Memory

Click to edit Master subtitle style

Types of Memory
n n n n n

RAM (random-access memory) ROM (read-only memory) PROM (programmable read-only memory) EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory)

RAM
n n n n

same as main memory refers to read and write memory both write data into RAM and read data from RAM contrast to ROM, which permits you only to read data

ROM
n

computers almost always contain a small amount of read-only memory that holds instructions for starting up the computer unlike RAM, ROM cannot be written to.

PROM
n

a memory chip on which you can store a program but once the PROM has been used, you cannot wipe it clean and use it to store something else like ROMs, PROMs are non-volatile

EPROM
n

a special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light

EEPROM
n

a special type of PROM that can be erased by exposing it to an electrical charge.

Kinds of RAM
n n n n n n n n

SIMM DIMM SDRAM RDRAM DDR SODIMM Flash ROM Cache

SIMM
n n

single in-line memory module 72-pin SIMMs are found in older desktop 486 and Pentium computers they are available in FPM (Fast-Page Mode) or EDO (Extended Data Output)

DIMM
n n n

dual in-line memory module larger than either of the SIMMs they contain 168 pins on the bottom of the circuit board

SRAM
n n n

Static Random Access Memory Faster than DRAM, but much more expensive does not need refreshing because it operates on the principle of moving current that is switched in one of two directions rather than a storage cell that holds a charge in place. generally used for cache memory, which can be accessed more quickly than DRAM.

DRAM
n n

Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) the most common kind of random access memory (RAM) for personal computers and workstations. stores each bit in a storage cell consisting of a capacitor and a transistor.

SDRAM
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory n Has a 168-pin configuration and is powered by 3.3 volts n memory sizes of 32 to 512 MB single-chip solutions n all SDRAM are DIMMS (Dual In-line Memory Modules) n the DIMM uses a 64-bit data path, or a 72-bit data path with parity bits. The SDRAM memory chips are based on a 64-bit data channel.
n

DDR
n n n

Double Data Rate 184 pin type of memory that has been used in different applications, but more frequently in the video card market DDR as referred to as a type of SDRAM that supports data transfers on both edges of each clock cycle, effectively doubling the memory chip's data throughput

SODIMM
n n n

small outline dual in-line memory module smaller version of the DIMM primarily used in Laptop although they are used in some others like the original tray-loading iMac computer 144 pin

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Apacer Memory America Inc. ATP Electronics GigaramH. Hitachi America Hypertec Pty Ltd Hyundai Electronics America Integrated Silicon Solutions, Inc. Kai Fu Electronic Ltd. Kamel Memory Modules Kentron Technologies Kingston Technology Company L2 Cache Company M.C. Howard Electronics, Inc. MA Laboratories MEMO Electronics Memomax Technology, Inc. Memory Card Technology A/S Memory Connextion Memory Corporation Memory Experts International MemoryX Mem Technologies Micron DRAM Products Micron SRAM Products Mobel Electronics, Inc. Mosaid Technologies Micron DRAM Products

n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n

n MoSys Tanisys Technology n MUSIC Semiconductors TechWorks n N-Synch Technologies, Inc. Transcend Information n Nemonix, Inc. Unigen Memory n NetLogic Microsystems Vanguard International Newer Technology Semiconductor Corp. n NewerRAM Viking Components Pacific Force Technology Ltd. n Virage Logic n PAR Technologies VisionTek n PDP Systems West Coast Technology Peripheral Enhancements Corp. n White Electronic Designs n Piiceon Inc. White Oak Semiconductor n PNY Electronic's Wintec Industries Pointronics Princeton Technology Memory Rambus Inc. Manufacturers Ramtron International Rocky Mountain Ram SAC-TEC Labs Samsung Semiconductor Shecom Computers Silicon Magic Silicon Storage Technology Simm Tech Inc. Simmex Simmtron Technology Simple Technology Simtek Corporation SMS Group Incorporated Southland Micro Systems

Flash ROM
n n

uses a special type of EEPROM ROM memory retains its data content even when the power is turned off

Cache
n

commonly referred to as a high speed data storage system with the main use of storing the most frequently accessed data in a buffer memory cache is a part of the memory subsystem that stores the most frequently accessed data made of high-speed static RAM (SRAM)

Memory Module Types

n n n

n n n n n

FPM=Fast Page Mode: (asynchronous) Obsolete 1990, faster than normal DRAM, used in 386/486 computers EDO=Extended Data Out: (asynchronous) A superset of FPM, just faster than FPM, replaced by BEDO. BEDO=Burst EDO; (asynchronous) faster than EDO, replaced by SDRAM ESDRAM=Enhanced Synchronous DRAM (Random Access Memory) FRAM=Ferroelectric RAM (non-volatile RAM) (Random Access Memory) SGRAM=Synchronous Graphic RAM (Random Access Memory) VRAM=Video RAM (Dual Ported) (Random Access Memory) NVRAM=Non-Volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) PBRAM=Pipelined Burst RAM (Random Access Memory) FB-DIMM=Fully-Buffered DIMM [utilizes JEDEC-standard DDR2 SDRAM] CAM=Contact Addressable Memory. The inverse of RAM, producing an address for a given data word.