Digital electronics concept check: “Memory devices store binary data.” Decide whether this statement is correct, considering how data is represented and retained in common digital memories (SRAM, DRAM, Flash, ROM).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Correct

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Digital systems rely on memory devices to retain information as bits. This question probes the foundational idea that mainstream digital memories represent and store data in binary form, which underpins addressing, data buses, and logic design.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The statement refers to common digital memories such as SRAM, DRAM, EEPROM/Flash, and ROM.
  • “Binary data” means two discrete logic states (commonly denoted 0 and 1).
  • We ignore emerging multi-level cells as logical storage still resolves to binary at interfaces.


Concept / Approach:
In digital electronics, data is encoded as logic 0/1. Memory cells—be they cross-coupled inverters (SRAM), charge on a capacitor (DRAM), or floating-gate charge (Flash)—store information as one of two stable states recognized by sense amplifiers. System organization (addresses, words, buses) is built on binary arithmetic and Boolean logic.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify what “store” means: hold a state reliably over time.Relate device physics (charge, latch state) to logical levels (0 or 1).Recognize that read/write operations manipulate these two states.Conclude that memory devices in digital systems store binary data.


Verification / Alternative check:
Datasheets specify VOH/VOL, VIH/VIL, noise margins, and bit-wide word organizations, all consistent with binary state storage. Even multi-level NAND Flash presents data to the controller as binary after threshold decoding.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Incorrect: Conflicts with standard digital memory operation.
  • Only correct for ROM devices: SRAM/DRAM/Flash also store bits.
  • Only correct for analog memories: Analog memories are not what mainstream digital computers use.
  • Cannot be determined: Industry practice and specifications make it clear.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing physical storage (charge magnitude) with logical representation; assuming multi-level cells are “non-binary”—they still decode to binary bits at the interface.


Final Answer:
Correct

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