CPEN115 – Computer System Architecture

256x16 SRAM Design

Submitted by:
Glenn L. Sampayan
BSCpE 5-1 | 201314473

Submitted to:
Ms. Sheryl D. Fenol
 INTRODUCTION

MATLAB is a high-performance language for technical computing. It

integrates computation, visualization, and programming in an easy-to-use

environment where problems and solutions are expressed in familiar

mathematical notation. Typical uses include: Math and computation, Algorithm

development, Modeling, simulation, and prototyping Data analysis, exploration,

and visualization, Scientific and engineering graphics, and Application

development, including Graphical User Interface building.

Simulink, an add-on product to MATLAB, provides an interactive, graphical

environment for modeling, simulating, and analyzing of dynamic systems. It

enables rapid construction of virtual prototypes to explore design concepts at

any level of detail with minimal effort. For modeling, Simulink provides a graphical

user interface (GUI) for building models as block diagrams. It includes a

comprehensive library of predefined blocks to be used to construct graphical

models of systems using drag-and-drop mouse operations. The user is able to

produce an “up-and-running” model that would otherwise require hours to build

in the laboratory environment. It supports linear and nonlinear systems, modeled

in continuous-time, sampled time, or hybrid of the two. The interactive nature of

Simulink encourages users to experiment by changing parameters and

immediately see results. It is also integrated with MATLAB and data can be easily

shared between the programs.

SRAM (static RAM) is random-access memory (RAM) that retains data bits

in its memory as long as power is being supplied. Unlike dynamic RAM (DRAM),

which stores bits in cells consisting of a capacitor and a transistor, SRAM does not

have to be periodically refreshed. Static RAM provides faster access to data and

is more expensive than DRAM. SRAM is used for a computer's cache memory and

as part of the random-access memory digital-to-analog converter on a video

card.

Result and Discussion

A 32x16 SRAM module, as shown in Figure 1, was used to construct the

256x16 SRAM. The module consists of 0-15 data lines, 0-4 address lines, clock, and

1-16 output lines. The address lines were determined using the formula 𝟐𝒏 × 𝒎,

where: ‘𝒏’ addressable locations and ‘𝒎’ data lines. Eight (8) modules were

aligned vertically as shown in Figure 2 to construct the desired SRAM. Sixteen (16)

OR gate was used and connected to the output lines of the SRAM. All the number

‘0’ output lines were connected together at one OR gate. The same circuit was

done to the other output lines.

Figure 1. The 32x16 SRAM module
 Figure 2. The 256x16 SRAM internal structure.

As a result, the SRAM stores retains data bits in its memory as long as power

is being supplied. Let say the input logic is “1”, when the clock activates (means

the clock is at high state – “1”) the SRAM retains the data bit. Otherwise, it will not

retain whether the input logics are “0” or ”1”. The clock has a vital role during the

storing process as well as data bit processing.

 Figure 3. The result. The red line is the clock.

Recommendation

Thorough research and experiment is recommended for those who have

the desire to customize a RAM. Having knowledge on how the memory works

gives an edge than those who has little knowledge about the RAM matters.

Knowing how to circuit works inside will give a vivid picture of what hardware

components are to be used. The use of a higher version of Matlab and Simulink
for doing a custom design RAM will make the process easier and smoother. The

program eats much graphics memory as well as RAM. The researcher

recommends the use of high computer system specifications such as RAM, GPU,

processors, and etc.

Conclusion

Moderate skills of MATLAB were acquired after the designing of the SRAM

using the program. Challenges were faced and overcome through trial and error

and working with other students facing the same issues. MATLAB has several great

features that very few programming languages have: readable, comprehensive

and accessible documentation.