Random Access Memory(#RAM) is a hardware device. It acts as an internal #memory of the #CPU. It is generally located on the #motherboard of the CPU. Random Access Memory is for storing data, program, and program results. The data in the RAM is available only when the computer is working, the moment the computer is turned off the data in RAM is erased. As the data is lost when the computer is turned off, it is also referred to as temporary memory. It is read or write memory.
Random Access Memory is #volatile in nature, i.e., the data in RAM is lost if there is any power failure or when the system is turned off.
There are two types of RAM.
Static RAM
Dynamic RAM
1. Static RAM:
Static RAM (#SRAM) retains its memory contents as long as the power is being supplied. However, as it is volatile, data is lost when the power is off. Cache memory is built using SRAM memories.
The circuit of SRAM is similar to the D flip-flop. They are expensive but faster compared to DRAM. They use more power and generates more heat compared to DRAM.
2. Dynamic RAM (#DRAM):
Dynamic RAM is made using tiny capacitors that leak electricity. To maintain its data DRAM requires recharge for every few milliseconds. They are slower than SRAM due to the usage of capacitors. They are mainly used in main memory.
Read-Only Memory (#ROM):
Read-Only Memory is used for storing data permanently, it is done at the time of manufacturing. The data from ROM can only be read but cannot be written. ROM is non-volatile in nature. The instructions that are required to start the computer are stored in ROM.
Types of ROM:
1. Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM):
The data in #PROM can be modified only once by the user. The desired contents of the PROM program are entered into a blank PROM. There are small fuses inside the PROM chip that are burnt open during programming.
2. Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM):
The data in the #EPROM can be erased by exposing it to Ultra Violet (UV) light. It can be reprogrammed by erasing all the previous data,
3. Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM):
The portions of the chip can be erased by applying an electric field to #EEPROM.
Differences between Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM)
See Also:
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Written By: Nagapuri Swathi