9.3 The Key Aspects Of Memory
When an architect begins to design a memory, two key choices arise:
d Technology
d Organization
Technology refers to the properties of the underlying hardware mechanisms used to
construct the memory system. We will learn that many technologies are available, and
see examples of properties. We will also learn how basic technologies operate, and
understand when each technology is appropriate.
Organization refers to the way the underlying technology is used to form a working
system. We will see that there are many choices about how to combine individual
bits into larger units and how to address the units.
In essence, technology refers to the lowest-level pieces (i.e., individual chips), and
organization refers to how those chips are used to create meaningful storage systems.
We will see that both aspects contribute to a memory system.