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Random Access Memory

RAM is a type of memory that allows random access to stored data and can be read or written quickly. In contrast, SAM only allows sequential access to stored data. DRAM, the most common type of computer memory, uses a transistor and capacitor paired together in each memory cell to store a bit of data. The capacitor must be refreshed periodically to maintain its charge and remember the stored bit. ROM is read-only memory that retains data permanently once programmed. There are different types of ROM including masked, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM that can be programmed and erased in various ways.

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149 views

Random Access Memory

RAM is a type of memory that allows random access to stored data and can be read or written quickly. In contrast, SAM only allows sequential access to stored data. DRAM, the most common type of computer memory, uses a transistor and capacitor paired together in each memory cell to store a bit of data. The capacitor must be refreshed periodically to maintain its charge and remember the stored bit. ROM is read-only memory that retains data permanently once programmed. There are different types of ROM including masked, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM that can be programmed and erased in various ways.

Uploaded by

madiha shahzeb
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Random access memory (RAM) is the best known form of computer memory.

RAM is
considered "random access" because you can access any memory cell directly if you know the
row and column that intersect at that cell.
The opposite of RAM is serial access memory (SAM). SAM stores data as a series of memory
cells that can only be accessed sequentially (like a cassette tape). If the data is not in the current
location, each memory cell is checked until the needed data is found. SAM works very well for
memory buffers, where the data is normally stored in the order in which it will be used (a good
example is the texture buffer memory on a video card). RAM data, on the other hand, can be
accessed in any order.

DRAM
Similar to a microprocessor, a memory chip is an integrated circuit (IC) made of millions of
transistors and capacitors. In the most common form of computer memory, dynamic random
access memory (DRAM), a transistor and a capacitor are paired to create a memory cell, which
represents a single bit of data. The capacitor holds the bit of information -- a 0 or a 1 (see How
Bits and Bytes Work for information on bits). The transistor acts as a switch that lets the control
circuitry on the memory chip read the capacitor or change its state.
A capacitor is like a small bucket that is able to store electrons. To store a 1 in the memory cell,
the bucket is filled with electrons. To store a 0, it is emptied. The problem with the capacitor's
bucket is that it has a leak. In a matter of a few milliseconds a full bucket becomes empty.
Therefore, for dynamic memory to work, either the CPU or the memory controller has to come
along and recharge all of the capacitors holding a 1 before they discharge. To do this, the mem-
ory controller reads the memory and then writes it right back. This refresh operation happens
automatically thousands of times per second.
The capacitor in a dynamic RAM memory cell is like a leaky bucket. It needs to be refreshed
periodically or it will discharge to 0. This refresh operation is where dynamic RAM gets its
name. Dynamic RAM has to be dynamically refreshed all of the time or it forgets what it is
holding. The downside of all of this refreshing is that it takes time and slows down the memory.
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but cannot
write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently in such
memories during manufacture. A ROM stores such instructions that are required to start a
computer. This operation is referred to as bootstrap. ROM chips are not only used in the
computer but also in other electronic items like washing machine and microwave oven.

Let us now discuss the various types of ROMs and their characteristics.
MROM (Masked ROM)
The very first ROMs were hard-wired devices that contained a pre-programmed set of data or
instructions. These kind of ROMs are known as masked ROMs, which are inexpensive.
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only once by a user. The user buys a blank
PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM program. Inside the PROM chip, there
are small fuses which are burnt open during programming. It can be programmed only once
and is not erasable.
EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)
EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of up to 40 minutes.
Usually, an EPROM eraser achieves this function. During programming, an electrical charge is
trapped in an insulated gate region. The charge is retained for more than 10 years because the
charge has no leakage path. For erasing this charge, ultra-violet light is passed through a
quartz crystal window (lid). This exposure to ultra-violet light dissipates the charge. During
normal use, the quartz lid is sealed with a sticker.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)
EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and reprogrammed about ten
thousand times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to 10 ms (millisecond). In
EEPROM, any location can be selectively erased and programmed. EEPROMs can be erased
one byte at a time, rather than erasing the entire chip. Hence, the process of reprogramming is
flexible but slow.
Advantages of ROM
The advantages of ROM are as follows −

 Non-volatile in nature
 Cannot be accidentally changed
 Cheaper than RAMs
 Easy to test
 More reliable than RAMs
 Static and do not require refreshing
 Contents are always known and can be verified

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