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Types of RAM

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9 views3 pages

Types of RAM

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Tesfaye
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Types

The two widely used forms of modern RAM are static RAM (SRAM) and dynamic RAM
(DRAM). In SRAM, a bit of data is stored using the state of a six-transistor memory cell,
typically using six MOSFETs. This form of RAM is more expensive to produce, but is generally
faster and requires less dynamic power than DRAM. In modern computers, SRAM is often used
as cache memory for the CPU. DRAM stores a bit of data using a transistor and capacitor pair
(typically a MOSFET and MOS capacitor, respectively),[32] which together comprise a DRAM
cell. The capacitor holds a high or low charge (1 or 0, respectively), and the transistor acts as a
switch that lets the control circuitry on the chip read the capacitor's state of charge or change it.
As this form of memory is less expensive to produce than static RAM, it is the predominant form
of computer memory used in modern computers.

Both static and dynamic RAM are considered volatile, as their state is lost or reset when power is
removed from the system. By contrast, read-only memory (ROM) stores data by permanently
enabling or disabling selected transistors, such that the memory cannot be altered. Writable
variants of ROM (such as EEPROM and NOR flash) share properties of both ROM and RAM,
enabling data to persist without power and to be updated without requiring special equipment.
ECC memory (which can be either SRAM or DRAM) includes special circuitry to detect and/or
correct random faults (memory errors) in the stored data, using parity bits or error correction
codes.

In general, the term RAM refers solely to solid-state memory devices (either DRAM or SRAM),
and more specifically the main memory in most computers. In optical storage, the term DVD-
RAM is somewhat of a misnomer since, it is not random access; it behaves much like a hard disc
drive if somewhat slower. Aside, unlike CD-RW or DVD-RW, DVD-RAM does not need to be
erased before reuse.

Memory cell
Main article: Memory cell (computing)

The memory cell is the fundamental building block of computer memory. The memory cell is an
electronic circuit that stores one bit of binary information and it must be set to store a logic 1
(high voltage level) and reset to store a logic 0 (low voltage level). Its value is maintained/stored
until it is changed by the set/reset process. The value in the memory cell can be accessed by
reading it.

In SRAM, the memory cell is a type of flip-flop circuit, usually implemented using FETs. This
means that SRAM requires very low power when not being accessed, but it is expensive and has
low storage density.

A second type, DRAM, is based around a capacitor. Charging and discharging this capacitor can
store a "1" or a "0" in the cell. However, the charge in this capacitor slowly leaks away, and must
be refreshed periodically. Because of this refresh process, DRAM uses more power, but it can
achieve greater storage densities and lower unit costs compared to SRAM.

SRAM
cell (6 transistors) DRAM cell (1
transistor and one capacitor)

Addressing
To be useful, memory cells must be readable and writable. Within the RAM device, multiplexing
and demultiplexing circuitry is used to select memory cells. Typically, a RAM device has a set of

address lines , and for each combination of bits that may be applied to these lines, a set
of memory cells are activated. Due to this addressing, RAM devices virtually always have a
memory capacity that is a power of two.

Usually several memory cells share the same address. For example, a 4 bit "wide" RAM chip has
four memory cells for each address. Often the width of the memory and that of the
microprocessor are different, for a 32 bit microprocessor, eight 4 bit RAM chips would be
needed.

Often more addresses are needed than can be provided by a device. In that case, external
multiplexors to the device are used to activate the correct device that is being accessed. RAM is
often byte addressable, although it is also possible to make RAM that is word-addressable.[33][34]

Memory hierarchy
Main article: Memory hierarchy

One can read and over-write data in RAM. Many computer systems have a memory hierarchy
consisting of processor registers, on-die SRAM caches, external caches, DRAM, paging systems
and virtual memory or swap space on a hard drive. This entire pool of memory may be referred
to as "RAM" by many developers, even though the various subsystems can have very different
access times, violating the original concept behind the random access term in RAM. Even within
a hierarchy level such as DRAM, the specific row, column, bank, rank, channel, or interleave
organization of the components make the access time variable, although not to the extent that
access time to rotating storage media or a tape is variable. The overall goal of using a memory
hierarchy is to obtain the fastest possible average access time while minimizing the total cost of
the entire memory system (generally, the memory hierarchy follows the access time with the fast
CPU registers at the top and the slow hard drive at the bottom).

In many modern personal computers, the RAM comes in an easily upgraded form of modules
called memory modules or DRAM modules about the size of a few sticks of chewing gum.
These can be quickly replaced should they become damaged or when changing needs demand
more storage capacity. As suggested above, smaller amounts of RAM (mostly SRAM) are also
integrated in the CPU and other ICs on the motherboard, as well as in hard-drives, CD-ROMs,
and several other parts of the computer system.

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