Minneskontroller

Minneskontroller, or memory controller, is the component that mediates data transfer between a computer processor and memory. It translates CPU memory requests into DRAM commands, coordinates timing, and ensures correct addressing, refresh, and data integrity. In modern systems the memory controller is typically integrated into the CPU or system-on-a-chip, rather than as a separate chipset component.

Core responsibilities include managing memory channels (such as dual- or quad-channel configurations), mapping addresses to specific DIMMs, handling ranks, and issuing DRAM commands (activate, read, write, precharge) while observing timing constraints and periodic refresh. It also handles error detection and correction when ECC memory is used, provides parity protection where available, and implements power-management features.

Architecture and evolution: Historically, the memory controller resided in the motherboard chipset. Since the mid-2000s, many CPUs include an on-die memory controller, reducing latency and increasing bandwidth. Some specialized systems—servers, high-end GPUs, and certain storage-oriented devices—may use additional or separate memory controllers for different memory technologies or interfaces.

Memory types and interfaces: The controller supports various dynamic RAM types, notably SDRAM generations such as DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5, with differences in signaling, voltage, and timing. It negotiates memory speed and timings, handles voltage and timing constraints, and coordinates with memory modules (DIMMs) across channels and ranks to deliver data to the processor.

Overall, the memory controller is a central element in modern computer architecture, shaping memory performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.