RAM Architecture
Question: Draw the internal organization of a 64x4 RAM and discuss data
read write operation in it.
Answer:
Write Operation: To write any data in a location of memory, at first the input
buffer is enabled (E) by CS=1 and R/W=0. Then, the address of the specified
location is determined by decoding the address lines (A0 to A5). Finally, a
group of 4 bits data is sent through input data lines (I0 to I3) and written in the
specified memory location via input buffer.
Read Operation: To read any data in a location of memory, at first the output
buffer is enabled (E) by CS=1 and R/W=1. Then, the address of the specified
location is determined by decoding the address lines (A0 to A5). Finally, a
group of 4 bits data is sent from the specified memory location to the output
data lines (O0 to O3) via output buffer.
Memory Access Time: Unlike a Sequential Access Memory (SAM, such as
HD, CD, DVD etc.), memory access time (data read/write operation time,
generally a read operation) in a RAM is not location dependent. That is,
equal for all location.
Memory Cell => Flip-Flop (FF) => store 1 bit data (for SRAM)
Memory Cell => Charged Capacitor => store 1 bit data (for DRAM)
Memory Word => Register => group of FFs or Charged Capacitor
(may be 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 bits long)
Flip Flop (FFs) : Cross Coupled NAND gate or NOR gate.
Question: Write the difference between SRAM and DRAM.
Answer:
SRAM DRAM
1. Faster RAM. 1. Slower RAM.
2. Each SRAM cell contains 2. Each DRAM cell contains 1
6 transistors. transistor and 1 capacitor.
3. Data density is low. 3. Data density is high.
4. No refreshing is needed. 4. Refreshing is needed.
5. More Expensive. 5. Less expensive.
DRAM Cell
Fig. DRAM Cell Structure
ROM
ROM is a primary memory used to store some embedded data and instruction for Input-Output
operation and other important operations. Unlike RAM, in a ROM data can only be read but not
write. Although in programmable ROM data can write but it is a complex operation. Processor can
direct access in ROM and executes its internal instructions.
BIOS: The full meaning of BIOS is Basic Input Output System. A BIOS is stored inside MROM.
The instructions of a BIOS are executed by the processor and a POST (Power On Self Test)
procedure is taken place for checking whether the input-output devices are in active status or not.
Types of ROM
MROM: This ROM maintains the basic characteristics of ROM. It is non-programmable (non-
writeable) ROM.
PROM: It is a one-time writeable (Programmable) but many-times readable ROM.
EPROM: It is a many-times writeable (Programmable) and many-times readable ROM. The
programming and erasing is done using UV light.
EEPROM: It is a many-times writeable (Programmable) and many-times readable ROM. The
programming is done using electricity.