JP2006004075A - Inspection apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspection apparatus capable of inspecting a plurality of sorts of memory devices without performing complicated operation. <P>SOLUTION: Since the inspection apparatus is provided with an I/F 11 to be electrically connected to a memory card 2 and a CPU 19 for selecting a communication system and inspection processing corresponding to acquired attribute information DZ out of a plurality of communication systems and inspection processing, performing communication through the I/F 11 based on the selected communication system and inspection processing and inspecting the memory card 2 on the basis of the communication result, a plurality of sorts of memory cards 2 can be inspected without performing complicated operation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus for inspecting a memory device such as a plurality of types of semiconductor memory cards.

For example, an inspection apparatus for inspecting a semiconductor memory is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
An inspection apparatus for inspecting an external semiconductor memory device such as a semiconductor memory card is also known.
JP 2002-63077 A

  The above-described semiconductor memory card has, for example, a plurality of types of standards for communication methods and storage methods. For this reason, a dedicated inspection device for inspecting a memory card of a specific standard inspects data reading processing and writing processing.

For example, in a manufacturing factory that manufactures various types of memory cards, when different types of memory cards are mixed and output from the production line, the inspection is performed with a dedicated inspection device that supports the standard each time. Perform the correct operation.
Therefore, an inspection apparatus that can inspect a plurality of different types of memory cards without performing complicated operations is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an inspection apparatus capable of inspecting a plurality of types of memory devices without performing complicated operations.

  In order to achieve the above object, an inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes an interface that is electrically connected to a memory device, an acquisition unit that acquires attribute information of the memory device, and a plurality of communication methods and inspection processes. The communication unit and the inspection process corresponding to the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit are selected, the communication is performed via the interface based on the selected communication method and the inspection process, and the inspection of the memory device is performed based on the communication result. And control means for performing

  According to the inspection apparatus of the present invention, for example, when the interface is electrically connected to the memory device and the acquisition unit acquires the attribute information of the memory device, the control unit and the communication method according to the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit and An inspection process is selected, communication is performed via the interface based on the selected communication method and inspection process, and the memory device is inspected based on the communication result.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the test | inspection apparatus which can test | inspect a multiple types of memory device, without performing complicated operation can be provided.

The inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment inspects, for example, semiconductor memory devices 2 of different types having different communication methods and storage methods. In the present embodiment, for example, a memory card 2 will be described as a semiconductor memory device.
For example, the attribute information corresponds to information serving as an index indicating a predetermined communication method or storage method.
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of an inspection apparatus according to the present invention.

  The inspection apparatus 1 includes a media interface (I / F) 11, a digital input / output unit (DIO) 12, a time measuring unit 13, a communication interface (LAN I / F) 14, an input unit 15, a display unit 16, a PCI control unit 17, a memory 18 and a control unit (CPU: Central processing unit) 19.

  The I / F 11 corresponds to an example of an interface according to the present invention. The input unit 15 corresponds to an example of an acquisition unit according to the present invention. The CPU 19 corresponds to an example of a control unit according to the present invention.

  The I / F 11, DIO 12, timing unit 13, LAN I / F 14, input unit 15, display unit 16, PCI control unit 17, memory 18, and CPU 19 are connected by a bus BS.

For example, the I / F 11 is electrically connected to the memory card 2 and performs data communication with the memory card 2 under the control of the CPU 19.
The I / F 11 is electrically connected to the memory card 2 via a connector 111 as shown in detail in FIG.
The connector 111 has a plurality of connection terminals T1 that are electrically connected to the memory card 2, for example. For example, the CPU 19 performs data communication with the memory card 2 based on whether the voltage level of the connection terminal T1 is higher or lower than the threshold value.

[First example]
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a first specific example of a memory device to be inspected by the inspection apparatus according to the present invention.
The memory card 2 (2a) according to this specific example includes a connection unit 21, a memory 22, a clock unit 23, and a controller 24 as shown in FIG.
The memory 22 corresponds to an example of an internal memory according to the present invention, and the controller 24 corresponds to an example of a control unit according to the present invention.

  The connection unit 21 is electrically connected to the I / F 11 when mounted. Specifically, the connection part 21 has a plurality of connection terminals T2. The connection terminal T2 corresponds to an example of a connection terminal according to the present invention.

  When the connection portion 21 is attached to the connector 111 of the I / F 11, each connection terminal T2 and each connection terminal T1 provided in the connector 111 are electrically connected.

