[ad_1]
Maker Jan Beta has put collectively a easy tester for dynamic RAM (DRAM) chips, based mostly round an Arduino Uno or appropriate microcontroller and “leftover parts I discovered in my elements bin” — utilizing a design launched below a “do with them what you need” license.
Described as a “two hour, two greenback” mission, Beta’s tackle the DramArduino is designed for checking the performance of 4164 and 41256 DRAM chips of the kinds generally present in classic computer systems. “Testing is just not too quick however acceptable — 4 totally different passes are carried out in about 80 seconds whole,” pseudonymous mission creator “iss” explains. “Outcomes are 100% dependable provided that the take a look at FAILS – you possibly can throw away the chip with out worry.”
Designed as a defend add-on to be used with an Arduino Uno or pin-compatible microcontroller board, the gadget was initially designed and constructed on prototyping boards with a view to examine a bulk batch of chips for dangerous ones earlier than making an attempt to make use of any of them in a classic Tangerine Oric-1 dwelling pc from the Eighties.
“Working with the instrument is straightforward: place the chip within the ZIF socket, press small reset button, wait till GREEN LED blinks,” iss writes. “If it stays completely on – chip is OK, if the chip is dangerous – RED LED lights. If USB is related, standing is reported in your serial console. This helped me to detect some ‘lazy’ chips – they failed in numerous [ways], on each subsequent take a look at, rising addresses however after they develop into ‘scorching’ take a look at passes all the time.”
A video displaying Beta’s tackle the tester is out there on YouTube. The unique creator, iss, launched the supply code and schematics for the mission on the Defence Drive Oric discussion board, below a “do with them what you need” open-source license. A PCB design, for a extra skilled end, is out there on PCBWay.
[ad_2]
