Testing Flash Memory Question

On Apr 8, 5:19 pm, panfilero <panfil...@gmail.com> wrote:

> Right, I was thinking that I would have to use a mocrocontroller and
> expand its memory, to inlcude the flash and then I could apply my test
> and verify bits and try out an ECC algorithm.... I've been told FPGAs
> could also be used, and would be favorable... but I have no experience
> with FPGA.... if I go the microcontroller route I would need some kind
> of interface woudln't I?  A memory Flash controller or something?

The easy way is to find a microcontroller (or I/O expander) that gives
you enough
pins, and then talk the flash device's protocol in software.  However,
that's likely
to be too slow if you expect to wear out a device in less than
calendar time.

To go faster you  may need some dedicated flash interface logic,
either purchased or
built into an FPGA.  The FPGA route can be fairly painful, because
interfacing it
to a higher level test controller isn't necessary easy, but it is
doable.

On Apr 8, 5:19 pm, panfilero <panfil...@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Apr 8, 3:31 pm, cs_post...@hotmail.com wrote:
>
> > On Apr 8, 3:55 pm, panfilero <panfil...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > Yes I'd like to look at failure rates, see which bits aren't flipping,
> > > implement an ECC, be able to test with different checkboard patterns
> > > and things like this.... I'm looking for some kind of test board where
> > > I could put different Flash packages to be tested....
>
> > Depending on the sophistication of the IC, there may be substantial
> > smarts in between the external interface and the actual memory cells
> > which may get in the way of your tests.
>
> > Also, if you are testing to failure you may need a fast interface, or
> > be prepared to
> > wait a long, long time.
>
> Right, I was thinking that I would have to use a mocrocontroller and
> expand its memory, to inlcude the flash and then I could apply my test
> and verify bits and try out an ECC algorithm.... I've been told FPGAs
> could also be used, and would be favorable... but I have no experience
> with FPGA.... if I go the microcontroller route I would need some kind
> of interface woudln't I?  A memory Flash controller or something?

First of all, you should look at a Flash chip datasheet. Learn the
interface. Look at the timing. You'll have to do the low-level control
yourself if you want access to the bits, and it's really not as
complicated as your hesitation suggests it is. Just read the datasheet.