This course provides device and circuit technologies for memory systems that play an essential role for logic systems such as microprocessors, system-on-chip (SOC) devices, field-programmed gate array (FPGA) devices, and microcontrollers. Firstly, requirements and organizations of hierarchical memory systems, circuit technologies of memory subsystems, and introduction of various memories are lectured. Secondly, fundamentals of CMOS devices and circuits are briefly reviewed, and then operating principles of bistable circuits are learned as a basis of CMOS-based memories. Thirdly, details of various flip-flops and SRAM cells are comprehended with their applications of registers, register files, and caches. Architectures for high speed, low-power, and stable operations for these memories are also discussed. Fourthly, device and circuit technologies of large capacity memory, that is, DRAM, is provided. Finally, practically used nonvolatile memories, i.e., Flash and FeRAM, and emerging nonvolatile memories, such as, MRAM, ReRAM, and PRAM, are discussed with new applications of nonvolatile memories for logic systems.
Through the course, the students will be able to
1) understand concept and organization of memory hierarchy for logic systems.
2) comprehend operating principles, microarchitectures, performance, and applications of CMOS-based bistable memories (latch, flip-flop, and SRAM).
3) comprehend operating principles, microarchitectures, performance, and applications of nonvolatile memories (Flash, FeRAM, MRAM, ReRAM, and PRAM).
memory hierarchy, resister, resister file, cache, bistable circut, latch, flip-flop, SRAM, DRAM, EPRAM, EEPROM, Flash, FeRAM, MRAM, ReRAM, PRAM
✔ Specialist skills | Intercultural skills | Communication skills | Critical thinking skills | ✔ Practical and/or problem-solving skills |
Exercises will be carried out during the classes to help an understanding of the lectures
Course schedule | Required learning | |
---|---|---|
Class 1 | memory systems and their organization | Memory hierarchy, organization of memory systems, introduction of various memories |
Class 2 | fundamentals of CMOS devices and circuits | Modeling of CMOS devices, CMOS inverter, transfer gates, and advanced CMOS devices |
Class 3 | bistable circuit and flip-flop | Operating principles, performance, and applications of flip-flop |
Class 4 | SRAM | Operating principles, microarchitectures, performance, and applications of SRAM |
Class 5 | DRAM | Operating principles, architectures, and performance of DRAM |
Class 6 | ROM and Flash | Operating principles, architectures, performance, and applications of EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memry. |
Class 7 | MRAM and FeRAM | Fundamentals of Magnetic and ferroelectric materials. Operating principles, architectures, performance, and applications of MRAM and FeRAM |
Class 8 | Emerging nonvolatile memories and new applications of nonvolatile memories for logic systems | Microcontroller, FPGA , and lower system applications of emerging nonvolatile memories. |
None specified
Course materials will be provided
Evaluation will be based on the term-end examination.
None in particular