Abstract:
A system and a method for testing information handling systems is provided. The system includes a top cover having a memory circuit and a bottom platform for receiving a test printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) including a slot. The system includes a sensor determining the relative position of the memory circuit and the slot; and a host controller coupled to the test PCBA and the sensor through a port. A computer program product including a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable and executable code is also provided. The code instructs a processor in a host controller in a test fixture to load a memory circuit on a crane; engage a sub-module carrying the memory circuit; load a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA); place a memory device on a slot in the PCBA; perform a system test on the PCBA; disengage the sub-module and the test fixture.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/710,376 filed on Dec. 10, 2012, the full disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and for all purposes. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1.—Technical Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure is related to the field of test fixtures for circuits and boards in electronic manufacturing. More specifically, the present disclosure is related to memory installation in test fixtures for circuits and boards in electronic manufacturing. 
         [0004]    2.—Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and/or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and efficiently the information may be processed, stored, or communicated. The variations in information handling systems allow for information handling systems to be general or configured for a specific user or specific use similar to financial transaction processing, airline reservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. In addition, information handling systems may include a variety of hardware and software components that may be configured to process, store, and communicate information and may include one or more computer systems, data storage systems, and networking systems. 
         [0006]    Test fixtures for circuits and boards in electronic manufacturing typically use memory circuits inserted into slots provided by the circuits and boards under test. Memory circuits provided to a test fixture supply the memory needed by the circuit and board to perform test operations scheduled by the test fixture. In a manufacturing environment, hundreds and even thousands of boards and circuits are tested, as described above, in a few hours. Typically, the process of placing the memory circuits in the test bed is performed by hand. 
         [0007]    Hand installation of the memory circuits in a test fixture has several drawbacks. First, the procedure is physically exhaustive and painful for the operator. Second, and as a result of the first reason, manual installation of the memory in a test fixture increases the propensity for error in the process. Third, and related to the first two reasons, the number of false errors in the test procedure increases when memory installation is manual. Indeed, operator exhaustion increases the likelihood of errors in placing the memory circuit into the slot. Thus, a circuit or board under test may fail a test simply because the memory circuit is not properly inserted in the slot. Thus, there is an increased cost in product turnover when a circuit needs to be tested more than once to correct a bad memory connectivity issue at the point of test. In addition, the continuous handling of memory circuits used for testing and the stress on the slot connectors or ‘sinks’ in the circuit board result in accelerated degradation of the memory circuits. Thus, memory circuits need to be continuously checked and replaced in state-of-the-art testing platforms. Also, there is the potential to damage the circuit board under test. In particular, manual handling of memory circuits may damage delicate components in the slot sinks. 
         [0008]    What is needed is a system and a method for memory installation in a functional test fixture that avoids test errors while preserving the circuit board components and reduces the cost of testing. What is also needed is a system and a method that provides a fast and reliable test platform for printed circuit boards (PCBAs) in information handling systems. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    According to some embodiments, a system for testing a plurality of information handling systems may include a top cover having a memory circuit; a bottom platform for receiving a test printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), the test PCBA including a slot; a sensor to determine the relative position of the memory circuit and the slot in the test PCBA; and a host controller coupled to the test PCBA and the sensor through a host controller port. 
         [0010]    According to some embodiments, a computer program product may include a non-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable and executable code for instructing a processor in a host controller included in a test fixture having a plurality of information handling systems to perform a method, the method including loading a memory circuit on a crane in the test fixture; engaging a sub-module in the test fixture, the sub-module carrying the memory circuit; loading a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) on the test fixture; placing a memory device on a slot in the PCBA; performing a system test on the PCBA; disengaging the sub-module; and disengaging the test fixture. 
         [0011]    According to some embodiments, a method for testing information handling systems including printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) may include loading a memory circuit on a crane in the test fixture; engaging a sub-module in the test fixture, the sub-module carrying the memory circuit; loading a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) on the test fixture; placing a memory device on a slot in the PCBA; performing a system test on the PCBA; disengaging the sub-module; and disengaging the test fixture. 
