DDR4 SERIES 288-PIN DIMM TEST HEAD

The new DDR4 288-pin Test Head (p/n INN-8686-18-1) is included with every order of the DDR4 Series adapter. It features a high-quality production socket, not the very rugged ZIF socket. When the socket becomes worn out, the user can buy a low cost replacement test head, or return the test head to the factory for socket replacement. Each test head may be sent for factory socket replacement three times before the board itself becomes worn out. Discounted 3-packs are available at a reduced cost.

We made the production socket replaceable because it will definitely wear out after some use. Therefore, like all of the test sockets we use, the one-year limited warranty does not cover this replaceable socket.

This page provide tips that will enable you to extend the life of the socket. It also outlines the proper operation procedures as well as the factory socket replacement process.

EXTENDING THE LIFE OF THE 288-PIN DIMM TEST HEAD

• Verify that the module's contacts area is clean from debris before insertion. Broken contacts on the module may damage the socket.
• Always insert and remove modules using two hands. See the DIMM Handling section below.
• Do not use excessive force to insert the modules. Make sure that the module voltage tab fits the voltage key of the socket. That is, pin-1 of the module should be on the left side and the module main front label faces the front of RAMCHECK LX.
• The socket ejectors hold the fully inserted module by locking into the socket. Notice the tactile "click" when the ejectors are locked.
• Carefully use both ejectors simultaneously on the side of the socket to remove the module, applying the minimal force that will still lift the module from the socket.
• Follow the caution tips listed on this page. Particularly, make sure you turn RAMCHECK LX off (using the right side ON/OFF button) when replacing adapters and test heads.
• Memory modules can be removed and inserted during STANDBY mode. Never remove or insert a module into the test socket when the RAMCHECK LX red "Module Power" light is ON!
• Always follow the best standard ESD handling procedures when handling DDR4 modules. Anti-static wrist band is highly recommended. Please read this page about proper electro-static discharge procedures with the RAMCHECK LX.
• Do not replace a worn-out socket yourself - send it to the factory. The process is fast and inexpensive!

Periodic Socket Cleaning

Please inspect the test socket peridically to verify that the socket contacts are clean and that there are no debris inside the socket. If needed, clean the contacts with NON-RESIDUE electronic contact cleaner (like the "BLUE SHOWER" brand we use extensively at INNOVENTIONS) or using compressed air. Never use WD40 or any other oily materials to clean the socket!

If needed, use a soft small painter brush (with extra soft whiskers) and isopropyl rubbing alcohol (50%-70%) to clean the contacts. After soaking the brush in the alcohol, run it carefully up and down the test socket for several times. WARNING: make sure not to apply any strong force on the contacts in the left-right direction (i.e. along the length of the socket), as excessive force may break the contacts.

The time period between socket cleaning is subject to your specific use and testing load and should be determined empirically. Always make sure that the modules you insert to the test socket have clean contacts! You can use the same rubbing alchohl or "Blue Shower" contact cleaner to clean the module's contacts, if needed. We also found that clean pencil erasers can clean module's contacts very effectively.

Mounting and Removing the Test Head on the DDR4 Series Adapter

The DDR4 series adapter connects to RAMCHECK LX via the two top 90-pin and 50-pin expansion slots. Turn RAMCHECK LX OFF and carefully mount the DDR4 series adapter onto the RAMCHECK LX expansion slots, while pressing it gradually on both sides. To test other devices with optional adapters you must turn RAMCHECK LX OFF and remove the DDR4 adapter by gradually pulling it up on both sides, taking care not to flex the adapter's boards.

You can connect or remove the test head from the DDR4 series adapter when the adapter is not mounted on RAMCHECK LX. You may also replace the test head while the adapter is mounted on the RAMCHECK LX, provided that RAMCHECK LX is turned off.