  In this embodiment, the connection terminal T2 includes, for example, a power supply voltage terminal T21, a reference voltage terminal T22, a bus state (BS) terminal T23, a mounting detection terminal T24, a clock terminal T25, and data terminals T26, T27, T28, T29, and T210. Have.

The power supply voltage terminal T21 is a power supply voltage supply terminal.
The reference voltage terminal T22 is a reference potential (GND) terminal.
The BS terminal T23 is a terminal indicating the internal state of the bus of the memory card 2, and outputs a signal level corresponding to the internal state, for example.
The mounting detection terminal T24 is a terminal for detecting the presence or absence of mounting, for example. The attachment detection terminal T24 is set to a reference potential when attached to the connector 111.
The clock terminal T25 is a terminal that outputs a clock signal.
Data terminals T26, T27, T28, and T29 are terminals for data communication, and transmit and receive signals at a high level or a low level.
The spare terminal T210 is a spare terminal.

  The memory 22 is configured by a readable / writable semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, for example, and stored data is read out under the control of the controller 24. The memory 22 holds data written under the control of the controller 24.

  The clock unit 23 includes an oscillation circuit including a crystal oscillator, for example, and outputs a clock signal to the controller 24, the memory 22, and the like.

The controller 24 comprehensively controls the memory 22 and the connection unit 21.
For example, the controller 24 holds attribute information DZ. As described above, the attribute information DZ corresponds to information serving as an index indicating a communication method or a storage method defined in advance.

  For example, the controller 24 outputs the attribute information DZ via the connection terminal T2 when connected to the I / F 11.

  In addition, the controller 24 performs communication via the connection terminal T2 by a communication method according to, for example, a predetermined attribute information DZ, and a storage method according to the attribute information DZ based on a write control instruction input by the communication. Thus, data is written into the memory 22.

  Further, the controller 24 performs communication via the connection terminal T2 by a communication method according to the attribute information DZ, and the data from the memory 22 by the storage method according to the attribute information DZ based on the read control instruction input by the communication. Is output through the connection terminal T2.

The controller 24 of the memory card 2a performs serial data communication through, for example, a BS terminal T23, a clock terminal T25, and a data terminal T26.
The controller 24 holds attribute information DZ indicating the memory card 2 that performs serial data communication, and outputs the attribute information DZ when connected to the I / F 11.

[Second specific example]
The difference between the memory card 2b according to the second specific example and the memory card 2a shown in FIG. 2 is that the memory card 2b performs parallel communication via a plurality of connection terminals T2 connected to the I / F 11. is there.
Specifically, for example, the controller 24 of the memory card 2b performs parallel data communication through, for example, a BS terminal T23, a clock terminal T25, a data terminal T26, and terminals T27, T28, and T29.

  The controller 24 according to this specific example holds attribute information DZ indicating the memory card 2b that performs parallel data communication, and outputs the attribute information DZ when connected to the I / F 11.

[Third example]
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a third specific example of the memory card shown in FIG.
Differences between the memory card 2c shown in FIG. 3 and the memory card 2a shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
The memory card 2c includes a connection unit 21, a plurality of internal memories, for example, memories 221, 222, a clock unit 23, a controller 24, an internal switch 25, and an external select SW as shown in FIG.

For example, the controller 24 switches between the memories 221 and 222 in accordance with the ON state or the OFF state of the select SW and performs data holding processing.
Specifically, for example, when the select switch is in the on state, the controller 24 connects the controller 24 and the memory 221 only to the internal switch 25 to perform data holding processing relating to the memory 221, and when the select switch is in the off state. In this case, only the controller 24 and the memory 222 are connected to the internal switch 25 to perform data holding processing related to the memory 222.

  Further, at the time of inspection, the controller 24 can perform data holding processing for each of the memories 221 and 222 in accordance with the inspection instruction input from the connection unit 21 regardless of whether the select SW is on or off. .

  The controller 24 holds attribute information DZ indicating the memory card 2c that holds data by switching a plurality of internal memories 22, and outputs the attribute information DZ when connected to the I / F 11.

[Fourth example]
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a fourth specific example of the memory card shown in FIG.
Differences between the memory card 2d shown in FIG. 4 and the memory card 2a shown in FIG. 2 will be described.
The memory card 2d has a data protection function for the internal memory, and includes, for example, a connection unit 21, a memory 22, a clock unit 23, and a controller 24 as shown in FIG.
The memory 22 according to this embodiment includes a system area 223 and a user area 224, for example.

