Two Types of Memories

MEMORY AND PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC

PRE-REQUISITE DISCUSSION

A memory unit is a device to which binary information is transferred for storage and from which information is retrieved when needed for processing. When data processing takes place, information from memory is transferred to selected registers in the processing unit. A memory unit is a collection of cells capable of storing a large quantity of binary information.

Communication between memory and its environment is achieved through data input and output lines, address selection lines, and control lines that specify the direction of transfer.

TWO TYPES OF MEMORIES

There are two types of memories that are used in digital systems: random-access memory (RAM) and read-only memory (ROM) The process of storing new information into memory is referred to as a memory “write” operation. The process of transferring the stored information out of memory is referred to as a memory “read” operation. RAM can perform both write and read operations. ROM can perform only the read operation. This means that suitable binary information is already stored inside memory and can be retrieved or read at any time. However, that information cannot be altered by writing.

ROM is one example of a PLD. Other such units are the programmable logic array (PLA) - Programmable array logic (PAL), and the field -programmable gate array (FPGA). A PLD is an integrated circuit with internal logic gates connected through electronic paths that behave similarly to fuses.

Fig: Block diagram of a memory unit.

The n data input lines provide the information to be stored in memory and the n data output lines supply the information coming out of memory. The k address lines specify the particular word chosen among the many available. The two control inputs specify the direction of transfer desired: The Write input causes binary data to be transferred into the memory and the Read input causes binary data to be transferred out of memory.

A typical PLD may have hundreds to millions of gates interconnected through hundreds to thousands of internal paths. Instead of having multiple input lines into the gate, we draw a single line entering the gate. The input lines are drawn perpendicular to this single line and are connected to the gate through internal fuses as shown in the figure. In a similar fashion, we can draw the array logic for an AND gate.