The DDR4 Series Adapter has two 130-pin sockets to accept the various test heads. Notice in the following picture that each socket has a wide peg on the left side and a narrow peg on the right side:

The Test Head has two 130-pin connectors that have wide corresponding holes on the left side and narrow holes on the right side. Therefore, the test head can be mounted only in the correct direction. When mounting the test head, press it gradually and simultaneously above both sides of these 130-pin connectors

The following picture shows how to remove the test head from the DDR4 series adapter. Hold the test head with both hands and gradually lift the test head while simultaneously pulling up from both sides of the device:

Mounting and Replacing the DDR4 Series Adapter

The DDR4 series adapter connects to RAMCHECK LX via the two top 90-pin and 50-pin expansion slots. Turn RAMCHECK LX OFF and carefully mount the DDR4 series adapter onto the RAMCHECK LX expansion slots, while pressing it gradually on both sides. To test other devices with other optional adapters, you must turn RAMCHECK LX OFF and remove the DDR4 series adapter by gradually pulling it up on both sides, taking care not to flex the adapter's boards.

CAUTION: Plug this adapter into the expansion slots only when RAMCHECK LX is OFF! Failure to turn RAMCHECK LX OFF when connecting or disconnecting the DDR4 series adapter or its test head may result in damage to the internal chips of both the RAMCHECK LX and/or the DDR4 series adapter!

CAUTION: Please let the adapter COOL DOWN for at least 1 minute before attempting to remove it from RAMCHECK LX. Removal of the adapter while it is still hot may impair some of the soldered connections of its delicate internal parts!

You can monitor the adapter's internal temperature by quickly pressing the ESC button two times during STANDBY mode:

PROPER DDR4 DIMM HANDLING

INSERTION: The 288-pin DIMM test head uses a vertically mounted test socket with two ejectors that need to be opened prior to insertion. Carefully insert the DDR4 DIMM into the socket, pushing it evenly along its top. Pin 1 of the module should point to the left side (as marked on the test head), so that the key area of the module's connector is correctly aligned with the key area in the test socket. When the DIMM is properly inserted, the ejectors will snap onto the half circle notches on each side of the module.

REMOVAL: The DIMM is easily released from the socket by pulling both ejectors sideways.

CAUTION: DIMM insertion and removal should be done only when RAMCHECK LX is in STANDBY Mode. The RED "Module Power" LED should be OFF in STANDBY mode.

What to do when the Test Socket is Worn-Out?

Following the procedures and tips described on this page will enable you to test many modules before the test socket becomes worn-out. The 288-pin DIMM test head uses a quality production socket that uses a press-fit technology, so that socket is not soldered in. The following pictures illustrates how a new socket is press fit onto the 288-pin DIMM test head:

Replacing a worn-out socket can be done at the factory using the above process and at a significantly reduced price. Please use this link to contact our Tech Support Department to get an RMA number as well as shipping instructions.

At the factory, the old socket is removed from the test head board. Then the capacitors under the boards are temporarily removed to allow the use of the bottom press tool shown above. After a new socket is pressed in, the capacitors are resoldered to the board.

Every time the factory replaces the Press-Fit socket a counter within the test head's electronics is incremented. Please note that the Press-Fit socket can be replaced several times on a given board until the board's holes wear out. When this happens, we will install a "final" soldered-in test socket and the test head is returned to you for its final run. Use the RAMCHECK LX Product Info menu to check the number of socket replacements made on your board.

High-volume users may purchase additional 288-pin DIMM test heads (p/n INN-8686-18-1) so that they can continue to test modules while their other unit is sent to the factory. We offer discounts for 3-units packs.

The 288-pin DIMM PRO Test Head

For high volume testing we recommend using the 288-pin DIMM PRO test head, p/n INN-8686-18-8. This test head is included in the DDR4 Series Adapter Pro configuration (p/n INN-8686-18-PRO).

We are developing the following additional test heads:

• DDR4 288-pin MINI DIMM test head, p/n INN-8686-18-3.
• DDR4 260-pin SODIMM Pro test head.