What is RAS (row address strobe)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

RAS (row address strobe)

In computer memory technology, RAS (row address strobe) is a signal sent to a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that tells it that an associated address is a row address. A data bit in DRAM is stored in a cell located by the intersection of a column address and a row address. A column address strobe (CAS) signal is used to validate the column address.

RAS is also an abbreviation for "reliability, availability, and serviceability" and for registration, admission, and status.

This was last updated in July 2000

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