DRAM Memory — Basic Operation

Figure 1 shows the basic operation of a DRAM Memory.

Fig 1. DRAM Memory

A read operation of DRAM memory proceeds as follows.

1. Send row address
2. Decode row address
3. Activate, amplify and store the row (This is a requirement for burst access mode)
4. Send column address
5. Decode column address
6. Select and output only the required column entry

Who sends row and column addresses?

Memory controller on request of CPU.