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Memory Types

DRAM (Dynamic random access Memory) is a type of memory used in most personal computers. SRAM (Static random access memory) is faster and more reliable than the more common DRAM. ESDRAM (enhanced SDRAM) includes a small SRAM cache in order to reduce latency and speed up operations.

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127 views

Memory Types

DRAM (Dynamic random access Memory) is a type of memory used in most personal computers. SRAM (Static random access memory) is faster and more reliable than the more common DRAM. ESDRAM (enhanced SDRAM) includes a small SRAM cache in order to reduce latency and speed up operations.

Uploaded by

Paulo Lima
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

DRAM stands for dynamic random access memory, a type of memory used in most personal computers. Dynamic Random Access Memory must have an electric current to maintain electrical state (refresh). Data is stored in form of charged capacitors Small cell - requires one capacitor and one transistor Refresh operation required every few milliseconds Slower access time but much higher density than SRAM

SRAM (Static RAM)


SRAM is short for static random access memory. The term static is derived from the fact that it doesn't need to be refreshed like dynamic RAM. SRAM will retain data in its memory as long as power is being supplied. SRAM is faster and more reliable than the more common DRAM. It is also more expensive than DRAM. Data is stored in cross-coupled inverters Large cell - requires several transistors Doesnt need Refresh. Fast access time / Low density

DRAM TYPES FPM DRAM (fast page mode DRAM):


FPM DRAM is only slightly faster than regular DRAM. This used to be the main type of memory used in PCs but was eventually replaced by EDO DRAM, due to its slow speed. It was mainly mounted on a SIMM in the older 386 and 486 computers. It is not suitable for memory buses over 66 MHz.

EDO DRAM (Extended Data Out DRAM):


EDO DRAM provided a slight performance boost over FPM DRAM by cutting a few steps when addressing memory. It is mounted on SIMM module which is limited to bus speeds of 66 MHz.

BEDO DRAM (Burst EDO DRAM):


This is a slightly faster variant of the EDO RAM chip in which read and write operations send bursts of data in batches of four memory addresses. This type of computer memory is not widely used.

SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM):


A type of DRAM that synchronizes itself with the microprocessor clock speed allowing faster access to memory. These chips are mounted on DIMM memory modules and are classified according to the CPU speed.

ESDRAM (enhanced SDRAM):


This version of SDRAM includes a small SRAM cache in order to reduce latency and speed up operations. This standard is not widely used.

RDRAM (Rambus DRAM)


A type of memory (DRAM) developed by Rambus, Inc. Whereas the fastest current memory technologies used by PCs (SDRAM) can deliver data at a maximum speed of about 100 MHz, RDRAM transfers data at up to 800 MHz.

DDR SDRAM (double data rate SDRAM):


DDR-SDRAM is also called SDRAM II. Or DDRAM. It allows data transfers on both edges of each clock cycle (the rising and falling edges), which doubles the data throughput. DDR SDRAM chips are mounted on 184-pin DIMM modules and are typically available in 128 Mb to 1 GB capacity. They operate at bus speeds up to 400 MHz. It consumes less power, which makes it well-suited to notebook computers.

DDR2 SDRAM
DDR2 SDRAM is the next generation of DDR SDRAM memory. It is mounted on 240-pin DIMM modules, can operate at higher bus speeds (transfers 64 bits of data twice every clock cycle) and have a capacity to hold 256 Mb to 2 GB of memory. DDR2 SDRAM memory is not compatible with current DDR SDRAM memory slots.

SRAM TYPES Async SRAM


Async SRAM is an older type of SRAM. It is asynchronous, meaning that it works independently of the system clock.

Sync SRAM
Sync SRAM is synchronized with the system clock, and increased speed.

Pipeline Burst SRAM


Pipeline Burst SRAM is the most common type of SRAM. It is able to operate at bus speeds higher than 66MHz.

MEMORY MODULE TYPES SIMM (single in-line memory module):


It is a module containing one or several random access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit board with 72-pins connector. It typically supports 32 bit data transfer.

DIMM (dual in-line memory module):


It is a double SIMM. It is a module containing one or several random access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit board with 168-pin connector. It supports 64-bit data transfer.

SO DIMM (Small Outline DIMM module):


It is a small version of a DIMM used commonly in notebook computers. Whereas a fullsize DIMM has 168 pins and supports 64-bit transfers, a SO DIMM has only 72 pins, which supports only 32-bit transfers, or 144 pins, which supports a full 64-bit transfer

Cache Memory
Cache Memory is extremely fast memory that is built into a computers CPU [Called L1], or located next to it on a separate chip [Called L2]. It is used by the CPU to store instructions that are repeatedly required to run programs, improving overall system speed. The advantage of cache memory is that the CPU does not have to use the motherboards system bus for data transfer. Whenever data must be passed through the system bus, the data transfer speed slows to the motherboards capability. The CPU can process data much faster by avoiding the bottleneck created by the system bus.

BIOS
Acronym for Basic Input / Output System, the built-in software that determines what a computer can do without accessing programs from a disk. On PCs, the BIOS contains all the code required to control the keyboard, display screen, disk drives, serial communications, and a number of various functions. The BIOS is typically placed in a ROM chip that comes with the computer (it is often called a ROM BIOS). This ensures that the BIOS will always be available and will not be damaged by disk failures. It also makes it possible for a computer to boot itself. Because RAM is faster than ROM, though, many computer manufacturers design systems so that the BIOS is copied from ROM to RAM each time the computer is booted. This is known as shadowing.

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