         [0012]    These and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the following drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  shows a test fixture according to some embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  shows a partial view of a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  shows a partial view of a memory mount in a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  shows a pin cylinder in a memory mount for a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  shows a configuration for inserting a memory circuit in a circuit board for a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  shows a configuration for inserting a memory circuit in a circuit board for a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  shows a flow chart for a method to install a memory circuit in a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) in a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  shows a flow chart for a method to test a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) in a test fixture, according to some embodiments. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    In the figures, elements having the same reference number have the same or similar functions. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    For purposes of this disclosure, an information handling system may include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, or other purposes. For example, an information handling system may be a personal computer, a network storage device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price. The information handling system may include random access memory (RAM), one or more processing resources similar to a central processing unit (CPU) or hardware or software control logic, ROM, and/or other types of nonvolatile memory. Additional components of the information handling system may include one or more disk drives, one or more network ports for communicating with external devices similar to various input and output (IO) devices, similar to a keyboard, a mouse, and a video display. The information handling system may also include one or more buses operable to transmit communications between the various hardware components. 
         [0024]    In the manufacturing of information handling systems such as desktops, laptops, workstations, and Server platforms, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) is tested prior to assembly of the final system. In a typical test bed for a PCBA, memory circuits are installed manually. Memory circuits typically used in PCBAs may be dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs). Embodiments disclosed herein include a system and methods for handling the memory circuits in test fixtures automatically. Thus, embodiments as disclosed herein prevent damaging the slots of DIMMs by inserting accurately and reproducibly the memory circuits into the device slots. The PCBA test is thus more reliable as the proper mounting of the DIMMS secure effective electric coupling for the leads in the memory. Furthermore, use of an automatic and reproducible mechanism for memory insertion into a test fixture reduces the test time, increasing device throughput for the test fixture. 
         [0025]    According to some embodiments, a system for automatically inserting a memory circuit into a test fixture may be an Intelligent Floating Memory Installation Module (IFMIM). An IFMIM as disclosed herein facilitates PCBA test efficiency by using a plurality of sensors and a floating mechanism to accurately and reproducibly insert the memory circuits in the test fixture. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  shows a test fixture  100  for testing a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), according to some embodiments. Test fixture  100  includes a bottom platform  110  and a top cover  120 . Top cover  120  closes on bottom platform  110  by pivoting about hinge  125 . The pivoting motion is provided by arm  121 . In some embodiments, arm  121  includes a pneumatically powered cylinder. Support for the pivoting motion may be reinforced by arm  122 . A circuit board to be tested  150  is placed on a top surface of bottom platform  110 . Circuit board  150  may be a PCBA for a motherboard of a computer device, such as a laptop, a desktop, a workstation or a Server platform. According to some embodiments, test fixture  100  may include a plurality of sensors  170 - 1 ,  170 - 2 ,  170 - 3 ,  170 - 4  (collectively referred to hereinafter as sensors  170 ). For example, sensors  170  may be placed on the top surface of bottom platform  110 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Sensors  170  may also be positioned in the interior portion of top cover  120 . Sensors  170  may include optically based sensors having lasers, detectors, and cameras to accurately determine the position of a memory circuit being inserted into circuit  150 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  illustrates holders  125 - 1 ,  125 - 2 ,  125 - 3 ,  125 - 4 ,  125 - 5 , and  125 - 6  (collectively referred hereinafter as holders  125 ). Holders  125  hold the memory circuits that will be used in the test for PCBA  150 . Thus, when a test is ready to be performed, top cover  120  is lifted above bottom platform  110  and test PCBA  150  is placed on the top surface of bottom platform  110 . The memory chips held by holders  125  are inserted onto PCBA  150  by closing top cover  120  over bottom platform  110 . Top cover  120  is closed over bottom platform  110  by actuating arm  121 . 
         [0028]    Test fixture  100  in  FIG. 1  may be an IFMIM operating automatically during the board test. In some embodiments an IFMIM avoids memory damage and damage to circuit  150  during the test by using sensors  170  and a floating mechanism in holders  125 . According to some embodiments, IFMIM  100  ensures that each individual memory circuit obtains full electronic coupling with the memory slots during memory insertion, ensuring test stability. A host controller port  190  provides a signal to power up actuating arm  121  from a host control circuit. Sensors  170  provide data to host controller through port  190 . In some embodiments, data provided by sensors  170  through port  190  includes information regarding the status of the memory module (e.g., engage or dis-engage). 
