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Ask an ExpertIn the ever-evolving world of memory technology, the importance of comprehensive testing cannot be overstated. Kingston, a name synonymous with quality and reliability in the memory industry, is a prime example of a company that has mastered the art of testing dynamic random-access memory (DRAM). In this article, we will delve into our intricate process of DRAM testing, exploring how we have set ourselves apart from competitors and established industry standards for quality assurance.
The Journey of DRAM Testing:
The Production Stages
At Kingston, rigorous testing begins long before a product reaches the hands of customers. It encompasses various stages, from component characterization and module design verification to reference platform validation. This extensive pre-production phase ensures every aspect of the memory module is thoroughly evaluated before going to mass production.
Once in production, our testing process requires 100% testing of all memory modules. We use a combination of off-the-shelf motherboards and proprietary test systems, with a test suite that mirrors real-world applications. This sets us apart from typical DRAM semiconductor companies, who often limit their testing to specification checks.
Critical Testing Stages
For ECC-enabled server-class modules, Kingston utilizes a patented Dynamic Server Burn-In process. Here, the DRAM module is pushed to its limits, deliberately stressing an equivalent of three months of heavy utilization in a 24-hour period to force potential early-life failures to manifest under our roof, and not that of our customers.
This dedication to early failure mitigation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and reliability. As technology advances, so do our testing methods, with constant refinement and innovation at the heart of our approach.
Quality Control
Kingston’s Quality Assurance team manages an extensive check and balance process to ensure the integrity of our memory modules and manufacturing processes are up to standard. Over 35 quality control checkpoints are integrated into Kingston’s manufacturing, testing, packaging, warehousing, and shipping processes. At each checkpoint, independent verification of product quality is measured and reported. Kingston employs a combination of automated optical scanning systems and dedicated quality control technicians to sample and verify adherence to our quality requirements. For testing, this means that after 100% production testing is complete, a statistical sample from the production lot is pulled and re-tested. Compliance to our strict quality requirements is monitored by quality engineers, who regularly audit our procedures and systems to ensure our best-in-class practices are being upheld.
Ongoing Innovation
Our testing team works closely with chipset architects like Intel and AMD, as well as major motherboard brands, to evaluate next-generation hardware and firmware, ensuring our production test systems are always ready for the future. We even develop proprietary, internally designed automated systems to stay at the forefront of high-volume manufacturing.
