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What is RAM and ROM?

RAM and ROM – Full Information

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Any information or instructions that need to be processed by the computer must be stored in a precise location. All information and instructions can be kept in the memory, which is a particular area of the computer. There are two main forms of memories: primary memory and secondary memory, depending on the type of storage.

A computer cannot function without its primary memory because it is the main memory that the CPU accesses directly. This covers many forms of memory, including system ROM and the processor cache. The majority of the time, system RAM is referred to as primary memory.

These two basic memory types, RAM and ROM, as well as their distinctions, will be thoroughly and simply discussed today RAM and ROM.

To quickly identify and comprehend the distinctions between RAM and ROM, we must first understand a few crucial concepts regarding each. – RAM and ROM

RAM and ROM
What is RAM and ROM?

Random Access Memory: [ RAM ]

Random Access Memory, or RAM for short, was created by Robert Heath Dennard in 1967. RAM, also known as main memory, primary memory, or system memory, is used to temporarily store data and instructions that are required during the execution of a current program because the computer is unable to directly access its secondary memory.

It serves as the CPU’s working memory and is a volatile memory, meaning that data temporarily stored there is deleted when the power is switched off. The programs are loaded into the main memory and run there after some instructions are given or some data is executed. Additionally, data is placed into the memory to enable quicker access.

Because every storage location can be immediately accessed with the same access time, RAM is referred to as “random access.” 

Computers are unable to function without RAM, which is a crucial component of all electronic equipment. Let’s look at some of the crucial functions that RAM serves in our computers. –

  • RAM provides apps with a place to temporarily store and access data.
  • It is typically used to create the computer’s working memory.
  • It is used for quick data retrieval.
  • RAM can be used to read and write data.

These come in modules of 512MB, 1GB, or 2GB and are offered as IC packages, often known as memory sticks. A RAM can be roughly categorized as either a Static RAM or a Dynamic RAM, as defined below, depending on its capacity for retention. – RAM and ROM

1. Dynamic RAM: [ DRAM ]

The data or program code needed by a computer processor to function is typically stored in dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a type of semiconductor memory that typically consists of a capacitor and a transistor. To maintain its data, the electrical charge needs to be refreshed on a regular basis. Random access memory (RAM) known as DRAM is frequently used in workstations, servers, and most notably in personal computers (PCs). The first DRAM chip to be sold commercially, the Intel 1103, was released in October 1970.

Before the data is lost, the DRAM chip is refreshed at regular intervals of time in order to preserve it for a longer period of time. Because the memory cell requires periodic recharge, this type of RAM is known as dynamic RAM. Due to their low cost and great packing density, they are very well-liked in the market. They come in the form of IC chips with capacities of 512MB, 1GB, 2GB, and 4GB. – RAM and ROM

DRAM packages come in a variety of forms that have been evolved over time. Here we discuss this type of DRAM.

  • Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that is synchronized with the clock speed that the microprocessor is designed for is referred to as “synchronous DRAM” (SDRAM).
  • In high-performance workstations and servers, Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) is typically utilised for system memory, cache memory (placed on the CPU), and visual memory on graphics accelerator cards.
  • Theoretically, synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) known as Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) can increase memory clock speed to at least 200 MHz. DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, and DDR4 SDRAM are the most recent variants of DDR SDRAM.
  • When used with faster microprocessors like the Intel Pentium, Extended Data Out DRAM (EDO DRAM) reduces the amount of time needed to read data from memory.
  • The same row or page of data can be accessed more quickly with FPM DRAM (Fast Page Mode DRAM).

Some of the well-known DRAM manufacturing companies include Micron (Crucial), Samsung, SK Hynix, PNY Technologies, and others.

2. Static RAM: [ SRAM ]

The random access memory digital-to-analog converter on a video card and the cache memory on a computer both employ static RAM, or SRAM. SRAM, in contrast to DRAM, can hold onto its data as long as power is given to the device. However, because it is a volatile memory, the data will be lost if the power is interrupted. – RAM and ROM

These are produced utilizing unique memory components known as memory latches. Because it doesn’t require routine data refreshing, this sort of RAM is referred to as a “static” RAM. Despite having a lower packing density than dynamic RAM, static RAM is significantly faster and more expensive. As a result, SRAM is utilised in applications that require faster memories (such as cached memories), but in lower amounts, such as 512KB, 1MB, or 2MB.

After learning in-depth information on RAM and its variations from the topic above, we will now explore ROM in-depth.

RAM and ROM
Types of RAM

Read Only Memory: [ ROM ]

Read-only memory, or ROM for short, is a permanent non-volatile memory that stores information even when the power is off. It was created by Jay Forrester in the 1980s, and the big firm SONY employed it for the first time in 1982. Because we are only able to read the data in this situation rather than write to it, this sort of memory is known as “read-only” memory.

A ROM, also known as firmware, is used to hold the necessary instructions and programmes for a computer to function. Firmware cannot be removed by an average user. Bootstrap is the name given to this loading process. ROM chips are now employed in a variety of modern electronics, including computers, calculators, microwaves, washing machines, and air conditioners.

RAM and ROM
Advantages of ROM

Advantages of ROM:

Let’s examine some of the benefits of ROM.

  • Non-volatile memory.
  • more affordable and dependable than RAMs.
  • Since it is stable by nature, refreshing is not necessary.
  • It’s simple to test.
  • It is always possible to know and confirm the contents of the ROM.
  • It is unchangeable.

Types of ROM:

ROMs come in a variety of formats. All of these have in common the capacity to permanently save data and programs even in the event of a power outage. Different ROM types can be identified by the processes needed to write new data to them and the maximum number of times they can be rewritten, as explained in more detail below. – RAM and ROM

1. MROM: [ MASK ROM ]

These were the initial semiconductor ROMs with pre-programmed data or instructions. MROM, or static read-only memory, is a type of memory that the manufacturer programmes into a built-in circuit.

The cartridge used with video game consoles, which enables one machine to run numerous games, is a straightforward example of MROM.

2. PROM [ PROGRAMMABLE ROM ]

A form of read-only memory known as a PROM or programmable ROM allows for a single user modification. In essence, a user buys an empty PROM and writes whatever programmes he wants on it. Here, the input pins of the chip are charged electrically to write the data. It is not erasable throughout this process and can only be programmed once.

Example: – Early computers used a BIOS.

3. EPROM [ ERASABLE & PROGRAMMABLE ROM ]

The process of programming an EPROM is identical to that of a PROM. However, unlike a PROM, an EROM may be repeatedly wiped and reprogrammed, hence the name Erasable And Programmable ROM. A chip’s EPROM can be completely erased by exposing it to UV light for up to 40 minutes; this returns the entire chip to its initial, un-programmed state. It is also referred to as a UV EPROM at times. – RAM and ROM

An example of an EPROM chip is the NEC-produced Intel 8048.

4. EEPROM [ ELECTRICALLY ERASABLE & PROGRAMMABLE ROM ] 

While EEPROMs and EPROMs are similar inside, here EEPROM is wiped electrically rather than with UV light. It has ten thousand or more reprogramming and wipe cycles. Any location in an EEPROM can be programmed or selectively erased. Instead of wiping the entire chip, one can do so here by erasing one byte at a time. As a result, reprogramming is flexible yet cumbersome. Last but not least, EEPROM is often referred to as E2PROM. – RAM and ROM

Example: – An example of the EEPROM based NVRAM is the X22C10 and X22C12 from Xicor.

Conclusion: RAM and ROM

Hope you understood the article about “what is RAM and ROM and the differences between them”. Know about the Important Facts of RAM. Thank You.

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