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Chapter 13. Memory Devices and Systems. Memory Basics. Memory is used to store data or instructions for a m icro p rocessor u nit (MPU) system. The stored data is organized in an array of bits. Bits are stored in locations called addresses. Memory Types.
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Chapter 13 Memory Devices and Systems
Memory Basics • Memory is used to store data or instructions for a microprocessor unit (MPU) system. • The stored data is organized in an array of bits. • Bits are stored in locations called addresses.
Memory Types • RAM (random access or Read/Write memory): Memory that can be written to or read from in a random order (addresses). • ROM (read only memory): Memory that can only be read from in a random order. • Sequential Memory: Memory that can be written to or read from but only in a sequential order (addresses).
Memory Register – 1 • Simplest memory element is a D-type flip-flop or latch. • An octal latch can be used to store a byte of data.
Memory Register – 2 • When WRITEn (EN) goes low, then high, the data on DATA_IN [7..0] is latched into the register. • When READ is set to a 1, the latch data output is enabled to DATA_OUT. • When READ = 0, the DATA_OUT lines are tristated.
Memory 4 x 8 (Write) – 1 • Uses four octal latches to store 4 bytes of data at different addresses (see Figure 13.5 in textbook). • Instantiated as megafunctions based on the LPM_LATCH. • 8-bit tristate output instance of the LPM_BUSTRI component.
Memory 4 x 8 (Write) – 2 • A 2-to-4 decoder is used to select the Latch (1 of 4) based on the address input on ADDR[0..1]. • The input data (to be written) is placed on dat_in[0:7] and the address of the byte on ADDR[0..1].
Memory 4 x 8 (Write) – 3 • The WRITE signal is pulsed low to select 1 of the 4 bytes and write the data to that register. • None of the other registers has data written into them.
Memory 4 x 8 (Read) – 1 • Data from each latch is output to the inputs of an octal (8-bit) 4-to-1 multiplexer. • The address inputs are applied to the MUX select lines (ADDR[0..1]) to select 1 of the 4 data input bytes and transfer it to the MUX output.
Memory 4 x 8 (Read) – 2 • The data is then read by READ = 1 to enable the tristate drivers and place the byte on dataout. • Again the data from one and only one address is read at a time. • If two or more were read simultaneously, there would be bus contention.
Memory Capacity • Memory size is specified by the address and data size such as 4 (addresses) x 8 (data). • A 4 x 8 memory block stores 32 bits or 4 bytes with 1 byte = 8 bits. • Large memory devices use the designators K (kilobits = 1024 bits), M (mega = 1048576 bits), or G (giga = 1073741824).
Address Lines – 1 • A memory device of 8K x 8 (8 kilobits) would require 13 address lines to address all locations in the device (213 = 8192 = 8 x 1024). • The address of the first byte (13 bits of data) is = 0 0000 0000 0000, the second byte is at = 0 0000 0000 0001, and so on with the last byte at address 8191 = 1 1111 1111 1111.
Address Lines – 2 • A memory device covers a range of addresses such as 0000H to 1FFFH (given in HEX) for the 8K device. • All memory devices require address lines to point to a location in the memory array.
Memory Control Lines – 1 • Memory devices require data lines (depends on organization of arrays (bit, nibble, byte)) and address lines (depends on size of array). • Memory devices also require some control lines to define the read or write processes.
Memory Control Lines – 2 • All memory devices have one (or more) enable inputs such as chip enable (CE) or chip select (CS). • The CS/CE line is used to enable the memory to allow read or write data transfers. (Usually Active Low ). • When it is a 1, the device cannot be accessed.
Memory Control Lines – 3 • RAM memory devices have a write (W or WE) signal to allow data to be written TO memory (if CS is active). • All memory devices have a read (G or OE) signal to allow data to be read FROM memory (if CS is active). • Some SRAM devices have a R/W signal, does both.
RAM Definitions – 1 • Volatile: A memory is volatile if its stored data is lost when electrical power is lost. • Static Ram (SRAM): Consists of arrays of memory cells that are flip-flops. Data is stored in a cell indefinitely until power is turned off.
RAM Definitions – 2 • Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Consists of arrays of memory cells that are capacitors. The data is stored as a charged or discharged state on the capacitor. • The capacitor can only hold the charge for a short time (ms), and then it needs to be refreshed.