The system area 223 is an area having a data protection function in the data area of the memory 22 under the control of the controller 24, for example. For example, the controller 24 reads or writes data in the system area 223 only when authentication is properly performed as a result of predetermined authentication processing.
In addition, when the authentication is inappropriate as a result of the predetermined authentication process, the controller 24 suppresses reading of data from the system area 223 or writing of data.

  The user area 224 is an area of the memory 22 in which data can be read or written without performing the above-described authentication process under the control of the controller 24, for example.

  For example, the controller 24 holds attribute information DZ indicating the memory card 2 having the data protection function of the internal memory 22 described above, and outputs the attribute information DZ when connected to the I / F 11.

  Further, at the time of inspection, the controller 24 can perform data holding processing for each of the system area 223 and the user area 224 in accordance with the inspection instruction input from the connection unit 21.

The DIO 12 shown in FIG. 1 is connected to, for example, an external control device, and outputs a digital signal from the external control device to the CPU 19 or the like.
The timer unit 13 is composed of an oscillation circuit including a crystal oscillator, for example, and outputs a clock signal to each component such as the CPU 19.

The LAN I / F 14 performs data communication with an external information processing apparatus via a communication network according to a predetermined protocol, for example, under the control of the CPU 19.
The input unit 15 is an operation input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, for example. When the attribute information is manually input, the input unit 15 outputs a signal indicating the attribute information of the memory device to the CPU 19.

  The display unit 16 displays predetermined characters, for example, under the control of the CPU 19. For example, the display unit 16 displays characters related to the inspection process according to the present invention.

  The PCI control unit 17 is a control unit that performs data communication with a device connected to a predetermined bus, for example, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus, for example, under the control of the CPU 19.

The memory 18 stores, for example, a table that stores the program PRG having the function according to the present invention, the attribute information DZ, and a plurality of communication methods and inspection processes in association with each other.
For example, the memory 18 includes an SDRAM (Synchronous dynamic Random Access Memory) 181, a flash memory 182, and the like.

  For example, the CPU 19 comprehensively controls the entire apparatus. For example, the CPU 19 implements the function according to the present invention by executing the program PRG using the memory 18 as a work space.

For example, at the time of direct input, the CPU 19 acquires the attribute information DZ based on a signal indicating the attribute information DZ input from the input unit 15.
Further, the CPU 19 may acquire the attribute information DZ held by the memory card 2 via the I / F 11 when the connector 111 of the I / F 11 and the memory card 2 are connected.

  For example, the CPU 19 selects a communication method and an inspection process corresponding to the acquired attribute information DZ from among a plurality of communication methods and an inspection process stored in the memory 18, and the I / F 11 is based on the selected communication method and the inspection process. The memory card 2 is inspected based on the communication result.

  When the acquired attribute information DZ includes information indicating the memory card 2b that performs parallel communication via the plurality of connection terminals T1 connected to the I / F 11, the CPU 19 performs a check process based on the information. When parallel communication is performed via the I / F 11 and the attribute information DZ includes information indicating the memory card 2a that performs serial communication using the plurality of connection terminals T1, the I / F 11 is based on an inspection process according to the information. Serial communication is performed through the memory card 2 and the memory cards 2a and 2b are inspected based on the communication result.

  In addition, when the acquired attribute information includes information indicating the memory card 2c that holds the data by switching a plurality of internal memories, the CPU 19 passes through the I / F 11 based on the inspection process according to the information. Communication is performed, and a plurality of internal memories of the memory card 2c are inspected based on the communication result.

  Further, when the acquired attribute information DZ includes information indicating the memory card 2d having the data protection function of the internal memory 22, the CPU 19 performs an inspection process for inspecting the data protection function according to the information. Communication is performed via the I / F 11, and the internal data protection function of the memory card 2d is inspected based on the communication result.

  Further, the CPU 19 communicates with the memory card 2 via the I / F 11 by a communication method according to the acquired attribute information DZ, for example, performs an inspection related to the communication based on the communication result, and responds to the attribute information DZ. A read control instruction is output via the I / F 11, and the memory 22 and the controller 24 are inspected based on the output signal from the memory card 2.

