Random Access Memory
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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.
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
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