Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Prepbytes
Although RAM and ROM are both the computer’s internal memory, they differ from one another in terms of their purposes, storage capabilities, physical sizes, and other factors. Let’s see how they vary from one another.
What is RAM?
Random Access Memory is referred to as RAM. It is the CPU’s internal memory in the form of a hardware component that is housed on the computer’s motherboard. When a computer is turned on, it is made to store data, programs, and program results. It serves as a computer’s read-write memory since data may be written to and read from it.
Additionally, RAM is a volatile memory since it cannot permanently store data and instructions. For instance, the instructions from the hard disc are saved in the RAM when we turn on a computer. The operating system (OS) and other applications required to run a computer are included in these instructions. These instructions are used by the CPU to carry out the functions needed to run the computer. As long as the computer is running, the RAM keeps this data; the instant it shuts down, the RAM loses the information. The data was moved to RAM since reading data from RAM is simpler and quicker than reading it from a hard disc.
What is ROM?
Read-only memory is referred to as ROM. It is a non-volatile memory, meaning that data is permanently stored there even when the power is off. It serves as a computer’s main memory much like RAM does. The reason it is termed read-only memory is that the data and programs that are stored within can be read but not written.
The manufacturer loads immutable programs into the ROM at the time of production. Therefore, once it has been produced, you cannot reprogram, rewrite, or remove its data. However, you can change the data that is stored in various ROM types. Cartridges used in video game consoles, data permanently kept on personal computers, and other electronic devices like cell phones, tablets, TVs, air conditioners, etc. are some typical instances of ROM.
Different Types of RAM and ROM
Random Access Memory (RAM) is classified into two types:
SRAM:
- The SRAM memories are made up of circuits that can keep the data that is stored as long as power is provided. This indicates that this form of memory needs ongoing power. Cache Memory is constructed using SRAM memories.
- Static memories (SRAM) are memories made up of circuits that can maintain their state as long as power is present. As a result, this kind of memory is known as volatile memory. Two inverters coupled as illustrated in the illustration create a latch. The latch is connected to two-bit lines using two transistors T1 and T2. These transistors serve as switches that may be opened or closed in response to commands sent over the word line by the address decoder. The transistors are switched off and the latch retains its information while the word line is at 0 levels.
DRAM:
- DRAM stores binary data as electric charges that are applied to capacitors. The capacitors must be routinely recharged to maintain their use because the data they hold tends to lose over time. DRAM chips often make up the primary memory.
- DRAM Memory Cell: Although SRAM is highly quick, it costs more since each cell needs many transistors. Due to the usage of one transistor and one capacitor in each cell. DRAM is relatively less costly than RAM. Where C is the capacitor and T is the transistor. The charge on a capacitor used to store information in a DRAM cell has to be frequently recharged.
- Transistor T is switched on to store information in this cell, and a suitable voltage is provided to the bit line. The capacitor stores a certain quantity of charge as a result. Due to the capacitor’s nature, it begins to discharge as soon as the transistor is switched off. Therefore, the cell’s information can only be accurately read if it is done so before the capacitors’ charge falls below a certain level.
Types of DRAM :
There are mainly 5 types of DRAM:
-
Asynchronous DRAM (ADRAM) –
The DRAM previously mentioned is an asynchronous kind. The memory device’s time is managed asynchronously. The time is controlled by the control signals produced by a specific memory controller circuit. The CPU must account for the memory’s reaction time delay. -
Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) –
The access speed of these RAM chips is in perfect time with the CPU’s clock. Because of this, the memory chips continue to be operational when the CPU anticipates them to be. These memories don’t impose wait states when operating at the CPU-memory bus. Commercial SDRAM is offered in the form of modules, each of which contains numerous SDRAM chips to provide the necessary capacity. -
Double-Data-Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) –
Unlike a conventional SDRAM, which only operates on the rising edge of the clock signal, this quicker type of SDRAM operates on both edges of the clock signal. The data transfer rate is doubled since they transfer data on both clock edges. The memory cells are divided into two groups in order to allow for high-speed data access. Access is given to each group independently. -
Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) –
Over a constrained CPU-memory interface, the RDRAM offers a very fast data transfer rate. It makes use of a number of speedup techniques, including synchronous memory interface, DRAM chip caching, and extremely quick signal timing. The width of the Rambus data bus is 8 or 9. -
Cache DRAM (CDRAM) –
This memory is a unique kind of DRAM memory with an on-chip cache memory (SRAM) that serves as a fast buffer for the primary DRAM.