         [0029]      FIG. 1  also illustrates a stop button  195 , which may be pressed manually by a user to disengage test fixture  100  in case of an error or emergency. Upon activation of stop button  195 , some embodiments disengage test fixture  100  thoroughly, and moving components are stopped in their current positions. Accordingly, in some embodiments a controller circuit may be used to handle an error or an emergency stop for test fixture  100 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 2  shows a partial view of test fixture  100 , according to some embodiments. A crane  280  carries holders  125 . Crane  280  may be mounted on a frame included in top cover  120 . While  FIG. 2  shows only one holder  125 , more holders are partially hidden behind the first holder in the figure (cf.  FIG. 1 ). Holder  125  includes a piston  210  that pushes on to a bracket  220 . Bracket  220  holds a cartridge  230 , which carries at least one memory circuit  250 . Bracket  220  has movable arms  225  that protrude to the sides of bracket  220  beyond the reach of memory circuit  250 . Arms  225  have a shape and a material that enables them to open and close secure lockers  261  in a slot  260  of test board  150 . For example, in some embodiments arms  225  are designed such that as bracket  220  moves down towards slot  260 , arm  225  pushes aside secure locker  261  and opens the slot. Thus, memory circuit  250  may be inserted onto slot  260 , secure locker  261  is closed by arm  225 , and the test on circuit  150  is ready to start. 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, two secure lockers  261  may be used for each slot  260 , so that the memory circuit is evenly placed inside the slot. Without loss of generality, each of the two slot lockers  261  in a slot  260  may be referred to as ‘left’ and ‘right’ slot locker, regardless of the actual orientation of slot  260  in test fixture  100 . 
         [0032]    In some embodiments, crane  280  may also include sensors  170 - 5 ,  170 - 6 ,  170 - 7 , and  170 - 8  to further provide information about the position of memory circuit  250  relative to the position of slots  260 . As in the case of sensors  170 - 1  through  170 - 4 , sensors  170 - 5  through  170 - 8  may provide imaging data to a host controller through host controller port  190 . 
         [0033]    According to some embodiments, arm  225  may be movable in order to move secure locker  261  about a point of contact with bracket  220 . Motion of arm  225  may be provided by lever  235 , attached to crane  280 . As lever  235  moves up and down (cf.  FIG. 2 ), it provides a swinging motion to arm  225 , which in turn opens and/or closes secure locker  261 . Cartridge  230  firmly holds memory circuit  250  without deforming or damaging the printed circuit board (PCB) substrate of memory circuit  250 . 
         [0034]    In some embodiments, crane  280  may carry a plurality of sub-modules, where each sub-module includes a holder  125 , a piston  210 , a bracket  220 , and a cartridge  230 , as described in detail above. Accordingly, a single memory circuit  250  or a pair of memory circuits  250   a,  and  250   b  (not shown in  FIG. 2 ) may be held on an individual sub-module. In some embodiments, piston  210  includes pneumatic cylinders  211  and  212 , providing motion to the piston head. Cylinders  211  and  212  may be actuated via a pneumatic force, or via an electrical force, or a magneto-motive force. The specific mechanism used to move cylinders  211  and  212  is not limiting of the embodiments disclosed herein. The piston moves bracket  220  and cartridge  230  into a position to insert memory circuit  250  onto slot  260 . 
