The GATE Grind

GATE 2021 EC – Question 22

Digital Circuits · Semiconductor Memories · 1 mark · Multiple choice

Addressing of a $32\text{K}\times16$ memory is realized using a single decoder. The minimum number of AND gates required for the decoder is

  1. $2^8$
  2. $2^{32}$
  3. $2^{15}$
  4. $2^{19}$

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) $2^{15}$

Explanation

$32\text{K}=2^{15}$ locations need a 15-bit address. A single decoder has $2^{15}$ outputs, each produced by one AND gate, so $2^{15}$ AND gates are needed.