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Microcontroller Notes Week 2.1

Microcontroller Notes Week 2.1

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planetvenus012
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8 views

Microcontroller Notes Week 2.1

Microcontroller Notes Week 2.1

Uploaded by

planetvenus012
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Memory Types

Volatile. This is memory that only works as long as it is powered. It loses its stored value
when power is removed, but can be used as memory for temporary data storage. Generally,
this type of memory uses simple semiconductor technology and is easier to write to from an
electrical point of view. For historical reasons it has commonly been called RAM (Random
Access Memory). As lightly more descriptive name is simply ‘data memory’.

Non-volatile. This is memory that retains its stored value even when power is removed. On a
desktop computer this function is achieved primarily by the hard disk, a huge non-volatile
store of data. In an embedded system it is achieved using non-volatile semiconductor
memory. Generally, this type of memory has been more difficult to write to electrically, for
example in terms of time or power taken, or complexity of the writing process. Non-volatile
memory is used for holding the computer program and for historical reasons has commonly
been called ROM (Read-Only Memory). A more descriptive name is ‘program memory’.

Types of RAM

Static RAM (SRAM)


Each memory cell is designed as a simple flip-flop, using two back-to-back transistor pairs.
Two further transistors allow the cell to connect into the main array. Data is held only as long
as power is supplied. Hence the SRAM technology is volatile. With each cell taking six
transistors, SRAM is not dense. However, if made from CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide
Semiconductor) it can be made to consume very little power and can retain its data down to a
low voltage (around 2 V). It has thus been a popular technology in battery-powered systems.
SRAM is mainly used for data memory (RAM) in a microcontroller.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)


These store the information in capacitors, which are small components that store an electrical
charge in the form of static electricity. They are called ‘dynamic’ owing to one of its
drawbacks. In use, the electricity stored in each capacitor leaks away because of the imperfect
insulation. So, after a little while the charge has to be replaced otherwise the DRAM will be
empty and all the stored information will be lost. This replacing is called ‘refreshing’ and has
to be performed at intervals of about 2 ms by a DRAM control circuit. To prevent any
interference with the operation of the microprocessor system, the refreshing is done in the
background whenever the DRAM is not being used.
Once the static charge is stored, no further current is required (except for refreshing),
therefore less heat is being generated internally and we can pack more memory into a given
space. We say it has a high packing density.

Types of ROM
Masked ROM
A masked ROM is manufactured to our specification and cannot be changed. We must be
very sure that the information is correct before it is made. The initial cost is necessarily high
due to the expense of the tooling required. It is only worthwhile if at least a few thousand
identical chips are required.

Programmable ROM (PROM)


This chip is supplied with all the data held at zero by means of small internal fuses. When one
of the fuses is blown, the associated bit changes from 0 to 1. To blow the fuses a piece of
programming equipment is needed. This equipment can be purchased quite cheaply if only
one PROM is to be programmed at a time. If a larger throughput is needed then this will
inevitably increase the cost of the equipment. Once the fuse is blown, it cannot be repaired so
if you make a mistake, the chip is wasted.

The ROM is useful for low volume production because the initial costs are much lower than
the masked ROM but you do have to program them yourself.

Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM)


As the name would suggest, this chip allows us to program it, then change our mind and try
again. To erase the data there are two methods – ultraviolet light or electrical voltage pulses.
EPROMs are ideal for prototyping since it is so easy to change the data to make
modifications.
The UVEPROM
The chip is bombarded with ultraviolet light via a transparent window on the chip. A specially
constructed EPROM eraser provides the light. We pop the chip in, close the lid and switch on
the timer. After a few minutes, the data is erased. When erased, all the data output is set to 1.
We then put the chip into an EPROM programmer, usually the same piece of gear that was
used to program the PROM. We can feed in the new data and within a couple of minutes, we
have finished the process.

They can be erased and reprogrammed about 700 times before they become increasingly
reluctant to erase and their life is over. Once programmed, the data is safe for about seven
years. For long term storage, it is best to reload them or, better still, use a masked ROM if
available.

Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM/E2PROM)


This chip uses electrical voltage pulses as inputs to clear the previous data and is then
reprogrammed in the same way as the UVEPROM. It has the added advantage that individual
parts of the data can be reprogrammed without deleting everything first as is the case with the
ultraviolet version.

The reprogramming can be done while installed in the microprocessor-based system. It does
not need a separate programmer. Their disadvantage is that they are slow to program and have
a limited number of reprogramming cycles.

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