Large Scale DRAM Model DRAM Engineers DRAM Engineers Team: - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Large Scale DRAM Model

“DRAM Engineers” “DRAM Engineers”

Team: Abdulrahman Alqahtani, Demetria Shepherd, Colby Weber, Jinming Yang, Zeyu Zhang Client: Daniel Eichenberger, Micron’s Test Engineer/Recruiter Capstone Mentor: Ashwija Korenda, NAU graduate student Faculty Mentor: Julie Heynssens, NAU Lecturer

Client Introduction

• Our client, Daniel Eichenberger, asked us to design and build an 8X8

DRAM array (Dynamic Random Access Memory)

○ Currently, there’s no simple demonstration method.

• He would like to show the demonstration board to prospective Micron

employees at career fairs, or general engineering students.

• Also, simplify how Micron works with DRAM on a daily basis.

2

Abdulrahman

Design Overview

Our project consists of 3 main subsystems:

• GUI (Graphical User Interface)

○ A controller which takes input from user to select the desired m-bit cell.

• Microcontroller

○ This will access the desired m-bit cell for the user and perform a read or write operation.

• DRAM Array

○ The array is comprised of individual m-bit cells arranged in a 8X8 layout with an amplifier circuit which makes the data signal sent and received from the cells noticeable by the microcontroller.

Colby

3

Subsystems in Unison

• When combined, the GUI and microcontroller will interface with one another.

○ The GUI tells the microcontroller what m-bit cell to access and what operation will be performed, either a read or write. ○ The microcontroller will receive the signal from the m-bit which will then send the signal to the GUI to be displayed as the information stored on the cell.

• The microcontroller performs read, write, and refresh operations on the array.

○ The microcontroller will apply a voltage to the correct digit-lines and wordlines to access the user’s desired m-bit cell. ○ To read information, a pin from the microcontroller will be connected to the capacitor. ○ To write information, a pin will be connected to the drain side of the transistor (digitline) and a voltage signal will be applied.

Jinming

4

Possible Project Solutions

• GUIs (Graphical User Interface)

○ Processing versus MATLAB, Processing can be easily coded in java (or python) and is far more simpler that MATLAB.

• Microcontrollers

○ Raspberry Pi versus Arduino UNO, the Raspberry Pi has a larger memory and can display outputs to any monitor besides just a laptop like the Arduino.

• DRAM Array

○ Transistors ■ 2N7008 versus ZTX449, this transistor is simple and easy to use; the wordline and digitline are connected to the source and drain side, respectively. ○ Operational Amplifiers ■ TL082 versus LM741, we have tested both OpAmps and the TL082 tends to run more effectively; also our Faculty Mentor recommended this OpAmp. ○ Capacitors ■ Electrolytic versus Super, the “Super Caps” would work great for our project but are far too expensive.

Demetria

5

Project Overall Parts/Cost

• Microcontroller

○ Raspberry Pi 3 Model B

• Capacitor

○ Two-Hundred in the range of 4.7F - 2200F

• Transistors

○ Two-Hundred of the NMOS (Negative Metal Oxide Semiconductor)

• Resistors

○ One-Hundred in the range of 100Ω - 100MΩ

• One large breadboard
• Wires
• LEDs
• User Interface/GUI

Total Cost Value = $98

Zeyu

6

Conclusion

• Daniel Eichenberger from Micron Technology wants a functional 8X8 DRAM array to show to

prospective employees at career fairs.

• Our project is split into three main subsystems of the GUI, microcontroller, and array.
• Currently, the project is expected to cost around $98 which is $2 under the budget provided by our

client with a prototype in the works.

Abdulrahman

7

Thank you

Questions? Comments? Concerns? “DRAM Engineers”