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Memory

Computer memory is categorized into volatile and non-volatile types, with RAM being volatile and ROM being non-volatile. Various types of memory include PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and several forms of RAM such as EDO, SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4, each with unique characteristics and uses. Understanding these types is essential for effective computer operation and hardware compatibility.

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9 views6 pages

Memory

Computer memory is categorized into volatile and non-volatile types, with RAM being volatile and ROM being non-volatile. Various types of memory include PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, and several forms of RAM such as EDO, SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4, each with unique characteristics and uses. Understanding these types is essential for effective computer operation and hardware compatibility.

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gcolanog
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Memory

Updated: 12/30/2021 by Computer Hope

Computer memory is any physical device capable of storing


information temporarily, like RAM (random access memory), or
permanently, like ROM (read-only memory). Memory devices
utilize integrated circuits and are used by operating systems, software,
and hardware.

Volatile vs. non-volatile memory


Memory can be either volatile or non-volatile memory. Volatile
memory loses its contents when the computer or hardware device
loses power. Computer RAM is an example of volatile memory. It is why
if your computer freezes or reboots when working on a program, you
lose anything that wasn't saved. Non-volatile memory, sometimes
abbreviated as NVRAM, keeps its contents even if the power is
lost. EPROM is an example of non-volatile memory.

Types of memory
There are several types of memory for computers. They are listed
below.

ROM
ROM is separated into three categories:
 PROM

PROM or programmable ROM (programmable read-only memory)


is a computer memory chip that can be programmed once after it
is created. Once the PROM is programmed, the information
written is permanent and cannot be erased or deleted. PROM was
first developed by Wen Tsing Chow in 1956. An example of a PROM is
a computer BIOS in early computers. Today, PROM in computers has
been replaced by EEPROM.

When the PROM is created, all bits read as "1." During the
programming, any bit needing to be changed to a "0" is etched or
burned into the chip using a gang programmer. Below is an
example of a gang programmer from Advin that programs
multiple ROM chips at one time.

If a PROM is programmed with an error or needs updated, the


chip is discarded and a new PROM is created, replacing the old
chip. A variation of the PROM is an EPROM, which is a PROM that
can be erased and reprogrammed without being replaced.
 EPROM

Short for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, EPROM is


a non-volatile memory chip that was invented by Dov
Frohman in 1971 while at Intel that can only be read. If exposed to
ultraviolet light, an EPROM can be reprogrammed if needed, but
otherwise does not accept or save any new data. Hardware
manufactures use EPROM when it may be needed that the data
contained on the EPROM needs to be changed. An EPROM chip is
distinguishable by a small quartz crystal (not glass) circle window
that exposes the chip so that it be reprogrammed. The picture on
this page shows an Intel 8048 made by NEC and is an example of
an EPROM chip.

Today, EPROM chips are not used in computers. They were


replaced by EEPROM chips.

 EEPROM

Short for electrically erasable programmable read-only


memory, EEPROM is a PROM that can be erased and
reprogrammed using an electrical charge. EEPROM was
developed by George Perlegos while at Intel in 1978 and unlike most
memory inside a computer, it remembers its data without power.

RAM
There are six types of RAM:
 EDO RAM

Short for Extended Data Out, and alternatively referred to


as hyper page mode memory, EDO is a type of memory
developed in 1995 by Micron and was first used
with Pentium computers. EDO allows a CPU to access memory 10 to
15-percent faster the compatible Fast Page memory by not turning
off the data output drivers after the memory has removed the
column address. An upgraded variation of EDO memory is BEDO,
although it was never widely used.

 SDRAM

SDRAM, which is short for Synchronous DRAM, is a type of


memory that synchronizes itself with the computer's system clock.
Being synchronized allows the memory to run at higher speeds
than previous memory types and asynchronous DRAM and also
supports up to 133 MHz system bus cycling. Since 1993, this is the
prevalent type of memory used in computers around the world. In
the picture below is an example of a SDRAM DIMM. The original
type, named SDRAM, up to the current type, DDR3, are all
derivatives of the SDRAM memory type.

 DDR RAM

DDR may refer to any of the following:


1. Short for double data rate, DDR is memory that was first
introduced in 1996 and has since been replaced by DDR2. DDR
utilizes both the rising and falling edge of the system clock,
potentially doubling the speed of the memory. Today, DDR
technology is found on high-end video cards and
computer memory such as DDR-SDRAM.
2. Short for dial-on-demand routing, DDR was developed
by Cisco and is a routing technique that uses existing telephone
lines to help form a Wide Area Network.
3. Short for Dance Dance Revolution, DDR is a popular arcade
and console game where users must move their feet on a pad in
conjunction with dance moves displayed on a screen.

 DDR2 RAM

Short for double data rate two, DDR2 is the second generation
of DDR memory that was released in September 2003. DDR2 is
capable of operating at greater speeds than DDR, offers a greater
bandwidth potential, operates on less power, and generates less
heat. Due to architectural differences, DDR2 memory modules are
incompatible with DDR slots.

 DDR3 RAM

Short for double data rate three, DDR3 is a type


of DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) released in
June 2007 as the successor to DDR2. DDR3 chips have bus clock
speed of 400 MHz up to 1066 MHz, range in size from 1 to 24 GB,
and consume nearly 30% less power than their predecessors.
DDR3 RAM sticks for a desktop computer have 240 pins. For a
laptop computer, DDR3 RAM sticks have 204 pins.

These memory chips can only be installed on a motherboard that


supports DDR3 memory and are not backward compatible with
DDR2 memory slots.
 DDR4 RAM

Short for double data rate four, DDR4 is a type of system


memory known as SDRAM and was released in September 2014 as
the successor to DDR3. DDR4 has bus clock speeds that range
from 800 to 1600 MHz and range in storage capacity from 4 to
128 GB per DIMM. DDR4 is also more efficient at 1.2 V compared
to DDR3's 1.5 to 1.65 V range.

These types of memory fall into the general categories


of SIMM or DIMM.

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