. A memory hub diagnostic engine is coupled through a switch to the link interface and the memory device interface to perform diagnostic testing of the memory system. The diagnostic engine includes a maintenance port that provides access to results of the diagnostic testing and through which diagnostic testing commands can be received.

Claims

1. A memory module for a memory system, comprising:

a plurality of memory devices; and

a memory hub, comprising;

a link interface for receiving memory requests for access to at least one of the memory devices;

a memory device interface coupled to the memory devices, the memory device interface coupling memory requests to the memory devices for access to at least one of the memory devices;

a switch for selectively coupling the link interface and the memory device interface; and

a memory hub diagnostic engine coupled to the switch for coupling to the link interface and the memory device interface to perform diagnostic testing of the memory system, the diagnostic engine having a maintenance port to provide access to results of the diagnostic testing and to receive diagnostic testing commands.

2-32. -32. (canceled)