The Mitsubishi M5K4164AL-15 is a 65,536-bit (64K) Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) chip. It is organized as 64K x 1 bit. This DRAM chip was commonly used in various electronic devices during the 1980s and early 1990s for temporary data storage due to its relatively high density and speed compared to static RAM (SRAM) at the time.

Applications

• Personal Computers: Used as main memory in early personal computers, such as the IBM PC and compatibles.
• Video Game Consoles: Employed as video RAM (VRAM) or main memory in consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Sega Master System.
• Printers: Utilized as buffer memory in dot-matrix printers and laser printers to store print data before output.
• Industrial Control Systems: Integrated into industrial control equipment for temporary storage of process data.
• Test and Measurement Equipment: Used in oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other test instruments for data acquisition and storage.

Features

• 64K x 1-bit Organization: Provides a storage capacity of 65,536 bits, arranged as a single bit per address location.
• Fast Access Time: Features an access time of 150 nanoseconds (ns), enabling quick data retrieval.
• Low Power Consumption: Consumes relatively low power compared to other memory technologies of the time.
• TTL Compatibility: Compatible with Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL) voltage levels for easy interfacing with other digital circuits.
• Refresh Requirement: Requires periodic refresh cycles to maintain data integrity due to the dynamic nature of DRAM.

Benefits

• High Density: Offers a relatively high storage capacity in a small physical package.
• Cost-Effective: Provides a cost-effective solution for temporary data storage compared to SRAM.
• Fast Access: Enables quick data retrieval for improved system performance.
• Wide Availability: Widely available during its production period, making it easy to source for various applications.

Additional Details

The M5K4164AL-15 typically operates with a +5V power supply. It uses multiplexed address lines to reduce the number of pins required on the chip. The refresh cycle is usually implemented by cycling through all the row addresses within a specified time period. Proper refresh timing is crucial to prevent data loss. The chip is housed in a standard DIP (Dual In-line Package) for easy insertion into circuit boards. While now obsolete, the M5K4164AL-15 represents a significant milestone in the development of memory technology and played a crucial role in the advancement of computing in its era.