RAM and ROM | Dynamic and Static RAM

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Differentiate RAM and ROM. Explain the Dynamic and Static RAM with their merits and demerits.

Answer: RAM and ROM

RAM (Random access memory)

• RAM means Random access memory. We also called it a volatile memory.
• Random-access memory or RAM is a data storage medium that can be accessed randomly at
  any time.
• The information stored in the RAM is easily accessed by the processor.
• We can perform both the read and write operations in RAM.
• RAM memory is only used to store temporary information.
• The accessing speed of RAM is faster.
• The price of RAMs is comparatively high.
• RAM is available as a chip.
• Physically size of the RAM chip is larger than the ROM chip.
• It categorizes the RAM into two types :

(i) Statistic RAM (SRAM). (ii) Dynamic RAM (DRAM).

ROM (Read-only memory)

• ROM Means Read-only memory. We also called it nonvolatile memory.
• Read‐only memory or ROM is a data storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers and other electronic devices.
• The processor cannot directly access the information that is stored in the ROM.
• The ROM memory only allows the user to read the information.
• The user cannot make any changes to the information.
• ROM memory is used to store permanent information.
• The accessing speed of ROM is slower than compared to RAM.
• The price of ROMs is comparatively low.
• ROM is available in the form of optical drivers that are made of magnetic tapes.
• Physically size of the ROM chip is smaller than the RAM chip.
• The ROM is categorized into three types :
  PROM (Programmable read-only memory).
  EPROM (Erasable programmable read-only memory).
  EEPROM (Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory)

Advantage of static RAM :

1. Static RAMs are faster.

2. Static RAMs are less complex.

3. Static RAMs do not require refreshing operation at regular intervals.

4. Static RAMs are directly used in cache memory.

Disadvantages of SRAM:

1. Static RAMs are expensive.

2. Static RAMs require more space.

3. Static RAMs consume more power.

Advantages of DRAM :

1. Dynamic RAMs are simple.

2. Dynamic RAMs require less space.

3. Dynamic RAMs consume less power.

4. Dynamic RAMs are cheaper.

Disadvantages of DRAM:

1. Dynamic RAMs are slower than static RAMs in speed.

2. Dynamic RAMs also require refreshing operation after regular intervals.

3. We cannot use dynamic RAMs where only a small amount of memory is needed.

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