  Further, the CPU 19 communicates with the memory card 2 via the I / F 11 by a communication method according to the acquired attribute information DZ, for example, and outputs a write control instruction according to the attribute information DZ via the I / F 11. A control instruction for reading the data written in accordance with the write control instruction is output via the I / F 11, and the memory 22 and the controller 24 are inspected based on the output signal from the memory card 2.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a specific example of the operation of the inspection apparatus shown in FIG. With reference to FIG. 5, a specific example of the inspection process will be described focusing on the operation of the CPU 19 of the inspection apparatus 1.

  In step ST1, when the power is turned on, the CPU 19 displays characters indicating an inspection menu on the display unit 16, for example.

In step ST2, for example, the CPU 19 determines whether or not the memory card 2 is attached to the connector 111 of the I / F 11, and if not, returns to the process of step ST1.
In step ST2, if the CPU 19 detects that the memory card 2 is attached to the connector 111 of the I / F 11, the CPU 19 acquires attribute information DZ (ST3).

The CPU 19 acquires attribute information DZ held by the memory card 2 via the I / F 11 when the connector 111 of the I / F 11 and the memory card 2 are connected.
Further, at the time of direct input, the CPU 19 may acquire the attribute information DZ based on a signal indicating the attribute information DZ input from the input unit 15.

In step ST4, for example, the CPU 19 selects a communication method and an inspection process corresponding to the acquired attribute information DZ among a plurality of communication methods and an inspection process stored in the memory 18, for example.
For example, the CPU 19 selects a communication method and an inspection process according to the attribute information DZ indicating the memory cards 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d based on the table stored in the memory 18.

  In step ST5, the CPU 19 communicates with the memory card 2 via the I / F 11 based on the selected communication method and inspection process, and inspects the memory card 2 based on the communication result.

  For example, as the inspection process, the controller 24 is inspected, the memory card 2 is initialized (FAT: File Allocation Tables format), the FAT format is checked, and the memory data is written and read.

  Also, an inspection process according to the type of memory card 2 (attribute information DZ), for example, an inspection process for a communication function of parallel communication or serial communication, an inspection process for switching a plurality of memories, and an inspection process for a data protection function of an internal memory Etc.

  In step ST6, when the CPU 19 receives a signal that is not normal as a result of the inspection process according to the communication result, the CPU 19 performs error processing, for example, character display indicating an error on the display unit 16 (ST7). If normal, normal processing is performed, for example, character display indicating normality is displayed on the display unit 16, and the process returns to step ST1 to inspect the next memory card 2.

  As described above, the I / F 11 that is electrically connected to the memory card 2 and the communication method and inspection process corresponding to the acquired attribute information DZ are selected from the plurality of communication methods and inspection processes, and the selection is performed. The CPU 19 is provided for performing communication via the I / F 11 based on the communication method and the inspection processing performed, and inspecting the memory card 2 based on the communication result. You can inspect without doing it.

  For example, the controller 24 holds the attribute information DZ in the memory card 2, and the CPU 19 automatically stores the attribute information DZ held in the memory card 2 through the I / F 11 when the memory card 2 is connected to the I / F 11. For example, in a manufacturing factory that manufactures various types of memory cards, even if different types of memory cards are mixed and output from the production line, the types can be changed without complicated operations. A corresponding inspection process can be performed.

  In addition, when the acquired attribute information DZ includes information indicating the memory card 2a that performs serial communication, the CPU 19 performs an inspection process related to serial communication according to the information, and the attribute information DZ performs the parallel communication. Is included, information processing for parallel communication according to the information is performed, so that complicated operations are performed even when memory cards 2a and 2b having different communication methods are mixed. The inspection can be performed by a communication method suitable for each.

  When the acquired attribute information includes information indicating the memory card 2c that holds data by switching a plurality of internal memories, the CPU 19 performs an inspection process corresponding to the information, for example, an inspection of the switching process. Therefore, for example, even when the memory card 2c and other memory cards 2 that do not have the function of switching the internal memory are mixed, appropriate inspections can be performed without performing complicated operations. .

  When the acquired attribute information DZ includes information indicating the memory card 2d having the data protection function of the internal memory, the CPU 19 performs an inspection process for inspecting the data protection function according to the information. For example, even when the memory card 2d and the memory card 2 having no other protection function are mixed, suitable inspections can be performed without performing complicated operations.

  Moreover, since the attribute information DZ is acquired at the time of connection and the inspection suitable for a plurality of types of memory cards 2 can be performed based on the attribute information DZ, the inspection time can be greatly shortened.

