On a RAM device, to which control pin does the external address decoder connect to indicate that a particular memory chip is selected for access?

Introduction / Context:
In systems with multiple memory chips, an address decoder asserts a unique select signal so that only one chip responds to a given address range. Understanding which pin receives this selection is fundamental to building reliable memory interfaces.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Standard asynchronous SRAM/DRAM-like pin naming is assumed.
• Decoder outputs one of many mutually exclusive select lines.
• The selected chip must drive or accept data; the others must remain inactive.

Concept / Approach:
The chip enable (CE) or chip select (CS) pin tells a specific memory chip that it is being addressed. OE controls the direction/enable of the data outputs (for reads), while WE controls writing. Address inputs carry address bits to all chips in parallel, but only the chip with CE/CS asserted is allowed to respond.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Decoder examines high-order address lines.It asserts one CE/CS line corresponding to the target address block.The selected chip is enabled for read/write per OE/WE status; others ignore the cycle.Therefore, the decoder connects to CE/CS.

Verification / Alternative check:
Typical memory timing diagrams show CE/CS gating the device’s internal access, with OE and WE further qualifying read versus write behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Address input: all chips receive addresses in parallel; not the selection pin.OE and WE: control read/write direction and timing but do not select which chip is active.Data input: carries data, not selection.

Common Pitfalls:
Leaving CE permanently enabled on multiple chips leads to bus contention; always decode CE/CS uniquely for each device region.

Final Answer:
Chip enable (CE) / Chip select (CS)