Patriot Memory Factory Tour in Fremont, CA, USA
By Gabriel Torres on September 21, 2005 Page 4 of 5

Testing

The modules are then taken out of the panel and tested. First, the SPD chip is programmed and the same machine performs a quick test. As we mentioned, SPD (Serial Presence Detect) is a small chip located on the memory module that holds working parameters for the memory module, like timings.

Patriot Memory Factory Tour
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Figure 10: SPD programming and quick memory testing.

Then the modules are automatically tested by a machine that checks if the memory is fully functional and working under the parameters set by the manufacturer, like timings and speed. Patriot has different kinds of machines for this task, the one that will be used will depend on the memory module type.

Patriot Memory Factory Tour
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Figure 11: Memory tester.

Patriot Memory Factory Tour
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Figure 12: Another memory tester.

Patriot Memory Factory Tour
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Figure 13: Another memory tester, this one is used for DDR2 and high-end DDR.

After the modules are tested by a machine, they go to a real-world test, called compatibility testing. In this test the modules are installed on motherboards and then tested.

Patriot Memory Factory Tour
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Figure 14: Compatibility testing.


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