Read cycle conditions for a typical RAM: A RAM places stored data on its outputs whenever Chip Select (CS) is active and Write Enable (WE) is inactive (read mode). Evaluate this statement.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Understanding RAM control pins is crucial for timing diagrams, bus arbitration, and glue logic. In most SRAMs and DRAMs (after row/column addressing for DRAM), a read is recognized when the chip is selected and write is not requested, causing data to appear on the output drivers subject to output-enable gating.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Conventional active-low control pins: CS (or CE), WE, and OE.
  • During read: CS asserted, WE deasserted; OE typically asserted to enable the output buffers.
  • Timing meets setup/hold and access-time constraints.


Concept / Approach:
For parallel SRAM: read cycle occurs when CS is active and WE is inactive; OE controls whether outputs drive the bus (tri-state when OE is inactive). For DRAM, after valid RAS/CAS sequences select the cell, read data is driven when write is not active. Hence, the simplified description is accurate for “placing data on outputs,” implicitly assuming OE is active as needed.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Assert chip select → device participates in the bus cycle.Keep WE inactive → operation is read, not write.Enable outputs via OE (often active-low) → data lines drive the stored value.


Verification / Alternative check:
Typical SRAM timing tables label tACC and tOE for access and output enable; both conditions are required for valid data appearance. DRAM read timing uses RAS/CAS with WE high (inactive) to produce data at Q/DQ pins.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Incorrect / DRAM-only / inverted logic: Misstate standard control-signal roles.“OE must also be active” is a nuance; many datasheets separate address access and output enable timing. The stem’s intent focuses on CS/WE; with OE considered, the statement remains operationally correct.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that outputs may be tri-stated when OE is inactive, even though a read cycle is in progress.


Final Answer:
Correct

More Questions from Memory and Storage

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion