ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the reader to the analysis and design of analog and digital Molecular Integrated Circuits (MICs). The M devices can be used to implement static and dynamic random access memory (RAM) as well as programmable and alterable read-only memory (ROM). RAM is the read-write memory in which each individual memory primitive can be addressed at any time, while ROM is commonly used to store instructions of an operating system. Memory hierarchies ensure decreased latency and reduced bandwidth requirements, whereas parallel memories provide higher bandwidth. A variety of techniques employing either hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software must be employed to ensure that most references to memory are fed by the faster memory. The memory controller handles the operation of the complex parallel memory. The controller holds the request if the bank is busy, submitting it when the bank becomes available to accept the request.
