TYPES OF RAM AND ROM

Prepared By
Hussain Irfan
IX-A
ROM(Read Only Memory)

Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory used in

computers and other electronic devices. Data stored in ROM can
only be modified slowly, with difficulty, or not at all, so it is mainly
used to store firmware (software that is closely tied to specific
hardware and unlikely to need frequent updates) or application
software in plug-in cartridges.
Strictly, read-only memory refers to
memory that is hard-wired, such as diode
matrix and the later mask ROM (MROM) which cannot be changed
after manufacture. Although discrete circuits can be altered in
principle, integrated circuits (ICs) cannot, and are useless if the data
is bad or requires an update. That such memory can never be
changed is a disadvantage in many applications, as bugs and
security issues cannot be fixed, and new features cannot be added.
Types of ROM

1) PROM stands for Programmable Read Only Memory.

This form of ROM is initially blank. The user or
manufacturer can write data/program on it by using
special devices. However, once the program or data is
written in PROM chip, it cannot be changed.
If there is an error in writing instructions
or data in PROM, the error cannot be
erased. PROM chip becomes
unusable.
2) EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory. This form of ROM is also initially blank. The
user or manufacturer can write program or data on it by
using special devices. Unlike PROM, the data written in
EPROM chip can be erased by using special devices and
ultraviolet rays. So program or data written in EPROM
chip can be changed and new data can also be added. When
EPROM is in use, its contents can only be read.
3) EEPROM stands for Electrically
Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory. This kind of ROM can be written
or changed with the help of electrical
devices. So data stored in this type of ROM
chip can be easily modified.
RAM(Random Access Memory)

Random-access memory is a form of computer data storage.

A random-access memory device allows data items to be
read or written in almost the same amount of time
irrespective of the physical location of data inside the
memory. In contrast, with other direct-access data storage
media such as hard disks, CD-RWs, DVD-RWs and the
older drum memory, the time required to read and write data
items varies significantly depending on their
physical locations on the recording medium,
due to mechanical limitations such as
media rotation speeds and arm
movement.
 Types of RAM

1) Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) is a type of

random-access memory that stores each bit of data in a
separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. The
capacitor can be either charged or discharged; these two
states are taken to represent the two values of a bit,
conventionally called 0 and 1. Since even "non-
conducting" transistors always leak a small amount, the
capacitors will slowly discharge, and the information
eventually fades unless the capacitor charge is
refreshed periodically.
2) Static random-access memory (static RAM or SRAM)
is a type of semiconductor memory that uses bistable
latching circuitry (flip-flop) to store each bit. SRAM
exhibits data remanence,[1] but it is still volatile in the
conventional sense that data is eventually lost when the
memory is not powered.
The term static differentiates SRAM from DRAM (dynamic
random-access memory) which must be periodically
refreshed. SRAM is faster and more expensive than DRAM;
it is typically used for CPU cache while DRAM is used for a
computer's main memory.
3) In an EDO(Extended Data Output) RAM, any
memory location can be accessed. Stores 256 bytes of
data information into latches. The latches hold next 256
bytes of information so that in most programs, which are
sequentially executed, the data are available without
wait states.
4) SGRAMs (Synchronous Graphic RAMs),chips use
the same clock rate as CPU uses. They transfer data
when the CPU expects them to be ready.
5) DDR-SDRAM (Double Data Rate – SDRAM)
transfers data on both edges of the clock. Therefore the
transfer rate of the data becomes doubles.
Characteristics of RAM and ROM
ROM
In its pure form, ROM is the data
that is permanently written to a
chip, that there is no way of
overwriting. An example of ROM
is the program that you computer
uses to reboot. It is essential to the
core functioning of the computer.
You might be familiar with
Electrically Erasable
Programmable Read Only
Memory in the form of a flash
drive.
RAM
It is the temporary memory that
the computer uses to perform its
functions while being used; that is,
the when the computer is actively
running, it is constantly storing and
erasing bits of information. When
you shut off your computer, that
information is gone. It is like using
a whiteboard with erasable ink:
you can use it over and over and
over, but once you erase
something, it is gone forever;
unless you recreate it from scratch.