         [0035]    The size and shape of each sub-module may be adapted for use on different types of PCBAs (e.g. Workstation, Server). Furthermore, in some embodiments crane  280  may carry separate sets of sub-modules having different sizes. For example, a certain PCBA corresponding to a mother board  150  may include memory slots for different sizes of DIMMs. In such embodiments, crane  280  may include a first set of sub-modules adapted to carry a first type of DIMMs and a second set of sub-modules adapted to carry a second type of DIMMs. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  shows a partial view of a memory mount  300  in test fixture  100 , according to some embodiments. Memory mount  300  may include sub-modules  301 - 1 ,  301 - 2 , and  301 - 3  (collectively referred hereinafter as sub-modules  301 ). In some embodiments, memory mount  300  may be included inside crane  280 , described in detail above (cf.  FIG. 2 ). Sub-modules  301  include levers  235 - 1 ,  235 - 2 , and  235 - 3  (collectively referred hereinafter as levers  235 ), arms  225 - 1 ,  225 - 2 , and  225 - 3  (collectively referred hereinafter as arms  225 ), and cartridge  230 - 1  (other cartridges  230  not shown). Cartridges  230  hold memory circuits  250 , as described in detail above in reference to  FIG. 2 . For example, cartridge  230 - 1  holds memory circuits  250   a  and  250   b.  To securely hold memory circuits  250   a  and  250   b,  in some embodiments cartridge  230  includes pin cylinders  310   a,  and  310   b  that are able to mount memory circuits  250   a,  and  250   b  respectively, in a floating configuration. Pin cylinders  310   a  and  310   b  are collectively referred hereinafter as pin cylinders  310 . 
         [0037]    According to some embodiments, a floating configuration for holding memory circuits  250   a  and  250   b  enables small adjustments in the positioning of the circuits as cartridge  230  is moved down by piston  210 , placing memory circuits  250   a  and  250   b  close to slots  260 . Thus, circuits  250   a  and  250   b  may self-align into position as they are inserted into slots  260 , according to some embodiments. Use of pin cylinders  310  allows for a small misalignment between sub-modules  301  and slots  260 , providing for precise positioning of the memory circuits onto the slots. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  shows pin cylinder  310  in a memory mount for a test fixture, according to some embodiments. Pin cylinder  310  includes a ball  410  and a spring  430  inside a casing  420 . When the ball  410  is coupled to a memory circuit, spring  430  allows the ball to move slightly while still exerting pressure on the memory circuit. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  shows a configuration  500  for inserting memory circuit  250   a  in a circuit board for a test fixture, according to some embodiments. Elements  170 ,  210 ,  211 ,  212 ,  220 ,  230 ,  235 ,  250 , and  261  in  FIG. 5  are as described in detail above in relation to  FIG. 2 . Configuration  500  shows cylinders  211  and  212  moving piston  210 - 1  down, so that memory circuit  250   a  approaches slots  260 . Also depicted in  FIG. 5  is a swing motion of arms  225 - 1  laterally, as illustrated by the thick, black arrows. In configuration  500 , arms  225 - 1  open up locker  261 - 1  for slot  260 , opening the slot for insertion of memory circuit  250   a.    
         [0040]      FIG. 6  shows a configuration  600  for inserting memory circuit  250   a  in a circuit board for a test fixture, according to some embodiments. Elements  170 ,  210 ,  211 ,  212 ,  220 ,  230 ,  235 ,  250 , and  261  in  FIG. 6  are as described in detail above in relation to  FIGS. 2 and 5 . According to configuration  600 , bracket  220 , cartridge  230 , and memory circuit  250  may fall into a slot  260 . During the fall, piston  210  may passively allow floating mechanism  310  to appropriately adjust circuit  250  in place (cf.  FIG. 3 ). For example: if memory circuit  250  contacts the right side of slot  260 , left ball  310   a  will be pressed and circuit board  250  will be rebounded to the left side of slot  260  (cf.  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). 