  Further, when inspecting a memory card 2 of another communication method or storage method that is not stored in the table of the memory 18, the new attribute information DZ is associated with the communication method, storage method, inspection process, etc. By updating, a new memory card 2 can be easily inspected.

Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and any suitable modification can be made.
For example, the inspection process and operation of the inspection apparatus 1 are not limited to the above-described form.
Further, the internal structure and processing of the memory card 2 are not limited to the above-described form.

Moreover, in the form mentioned above, although the test | inspection apparatus 1 is a stand-alone type apparatus, it is not restricted to this form.
For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the inspection apparatus 1 functions in accordance with the present invention by cooperating with an external information processing apparatus (PC: personal computer) 3 and a sequencer apparatus 4 via the DIO 12, the LAN I / F 14, and the like. May be realized.

  Further, by incorporating the inspection apparatus 1 according to the present invention into a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the memory card 2, it is possible to manufacture and inspect various types of memory cards 2 according to needs, for example.

It is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of an inspection device concerning the present invention. It is a functional block diagram of the 1st specific example of the memory | storage device of the test object of the test | inspection apparatus based on this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the 3rd example of the memory card shown in FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the 4th example of the memory card shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating one specific example of operation | movement of the test | inspection apparatus shown in FIG. It is a general view which shows other embodiment of the test | inspection apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Inspection apparatus, 11 ... Media interface (I / F), 12 ... Digital input / output part (DIO), 13 ... Timekeeping part, 14 ... Communication interface (LAN I / F), 15 ... Input part, 16 ... Display part ( Serial port), 17 ... PCI controller, 18 ... memory, 19 ... Central processing unit (CPU), 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d ... memory card, 21 ... connector, 22 ... memory, 23 ... Clock unit, 24... Controller, connectors 111, 181... SDRAM, 182... Flash memory, T1, T2.

Claims (7)

An interface electrically connected to the memory device;
Obtaining means for obtaining attribute information of the memory device;
Among the plurality of communication methods and inspection processing, select a communication method and inspection processing according to the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit, and perform communication via the interface based on the selected communication method and inspection processing, And a control unit that inspects the memory device based on the communication result. The memory device holds the attribute information;
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the attribute information held by the memory device via the interface. The attribute information includes first attribute information indicating a memory device that performs parallel communication via a plurality of connection terminals connected to the interface, or second attribute indicating a memory device that performs serial communication via the plurality of connection terminals. Including information,
When the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit includes first attribute information, the control unit performs parallel communication via the interface based on an inspection process according to the first attribute information, and the attribute information When the information includes the second attribute information, serial communication is performed via the interface based on an inspection process corresponding to the second attribute information, and the memory device is inspected based on the communication result. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1. The attribute information includes third attribute information indicating a memory device that holds data by switching a plurality of internal memories,
When the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit includes third attribute information, the control unit performs communication via the interface based on an inspection process according to the third attribute information, and The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of internal memories of the memory device are inspected based on a result. The attribute information includes fourth attribute information indicating a memory device having a data protection function of an internal memory,
When the fourth attribute information is included in the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit, the control unit controls the interface based on an inspection process for inspecting a data protection function according to the fourth attribute information. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein communication is performed via the communication device, and an internal data protection function of the memory device is inspected based on the communication result. The memory device includes:
Internal memory,
A connection terminal electrically connected to the interface;
Communication is performed via the connection terminal by a communication method according to the attribute information, and data is read from the internal memory by a storage method according to the attribute information based on a read control instruction input by the communication. A control unit that outputs via a terminal,
The control means communicates with the memory device via the interface by a communication method according to the attribute information acquired by the acquisition means, performs an inspection related to communication based on the communication result, and stores the attribute information in the attribute information. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein a corresponding read control instruction is output via the interface, and the internal memory and the control unit are inspected based on an output signal from the memory device. The control unit of the memory device includes:
Communication is performed via the connection terminal by a communication method according to the attribute information, data is written to the internal memory by a storage method according to the attribute information based on a write control instruction input by the communication, and the communication The data is read from the internal memory by the storage method according to the attribute information based on the read control instruction input by the output and output through the connection terminal,
The control means communicates with the memory device via the interface by a communication method according to the attribute information acquired by the acquisition means, and outputs a write control instruction according to the attribute information via the interface. The control instruction for reading data written by the write control instruction is output via the interface, and the internal memory and the control unit are inspected based on an output signal from the memory device. Inspection device.

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