Computer Buses

The address line carries memory addresses from the CPU to memory or other devices, pinpointing where data should be retrieved or stored.

• RAM contains thousands storage spaces, which we call memory locations. Each such memory location contains a byte of data (8 bits) and has its own address, which is a number that represents its relative location inside main memory and lets the CPU quick find and access that piece of data/variable.

Unlike the data line, the address line generally travels in one direction, from the CPU to the memory or device.

The width of the address line dictates the maximum addressable memory space; for example, a 32-bit address line can address up to 4 GB of memory. A larger address line allows the system to access a larger memory range, which is vital in modern computing.

By isolating address information on a dedicated bus, the system optimizes data transfer and memory management.