         [0041]    Once the free fall of circuit  250  into slot  260  stops and sensors  170  determine that the positioning of circuit  250   a  is appropriate, configuration  600  shows cylinders  211  and  212  moving piston  210 - 1  further down, according to the black arrow.  FIG. 6  illustrates arms  225 - 1  adjusting lockers  261 - 1  into a lock position. Accordingly, memory circuit  250   a  is properly coupled to PCBA  150  through a slot in slots  260 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  shows a block diagram of test fixture  100 , according to some embodiments.  FIG. 7  illustrates a plurality of sensors  170 - 1  through  170 - n,  where ‘n’ is an integer. The specific value of ‘n’ is not limiting of embodiments disclosed herein; for example, in embodiments above, a number ‘n’ of up to 8 sensors is shown (cf.  FIGS. 1 and 2 ). Some embodiments of test fixture  100  may include a larger number of sensors, such as 20, 30, or even more. Fixture  100  also shows a block for test board  150  and memory circuit  250 . According to some embodiments, memory circuit  250  may already be coupled to test board  150 , for example as in configuration  600  described in detail above (cf.  FIG. 6 ).  FIG. 7  also shows arm  121  and stop button  195 . According to  FIG. 7 , test board  150 , arm  121 , and stop button  195  are coupled to a host controller  700  through host controller port  190 , described in detail above (cf.  FIG. 1 ). Host controller  700  includes a processor circuit  701  and a memory circuit  702 . Host controller  700  performs control operations in fixture  100  for testing circuit board  150 . Host controller  700  then provides a user interface  705  with relevant data related to the results of the test. 
         [0043]    Test fixture  100  may include the capability to provide feedback to host controller  700  regarding an operational failure. Thus, host controller  700  may provide test fixture  100  an appropriate command to handle the operational failure. In some embodiments, controller  700  may provide a stop command to test fixture  100 , or an emergency command such as ‘stop’ and ‘open’ top cover  120 . In some embodiments, when stop button  195  fails and the test fixture  100  also fails to provide a failure feedback to controller  700 , top cover  120  may be manually opened by an operator so that memory DIMM can be uninstalled from crane  280  or a slot  260 . In such scenario. Test fixture  100  may be configured to disengage power as soon as an operator gets a hold of a handle in top cover  120 . 
         [0044]    The test operations of fixture  100  may be the result of processor circuit  701  executing commands using data stored in memory circuit  702 . The data used by processor circuit  701  may include data provided to memory  702  by sensors  170 - 1  through  170 - n,  through host controller port  190 . In some embodiments, test operations of fixture  100  may include error conditions which, when satisfied, prompt host controller  700  to issue a stop command to disengage fixture  100  through stop button  195 . The test operations of fixture  100  may include the steps in methods  800  and  900 , described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , below. 
         [0045]      FIG. 8  shows a flow chart for a method  800  to install a memory circuit in a PCBA in a test fixture, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method  800  is performed by a test fixture such as test fixture  100 , using memory circuit  250  to test circuit board  150 . Furthermore, steps in method  800  may be performed at least partially by test fixture  100  under control of host controller  700  having processor circuit  701  executing commands provided by memory circuit  702 . 
         [0046]    In step  810  the test fixture is engaged, or powered ‘on.’ In step  820 , memory circuits are loaded into a crane of the test fixture. A crane of the test fixture may be as crane  280  in fixture  100 , described in detail above (cf.  FIG.2 ). In some embodiments, step  820  may not be necessary, as memory circuits may already be loaded into the crane. 
         [0047]    In step  830 , a sub-module of the test fixture is engaged. The sub-module may be as any of sub-modules  301 - 1 ,  301 - 2 , and  301 - 3 , described in detail above (cf.  FIG. 3 ). In step  840  a test board is loaded on a platform of the test fixture. In steps  845  and  847 , the sub-module ensures that the ‘left’ and ‘right’ slot lockers in the slot allocated to the memory circuit is in an ‘open’ position. Accordingly, step  845  may be performed by sub-module  301 - 1  using sensors  170  placed on crane  280  (cf.  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). 
         [0048]    In step  850  a memory device is placed in the circuit slots. To achieve this, in some embodiments step  850  includes moving the crane carrying the sub-module over the test board to find the proper slot. During the moving process, a piston such as piston  210  (cf.  FIG. 2 ) may be disengaged. The speed of the sub-module in step  850  may be controlled by the host controller according to timing constraints, ensuring no damage is made to the memory circuit or to the test board. For example, the speed of motion of the sub-assembly in step  850  may be controlled by using feedback provided by the sensors located in the crane and in a bottom platform of the test fixture. Step  850  may include using sensors such as sensors  170  to ensure that the edge of the memory circuit is able to slide into the slot in the proper direction, without damaging the memory circuit. In some embodiments, step  850  includes moving the memory circuit until the sensors detect alignment with the slot edge. Thus, in some embodiments step  850  includes allowing bracket  220 , cartridge  230 , and memory circuit  250  to fall into slot  260  by gravity. As bracket  220 , cartridge  230 , and memory circuit  250  fall into slot  260 , floating mechanism  310  corrects any misalignment between circuit  250  and slot  260 . 
