Memory Interface

Memory Devices
Memory unit:
a collection of cells capable of storing a large quantity of
binary information and
• to which binary information is transferred for storage
• from which information is available when needed for processing
together with associated circuits needed to transfer
information in and out of the device
• write operation: storing new information into memory
• read operation: transferring the stored information out of the memory
Two major types
RAM (Random-access memory): Read + Write
• accept new information for storage to be available later for use
ROM (Read-only memory): perform only read operation

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Types of Memories
 Random vs. sequential
– Random-Access Memory: each word is accessible separately
• equal access time
– Sequential-Access Memory: information stored is not immediately
accessible but only at certain intervals of time
• magnetic disk or tape
• access time is variable
Static vs. dynamic
– SRAM: consists essentially of internal latches and remains
valid as long as power is applied to the unit
– DRAM: in the form of electric charges on capacitors which
are provided inside the chip by MOS transistors

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Volatile vs. non-volatile
– volatile: stored information is lost when power is turned off
– Non-volatile: remains even after power is turned off
• magnetic disk, flash memory

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Address Decoding
•Decoding: addressing the right memory
– access/select the right memory location
3-to-8 Line Decoder (74LS138)

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64K X 8
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Separate Bank
Decoders:
- Use of separate bank decoders is often the least
effective
way to decode memory address.

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Separate Bank Write Strobes:

• for selection separate write strobe for each bank

• only one decoder is used to select 16 bit word memory

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80386DX & 80486 ( 32 Bit)
• contain four 8-bit banks, each bank has 1GB of memory

• Bank selection accomplished by the bank selection signals

• for 16 bit 2 banks will be considered & for 32 bit all banks are
considered.
• requires PLD decoders instead of Integrated decoders

Bank write signals:

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FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFE

00000007 00000006
00000003 00000002
D31 D24 D23 D16

FFFFFFFD FFFFFFFC

00000005 00000004
00000001 00000000
D15 D8 D7 D0
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Pentium thru Pentium 4 ( 64 Bit)
• requires either 8 separate decoders or 8 separate write signals
Bank write signal:

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FFFFFFFF FFFFFFFE

0000000F 0000000E
00000007 00000006
D63 D56 D55 D48

FFFFFFFD FFFFFFFC

0000000D 0000000C
00000005 00000004
D47 D40 D39 D32
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FFFFFFFB FFFFFFFA

0000000B 0000000A
00000003 00000002
D31 D24 D23 D16

FFFFFFF9 FFFFFFF8

00000009 00000008
00000001 D15 D8 00000000
D7 D0
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512kb EPROM memory to Pentium – Pentium 4

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