DR.N.G.P.INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (An Autonomous Institution) Approved by AICTE , New Delhi and affiliated to Anna University , Chennai Recognised by NAAC with A++Grade and Accrediated by NBA(BME,CSE,ECE,EEE,MECH) MEMORY DEVICES 22UIT202-DIGITAL PRINCIPLES AND SYSTEM DESIGN BY MEGANATH N
Memories are made up of registers. Each register in the memory is one storage location also called memory location. Each memory location is identified by an address. The number of storage locations can vary from a few in some memories to hundreds of thousand in others. Each location can accommodate one or more bits. Generally, the total number of bits that a memory can store is its capacity. Most of the types the capacity is specified in terms of bytes (group of eight bits). BASIC MEMORY ELEMENTS
Each register consists of storage elements (flip-flops capacitors in semiconductor memories and magnetic domain in magnetic storage), each of which stores one bit of data. A storage element is called a cell. The data stored in a memory by a process called writing and are retrieved from the memory by a process called reading. A memory unit stores binary information in groups of bits called words. A word having group of 8-bits is called a byte. Most computer memories use words that are multiples of eight bits in length. Thus, a 16-bit word contains two bytes, and a 32-bit word is made of 4-bytes BASIC MEMORY ELEMENTS
The communication between a memory and its environment is achieved through data lines, address selection lines, and control lines that specify the direction of transfer. data lines provide the information to be stored in memory. k address lines specify the particular word chosen among the many available. The two control inputs specify the direction transfer. BASIC MEMORY ELEMENTS
VOLATILE MEMORY Volatile memory is a type of memory that maintains its data only while the device is powered. If the power is interrupted for any reason, the data is lost. A few common examples include the cache, RAM of the computer, etc. NON-VOLATILE MEMORY It can hold the data even the power is turned off. A few common examples are optical storage discs, hard discs, secondary storage like ROM, flash memory, etc. CLASSIFICATION OF SEMICONDUCTOR MEMORIES
ROM is used only for performing Read operation. ROM is a non-volatile memory i.e., the information stored on the memory will not get erased even after power is turned off. That's why we have permanent programs (e.g.: Operating System programs) in ROM . Therefore, ROM is called as program memory . For ROM data lines are always output lines because it performs only Read operation. Chip Select (CS) or Memory Enable (MEN) input is used to select a ROM IC. If CS=0, n-data lines will be in a high impedance state . ROM(READ ONLY MEMORY)
P rogrammable read-only memory ( PROM ) . It is a form of digital memory where the contents can be changed once after manufacture of the device. The data is then permanent and cannot be changed. It is one type of read-only memory (ROM). It is an external programming device. T he PROM chip comes ' blank ' and can be programmed only once by a user. The PROMs are one time programmable. Once programmed, the information stored is permanent. PROM
In EPROM, we cannot erase selective information, once something gets erased the entire information is lost. The chip can be reprogrammed . EPROM is ideally suitable for products and college laboratories since this chip can be reused many times. In EPROM, it is possible to program any location at any time, either individually, sequentially, or at random. EPROM
EPROMs use MOS circuitry. 0s and 1s are stored as a packet of charge inside a buried layer of the IC chip. EPROM chips can be erased and rewritten a no. of times. Stored data in the EPROM can be erased by exposing the chip to ultraviolet light through its quartz window for 15 to 20 minutes (before erasing the data we have to remove the IC from its socket.) EPROM
EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory . EEPROM is like EPROM except that the previously programmed connections can be erased with an electrical signal instead of ultraviolet light. EEPROM is a type of non-volatile primary memory and modified version of EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). It is used as a chip in computers to store the digital data. The advantage of EEPROM over EPROM is that the device can be erased without removing it from the socket. EEPROMs are most expensive and the least dense ROMs. I ts information can be erased by using high voltage current. EEPROM
EAPROM is an acronym for Electrically Alterable Programmable Read-Only Memory. It is a non-volatile read only memory. It is a form of PROM in which the contents of selected memory locations can be changed by applying suitable electrical signals without removing the EAPROM from the printed circuit board. EAPROM
Advantages of EAPROM We can selectively program or can selectively erase EAPROM. Erasing time is 5 to 10 ms and programming time 250 µs to 1 ms for a particular location. This time is and programming time is quite low. Disadvantages of EAPROM . It is expensive. It is not available from a variety of source. It is not popular as this technology is still not matured. EAPROM
RAM is called "Random Access Memory" because through it any storage location can be accessed directly. RAM belongs to the class of volatile memory which means if the power supplied to the system goes OFF, then data stored inside the RAM will get lost, that is why RAM is generally used to store only temporary data. Hence, RAM is also known as data memory. Memory Write operation can be defined as the process of storing new information into memory. Memory Read operation can be defined as the process of transferring the stored information out of memory. A RAM is capable of performing both Read and Write operations that is why it is also called Read/Write Integrated RAM chips are available in two form: SRAM(Static RAM) DRAM(Dynamic RAM) RAM(RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY)
The SRAM memories consist of circuits capable of retaining the stored information as long as the power is applied. That means this type of memory requires constant power. SRAM memories are used to build Cache Memory . SRAM(Static RAM)
For Read operation , the word line is activated by the address input to the address decoder. The activated word line closes both the transistors (switches) T1 and T2. Then the bit values at points A and B can transmit to their respective bit lines. The sense/write circuit at the end of the bit lines sends the output to the processor. For Write operation , the address provided to the decoder activates the word line to close both the switches. Then the bit value that is to be written into the cell is provided through the sense/write circuit and the signals in bit lines are then stored in the cell. SRAM(Static RAM)
It stores the binary information in the form of electric charges applied to capacitors. The stored information on the capacitors tends to lose over a period of time and thus the capacitors must be periodically recharged to retain their usage. DRAM requires refresh time. The main memory is generally made up of DRAM chips. DRAM(Dynamic RAM)