         [0049]    Step  850  may include engaging piston  210  to move the memory circuit towards the slot. Step  850  may also include moving a lever in crane  280 , such as lever  235 . The lever actuates on an arm in the sub-module, such as arm  225 . The arm in the sub-module presses on the slot locker, which is in an open position, so as to push the memory circuit into the slot with some floating room. Once the memory circuit is securely in place, as detected by the sensors in the crane and in a bottom platform of the test fixture (cf.  FIGS. 1 and 2 ) the pressure on the slot locker may be removed. Accordingly, in some embodiments step  850  provides a force to move the memory circuit into the slot through the slot lockers. Thus, while the memory circuit is lightly moved down by the piston, the final push for the memory circuit to fit into the slot is provided by the slot lockers, through actuation of the arms in the sub-module. 
         [0050]    In step  860  the sub-module is disengaged. Step  860  may include removing the memory circuit from the slot in the test board. Accordingly, step  860  may include using the arms in the sub-module to push the slot locker into an open position. As the slot locker opens up, for example by pivoting to a side of the memory circuit, the slot locker pushes the memory circuit out of an engaging position with the test board. Thus, the sub-module applies a light and gentle force on the slot locker and it is the slot locker that disengages the memory circuit. When the memory circuit fully leaves the slot, the sub-module pulls the memory circuit clear out of the test board using the piston, a bracket and a cartridge (e.g., bracket  220  and cartridge  230 ,  FIG. 2 ). Accordingly, upon request by a user or by a program command stored in the memory circuit of the host controller, steps  830  through  860  may be performed repeatedly. 
         [0051]    In step  870  the fixture is disengaged when the procedure is completed. In some embodiments, step  870  may be performed at any time during execution of method  800 . For example, when an error is encountered during module operation, a protection mechanism may include performing step  870  to ensure the module can be fully released without damage. Activation of step  870  may be prompted at any time during method  800  by a user pushing a ‘stop’ button such as button  195  (cf.  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0052]      FIG. 9  shows a flow chart for a method  900  to test a PCBA in a test fixture, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method  900  is performed by a test fixture such as test fixture  100 , using memory circuit  250  to test circuit board  150 . Furthermore, steps in method  900  may be performed at least partially by test fixture  100  under control of host controller  700  having processor circuit  701  executing commands provided by memory circuit  702 . 
         [0053]    Steps  910 ,  920 ,  940 ,  950 ,  960 , and  970  in method  900  may be as steps  810 ,  820 ,  840 ,  850 ,  860 , and  870 , respectively, in method  800 , described in detail above (cf.  FIG. 8 ). In step  953 , power is provided to the test board loaded on the platform in step  940 . In step  955  a system test is performed on the circuit board. According to some embodiments, the test in step  955  may be a power-on-self (POS) test. In step  957  a memory test is performed. According to some embodiments, a host controller may perform step  957  while the memory circuit is still inserted onto the test board, as a checkup to ensure that the memory circuit has not been damaged. Thus, according to some embodiments, once the test board has passed the tests in step  953 , the host controller may use the test board to ensure that the memory circuit is in good condition. When the memory circuit passes the test in step  957 , the host controller may continue to use the same memory chip for further tests, as in step  953 . When the memory circuit fails the test in step  957 , the host controller may provide an alert to the user through a user interface, such as interface  705  (cf.  FIG. 7 ). The alert may include a request to replace the failed memory circuit from the specific sub-module being used in method  900 . 
         [0054]    Embodiments described above are exemplary only. One skilled in the art may recognize various alternative embodiments from those specifically disclosed. Those alternative embodiments are also intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. As similar to such, the invention is limited only by the following claims.