RAM is a type of volatile memory that is used as the main memory in a computer. It allows for fast random access to stored data. RAM was invented in 1968 by Robert Heath and consists of small memory chips arranged on a module. Data is stored temporarily in RAM when programs are opened, allowing for much faster access than reading from storage drives. The two main types are SRAM, which retains data as long as power is supplied, and DRAM, which must be regularly refreshed. RAM provides faster access times than other memory but has less storage capacity and is volatile.
4. Introduction:
Random Access Memory (RAM) is the best known from of computer
memory.
RAM is considered as volatile memory, which means that the stored
information is lost there is no power.
RAM is made up of small chips that from a memory module.
Whenever you open a program, it gets loaded from the SSD/HDD
into the RAM.
This is because reading data from the RAM is much faster than
reading data from the SSD/HDD.
6. Technology:
Type Year
Fpm (Fast page mode) 1990
EDO (Extended data o/p) 1996
SDRAM (Single dynamic RAM) 1996
RDRAM 1998
DDR SDRAM 2000
DDR2 SDRAM 2003
DDR3 SDRAM 2007
DDR4 SDRAM 2014
DDR5 SDRAM 2020
7. Block Diagram of RAM:
This block diagram introduces the main interface to RAM.
A Chip Select, CS enables or disables the RAM.
ADRS specifies the address or location to read from or
write to.
WR selects between reading from or writing to the
memory.
To read from memory, WR should be set to 0
13. Types of RAM:
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)
SRAM holds data in a static from, as long as the memory has
power.
Each bit is stored on four transistor that froms two cross
coupled inverters.
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)
DRAM is called dynamic because it must constantly be
refreshed and lose the data in very short time.
DRAM stores each bot of data in a separate capacitor within a
integrated circuit.
14. Difference:
SRAM DRAM
Requires less memory. Requires more memory.
Access time is low. Access time is high.
Do not refresh. Need to be refresh.
Faster access time. Slow access time.
More power consumption. Less power consumption.
Used in cache memory. Used in main memory.
16. Advantage and Disadvantage:
Advantage:
Program will load much faster.
Power Efficient that uses much less power then disk
drive.
Disadvantage:
Volatile: a power outage will cause irrecoverable.
Space-limited: cost per bit is high.