SRAM/DRAM Comparison • DRAMs have larger memory capacity. A single DRAM = 256 MB, a DRAM Module = 1 GB (for gigabyte). • DRAMs consume less board area. • DRAMs require refreshing and multiplexed addresses. • SRAMs have faster access times.
SRAM Memory Cell – 1 • Three basic SRAM cell technologies are bipolar, NMOS, and CMOS. • All three types use cross-coupled transistors to make up the basic flip-flop storage cell.
SRAM Memory Cell – 5 • In the basic NMOS cell, Q1 and Q2 are always biased to act as a Load Resistor for Q3 and Q4. • The Data in a cell can be read by setting ROW_SELECT = 1 to turn on Pass Transistors Q5, Q6. • The Data from cell is then “passed” to the BIT Line and Line.
SRAM Memory Cell – 6 • To store a ‘0’, place a 0 on the bit line and set ROW_SELECT = 1. • This turns on the Pass Transistors (Q5, Q6) to place a 0 to Q4 (it is off). • Q3 is then ON to store the 0. • A ‘1’ can be stored in a similar fashion.
SRAM Array Design – 1 • The cells are placed in a 512 row by 8192 column array. • The address buffer splits the address inputs (A0–A18) for the column and row decoders.
SRAM Array Design – 3 • Columns are divided into groups of 8 bits (for a 1-byte output) for each read or write operation. • The data in or out is provided on the 8-bit data bus on the array.
DRAM Cells – 1 • Basic cell is a MOS capacitor (to store charge) and a pass transistor. • Capacitor charge will “leak” and needs to be refreshed every 8 to 64 ms (depends on the size of the array). • Adds more complexity to read/write cycles to allow refreshing.
DRAM Cells – 3 • Memory cells have fewer components than a SRAM device. • This accounts for the higher densities possible than with SRAM.
DRAM Arrays – 1 • Most DRAM devices are bit organized (a single bidirectional data pin) instead of word (usually a group of 8 data pins) in SRAM. • DRAMs use a multiplexed row and column address inputs to the array to save on pin count on the IC.
DRAM Arrays – 2 • The multiplexed row and column address inputs must be demultiplexed to send to separate row and column decoders for the array. • Two negative edge trigger controls are used to latch addresses to the R/C buffers.
CAS/RAS Timing • Refer to Figure 13.15 in the textbook. • First the row address (usually lower order address lines) are input and loaded by the low pulse on RAS. • Then the column addresses are input and loaded by a low pulse on CAS.
ROM Basics • ROM is nonvolatile memory and it is used to store firmware such as a PC operating system (the BIOS). • Stores data that executes tasks that do not change such as a “Bootstrap” program for an MPU.
ROM Array – 1 • First type of ROM is called a MASK ROM, because the data is stored permanently during the ROM manufacturing (or fabrication). • A logic 0 is stored by connecting the drain of the MOSFET to the column line. • MASK ROM now replaced by FLASH memory.
ROM Array – 3 • A logic 1 is stored as an open connection, it just floats to a 1. • The Row and Column Select Lines are used to read data through the Sense Amplifier.
EPROM Basics • Erasable Programmable ROM: A ROM that can be programmed (“burned”) by the user and erased later by exposing it to UV light. • It is nonvolatile and reprogrammable. • The basic structure of the EPROM cell is based on the FAMOS FET.
EPROM Programming – 1 • The FAMOS FET is a floating gate avalanche MOSFET Gate. • An unprogrammed FAMOS cell has a low threshold, so the transistor is turned ON to store a logic 1. • The cell is programmed by a high energy (12 V to 25 V) pulse on the row select to raise threshold for a logic 0.
EPROM Programming – 2 • The actual programming involves writing a logic 0 to cells and leaving the others unprogrammed (logic 1). • Erasing is done by exposure to UV light for 20 to 45 minutes. • This sets all cells to the unprogrammed state (logic 1) by releasing electrons trapped in the floating gate.
Applications • EPROMs can be used for logic tables and LUT for logic designs. • Figure 13.18 in the textbook shows how to use an EPROM with a Digital-to- Analog Converter (DAC) to store waveform data such as sine, ramp, or triangle.