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Memory 1644208612

The document explains the differences between volatile memory (RAM) and non-volatile memory (ROM), detailing their types and characteristics. RAM is categorized into Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM), with SRAM being faster and more expensive, while DRAM is cheaper and requires constant refreshing. ROM includes various types such as MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, which are non-volatile and used for permanent data storage, with advantages like reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to RAM.

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14 views3 pages

Memory 1644208612

The document explains the differences between volatile memory (RAM) and non-volatile memory (ROM), detailing their types and characteristics. RAM is categorized into Static RAM (SRAM) and Dynamic RAM (DRAM), with SRAM being faster and more expensive, while DRAM is cheaper and requires constant refreshing. ROM includes various types such as MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM, which are non-volatile and used for permanent data storage, with advantages like reliability and cost-effectiveness compared to RAM.

Uploaded by

sagar dhakal
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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By Umesh Acharya

Volatile Memory: RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for
storing data, program, and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data until the
machine is working. As soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased.
Access time in RAM is independent of the address, that is, each storage location inside the
memory is as easy to reach as other locations and takes the same amount of time. Data in the
RAM can be accessed randomly but it is very expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if there is a power
failure. Hence, a backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is often used with computers.
RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.
RAM is of two types −

• Static RAM (SRAM)


• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Static RAM (SRAM): The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power
is being supplied. However, data is lost when the power gets down due to volatile nature. SRAM
chips use a matrix of 6-transistors and no capacitors. Transistors do not require power to prevent
leakage, so SRAM need not be refreshed on a regular basis.
There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than DRAM for the same amount
of storage space, making the manufacturing costs higher. SRAM is thus used as cache memory
and has very fast access.

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By Umesh Acharya

Characteristic of Static RAM


✓ Long life
✓ No need to refresh
✓ Faster
✓ Used as cache memory
✓ Large size
✓ Expensive
✓ High power consumption

Dynamic RAM (DRAM): DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order to
maintain the data. This is done by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data
several hundred times per second. DRAM is used for most system memory as it is cheap and small.
All DRAMs are made up of memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one transistor.

Characteristics of Dynamic RAM


✓ Short data lifetime
✓ Needs to be refreshed continuously
✓ Slower as compared to SRAM
✓ Used as RAM
✓ Smaller in size
✓ Less expensive
✓ Less power consumption
NON-VOLATILE 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.

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.

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By Umesh Acharya

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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