This is a hardware-related problem sorta

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the number and type of memory chips required for a 256k x 8 memory configuration, as well as the type of decoder needed. The context is primarily digital logic within a computer engineering framework.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks assistance in calculating the number of memory chips needed for a specific memory configuration and requests an explanation of the process.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the type of memory chips being referenced.
  • A different participant mentions the existence of a formula for determining the number of chips but expresses uncertainty about it.
  • One contributor suggests that they have not encountered a formula and questions the necessity of knowing one, implying that practical experience may be more valuable.
  • Another participant explains that various RAM configurations exist, noting that in some cases, multiple RAM chips may be needed to achieve the desired configuration, while also mentioning the availability of single-chip solutions.
  • This participant emphasizes that without specific details, the question lacks a unique answer due to the multiple ways to organize RAM for the required configuration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of formulas versus practical knowledge, and there is no consensus on the specific type of memory chips or the exact number required for the configuration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks specific details about the type of memory chips and the assumptions underlying the calculations, which may affect the conclusions drawn.

mathrocks
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In my computer engineering class I was asked to find "How many memory chips are available and how many I need for a 256k x 8 and also what kind of decoder is needed" This is more of a digital logic question but there isn't another section on this forum for those types of questions.. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And if you know how to do it please explain how you got it...
 
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mathrocks said:
In my computer engineering class I was asked to find "How many memory chips are available and how many I need for a 256k x 8 and also what kind of decoder is needed" This is more of a digital logic question but there isn't another section on this forum for those types of questions.. Any help would be greatly appreciated. And if you know how to do it please explain how you got it...
What kind of Memory chips?
 
It doesn't say..in general. There's some formula for finding out I think but I'm not sure.
 
maybe this might help...I am not sure tho, I never encountered anything like that, I just read what is written on the chip, I see no reason to know a formula to figure it out, but some schools look for stupid curriculum..
http://www.cemicro.com/We%20Buy%20and%20Sell.htm
 
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Well, there are all kinds of different RAMs. In some situations, each RAM stores one bit of each byte, so you'd have eight RAM chips, each of which has 256k storage slots, each one bit wide.

Of course, you can buy single-chip RAMs that are 256k by 8, or even by 32, very cheaply.

Without more specification, the question does not have a unique answer. There are many ways to organize one or more RAMs to form a 256k by 8 array.

- Warren
 

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