Summary:
The Mostek MK4116 memory chip, popular in the late 1970s, was a revolutionary product with its 16 kilobits of storage. The chip was used in various computers and video games of the time, such as the Apple II and ZX Spectrum. To understand how the chip worked, the author reverse-engineered it and discovered that it was more complex than initially expected. The chip utilized low-power dynamic logic and advanced manufacturing processes to fit 16,384 high-density memory cells. By multiplexing the address pins, Mostek reduced the number of pins required for the chip, allowing it to fit into inexpensive 16-pin packages. The chip also employed dynamic RAM, which required constant refresh to avoid data loss. The article provides detailed insights into the structure, circuitry, and operation of the MK4116 memory chip.
https://www.righto.com/2020/11/reverse-engineering-classic-mk4116-16.html