Dr Deepak Gupta, KCCITM
Semiconductor Memory
In computing, memory refers to the physical devices used to store programs
(sequences of instructions) or data (e.g. program state information) on a temporary
or permanent basis.
The term primary memory is used for the information in physical systems which
function at high-speed (i.e. RAM), as a distinction from secondary memory, which
are physical devices for program and data storage which are slow to access but offer
higher memory capacity.
In general, a memory is an array of storage locations, Each with a unique address,
Address is unsigned-binary encoded, n address bits ⇒ 2n locations, all locations the
like a collection of registers, but with optimized implementation
same size, read as (2n × m) bit memory.
Memory Sizes
Use power-of-2 multipliers
– Kilo (K): 210 = 1,024 ≈ 103
– Mega (M): 220 = 1,048,576 ≈ 106
– Giga (G): 230 = 1,073,741,824 ≈ 109
• Example
– 32K × 32-bit memory
– Capacity = 1,025K = 1Mbit
– Requires 15 address bits
• Size is determined by application requirements
Memory cell: A memory cell is the smallest amount of information storage, holding either a 1 or 0.
Memory cells are often grouped together to form words.
Access time
Access time is one of the most important parameters of any memory component and is the
time taken to read data from a given memory location, measured from the start of a read
cycle.
Access time is made up from two parts; the time taken to locate the required memory
location and time taken for data to become available from the memory cell (i.e. valid on the
data bus).
Many semiconductor memories have identical read and write access times.
Random access
This is when a memory is configured so that the access time of any cell within it is constant and
independent of the physical location of the cell.
Dr Deepak Gupta, KCCITM
Classification of Memory
Semiconductor Memory Classification
Dr Deepak Gupta, KCCITM
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Can be written to or read from.
This is Read/Write memory.
Reading from RAM is non-destructive.
Access time to read from any memory location is the same as compared to serial access
memory.
This is Volatile means information is lost when power is removed.
RAM Types
Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)
SRAM stands for Static Random Access Memory. It is a form of a semiconductor.
It is widely used in microprocessors, general computing applications, and electronic devices.
Fast.
The data is stored statically in SRAM and it doesn't need to be refreshed unlike DRAMs.
The SRAM is a type of Random Access Memory. Random Access Memories are those from
which the data can be accessed (read/write) randomly (means any memory location can be
accessed), regardless of the memory location that was accessed earlier.
It uses flip flops to store bits. Each flip flop is made up of 4-6 transistors.
SRAM is used as cache memory for CPUs as they are faster and stores data statically.
SRAM is used as Register files in microprocessors
SRAM is used as Small amounts of memory in microcontrollers
(SRAM Cell – 6T structure)
Dr Deepak Gupta, KCCITM
(SRAM Cell)
Advantages
It is faster to access and perform operations like read & write.
The data can be accessed randomly.
It is used as a cache memory.
It doesn't need to be refreshed as it stored data statically.
It has medium power consumption. It requires less power as compared to DRAM.
Disadvantages
It is expensive.
It is volatile in nature i.e., data is lost when the memory is not powered.
It has a low storage capacity.
It is not possible to refresh the program.
It has a more complex design and they are bigger in size as well when compared to
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)
Uses a single transistor to store charge.
Requires very few transistors.
DRAM has to have its contents refreshed constantly to maintain data that means -
Must be periodically refreshed.
It is cheaper compared to other forms of memory such as SRAM.
Slower than SRAM.
Power consumption in the case of DRAM is less than the other memory type but
always greater in comparison to the case of SRAM.
DRAM is physically smaller in comparison to other alternatives.
It has short data lifetime.
DRAM used in the main memory of computers
DRAM Cell
Dr Deepak Gupta, KCCITM
Advantage of DRAM
DRAM memory can be deleted and refreshed while running the program.
It is Cheaper as compare to SRAM.
It has higher storage capacity. Hence it is used to create larger RAM space system.
It is simple in structure than SRAM.
Disadvantage of DRAM
It is comparatively slower than SRAM. Hence it takes more time for accessing data or
information.
It loses data when power is OFF.
It has higher power consumption compare to SRAM
Why is it called "Dynamic"?
By the term "Dynamic," it refers to the need for refreshing data continually.
Read Only Memory (ROM)
Can only be read from.
Memory is written (or “programmed”) once.
Reading from ROM is non-destructive.
Access time to read from any memory location is the same as compared to serial access
memory.
Non-Volatile Information is retained even after power is removed.
ROM Types
Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM) Can be “programmed”
Erasable PROM (EPROM) Can be “programmed” and erased
Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM) Can be erased using an electrical signal.
UV Erasable PROM (UVEPROM) Can be erased using Ultraviolet light.
Organization of Memory
Address: k-bit address → 2k memory locations.
Data: The binary information of interest, Stored in a specific location in the memory. Typically
organized into words, each word has n bits.
Control:
Read Indicates that the memory is to be read.
Write Indicates that the memory is to be written.
Rather than use the Read and Write signals, most commercially available RAM chips use Enable and
Read/Write'.
Enable Used to enable the selected RAM chip, also called as “chip select”.
Dr Deepak Gupta, KCCITM
Read/Write' RAM is read when Read/Write' = 1, RAM is written when Read/Write' = 0
4 x 4 RAM Structure
*****************************************************
