Memory Chips
November 11, 1998

• Random access memory (RAM) is used for storing a large number of bits.
• RAM is made up of storage elements similar to the D-flipflops we discussed.
• Principally, each storage element has a unique number or address represented in binary form.
• When the address of the storage element is provided to the RAM chip, the corresponding memory element can be written to or read from.
• We will consider the following questions:
  • What is the physical structure of RAM chips?
  • How are addresses used to select a particular storage element?
  • What do individual storage elements look like?
  • How is reading and writing distinguished?