Intel D2732A: The 8K x 8 Static RAM for Demanding Computing Systems

In the realm of high-performance computing, where speed and reliability are non-negotiable, memory technology serves as the critical backbone. The Intel D2732A stands out as a seminal component from the era when computing power began its exponential climb. This 8K x 8 Static RAM (SRAM) was engineered specifically for demanding computing systems that required rapid access to data without the refresh overhead of dynamic RAM (DRAM).

As a static memory chip, the D2732A organized its 65,536 bits into a user-friendly 8,192-word by 8-bit configuration. This byte-wide architecture was particularly advantageous for microprocessors of the time, which operated on 8-bit data buses. It allowed for efficient data handling, enabling seamless communication between the CPU and memory. The chip's static nature meant that once data was written, it remained stable without the need for constant refreshing, thus simplifying system design and guaranteeing predictable, high-speed performance. Access times were a key metric, and the D2732A delivered swift responses, crucial for processing-intensive tasks in minicomputers, advanced instrumentation, and telecommunications infrastructure.

The D2732A was built for robustness and integration. Operating on a standard 5-volt power supply, it was compatible with the dominant TTL logic families. Its tri-state output facilitated easy connection to a common data bus, which was essential for building larger memory arrays. Housed in a durable 24-pin DIP (Dual In-line Package), it was designed for both reliability and ease of prototyping on circuit boards. Intel's commitment to quality ensured that this SRAM could withstand the rigorous operational demands of commercial and industrial applications, providing a dependable foundation for system architects.

While modern memory capacities have grown beyond imagination, the principles of speed and reliability championed by components like the D2732A remain fundamental. It represented a significant step in the evolution of memory technology, empowering the development of more powerful and complex computing systems that paved the way for the future.

ICGOODFIND: The Intel D2732A was a high-performance SRAM solution that provided critical speed and reliability for 8-bit systems, underscoring the importance of fast, static memory in the evolution of computing.

Keywords: Static RAM (SRAM), Intel D2732A, 8K x 8, High-Speed Memory, Byte-Wide Architecture