Specific DRAM pinout claim (TMS44100 4M × 1): Evaluate: “The Texas Instruments TMS44100 4M × 1 DRAM does not provide a dedicated Chip Select (CS) input.”

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Many classic DRAMs omit a dedicated Chip Select input. Instead, selection is achieved by gating the Row Address Strobe (RAS) and Column Address Strobe (CAS) signals. Recognizing such conventions prevents wiring errors and clarifies why memory controllers often generate qualified RAS/CAS rather than a separate CS line.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Device: TI TMS44100 series, organized as 4,194,304 × 1.
  • We refer to the manufacturer’s pin nomenclature.
  • Active control pins include RAS, CAS, and W (write enable), with address lines A0..A10, D (data-in), and Q (data-out).


Concept / Approach:
If the datasheet pin list omits CS, then chip enabling is handled implicitly: when RAS (and subsequently CAS) are asserted with valid addresses, the device becomes active. System designs often implement bank selection by decoding addresses to generate distinct RAS lines to each DRAM, effectively serving the role of CS.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Check pin nomenclature: A0–A10, RAS, CAS, W, D, Q, VCC, VSS, NC.Observe absence of any CS/CE pin in the pin list and top-view diagrams.Conclude that the device lacks a dedicated CS; selection is via RAS/CAS.


Verification / Alternative check:
The TMS44100 datasheet pin list shows exactly these pins and no CS input; controller logic qualifies RAS/CAS per chip to select devices. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Incorrect/package/grade/refresh-mode caveats: The absence of CS is a device-family characteristic, not dependent on package, grade, or refresh mode.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming every memory has “CS” like SRAMs or ROMs; DRAM ecosystems commonly rely on RAS/CAS gating instead.


Final Answer:
Correct

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