Solution

The correct answer is 32

Key Points

To determine the number of chips needed, we need to analyze the given memory size and the chip size, then calculate how many chips are required to construct the desired memory.

Given:

• Desired memory size: (2048 x 8) bytes
• Chip size: (128 x 4) bytes

Step-by-Step Calculation:
Determine the total memory size in bits: \(\text{Total Memory Size} = 2048 \times 8 \text{ bytes}\)

Convert bytes to bits (since each byte is 8 bits):

• \( \text{Total Memory Size in bits} = 2048 \times 8 \times 8 \text{ bits}\)
• \(\text{Total Memory Size in bits} = 2048 \times 64 \text{ bits}\)
• \(\text{Total Memory Size in bits} = 131072 \text{ bits}\)

Determine the total chip size in bits:

• \(\text{Chip Size} = 128 \times 4 \text{ bytes}\)
• \(\text{Chip Size in bits} = 128 \times 4 \times 8 \text{ bits}\)
• \(\text{Chip Size in bits} = 128 \times 32 \text{ bits}\)
• \(\text{Chip Size in bits} = 4096 \text{ bits}\)

Calculate the number of chips required:

• \(\text{Number of Chips} = \frac{\text{Total Memory Size in bits}}{\text{Chip Size in bits}}\)
• \( \text{Number of Chips} = \frac{131072 \text{ bits}}{4096 \text{ bits}}\)
• \(\text{Number of Chips} = 32\)

Therefore, the number of chips required is: 3) 32