Memory is a vital element of any embedded computing system. It holds applications, configuration information, running programs and dynamic data. If memory sub-systems are not exhaustively validated during design and thoroughly verified at production test, latent issues pass to field use, resulting in unpredictable behavior or unexpected crashes. The consequences - field diagnosis; failure to meet reliability, availability and serviceability goals; repair or replacement – incur significant time, effort and expense.

This white paper presents a comprehensive strategy for memory validation. It includes techniques for automated tuning of memory configuration, along with methods to accurately determine the reliability of entire memory sub-systems, and pinpoint identification of faults where repair is required.

Fundamental to this strategy is functional test software running at full speed on the target hardware to tune, test and stress the memory. These tests are deployed across the design’s lifecycle; in design validation to ensure your board is robust and reliable, in production test to verify correct functionality after assembly, and in the field to ensure reliability and availability. You can perform such tests manually, or automatically using Kozio’s kDiagnostics in-system, at-speed validation suite, which adds comprehensive functional test capabilities over and above the memory testing described here.

This approach’s benefits - a smooth transition from hardware design to software engineering and to production; a more resilient and reliable design, with fewer validation and test escapes; and a higher-integrity embedded system with superior availability – is the fastest path to fully-functional hardware, with lower total costs and fewer in-field issues.