Types of Read-Only Memory(ROM)
There are three types of ROM that we have discussed below:
- PROM–A computer memory chip that may be programmed after creation is a PROM or programmable ROM. The written data is permanent once the PROM is programmed and cannot be altered or deleted.
- EPROM–Dov Frohman created the EPROM, or Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, a non-volatile memory device, in 1971. An EPROM can be reprogrammed if required when exposed to UV light, but otherwise, no new data would be received or preserved. When it might be essential to edit the data contained on the EPROM, computer makers employ EPROM. EEPROM chips have taken the position of EPROM chips, which are no longer widely used in computers.
- EEPROM–An electrical charge can be used to erase and reprogram the EEPROM, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. While working at Intel in 1978, George Perlegos created EEPROM, a type of computer memory that retains data even when the power is turned off. The BIOS of modern computers created after 1994 uses EEPROM in place of the PROM and EPROM chips. Without having to open the computer or remove chips, a computer user may update the BIOS on their device by using an EEPROM machine.
Difference between RAM and ROM
Given below is the difference between RAM and ROM in the table format.
| RAM | ROM |
|---|---|
| It is a part of the computer’s temporary memory. | It is the computer’s permanent memory. |
| It has the read-write ability. Data could be read and written. | This memory can only be read. The data is just readable. |
| It is a volatile memory since it only saves the files momentarily while the machine is powered on and operating. | It is a non-volatile memory because it keeps the files in its permanent storage even after the power is switched off, like a game cartridge or a computer’s BIOS software. |
| Storage space is available in increments of 1 to 256 GB. | Its storage space is between 4 and 8 MB. |
| Its size is larger than ROM. It is available in two sizes for usage with laptops and desktop PCs. Around 5.5 inches long and 1 inch wide, a desktop RAM. In contrast, the RAM in a laptop is about half as long as the RAM on a desktop. | Depending on its usage, its size might range from less than an inch to several inches in both length and width. Its capacity is lower than RAM’s. |
| RAM data may be retrieved and modified. | Only the ROM-stored data is accessible to us. It is unchangeable. |
| Because it is a high-speed memory, it is quicker than ROM. | It is slower than the RAM. |
| The RAM-stored information is utilised in real time by the CPU to power the computer. | The CPU only makes use of the information in ROM once it has been moved to RAM. |
| The files and data that the CPU needs to process the present instructions or job are temporarily stored there. | The motherboard of a computer houses the BIOS program, which is required to bootstrap the machine. |
| Examples: It is used as CPU Cache, Primary Memory in a computer. | Examples: It is used as Firmware by micro-controllers. |
| The stored data is easy to access. | The stored data is not as easy to access as it is in ROM. |
| It is costlier than ROM. | It is cheaper than RAM. |
| Types: DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory). | Types: PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), EEPROM( electrically erasable programmable ROM), Mask ROM. |
Conclusion
This blog gives you a deep explanation of the RAM(Random Access Memory) and ROM(Read Only Memory). We hope we can give you the informative knowledge regarding the topic.
FAQs related to RAM and ROM
1. What is the example of RAM and ROM?
Ram is used as CPU Cache, Primary Memory in a computer. Whereas ROM is used as Firmware by micro-controllers.
2. What are the types of ROM?
Four further categories of ROM occur: MROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.
3. Is ROM the main memory?
There are two fundamental types of computer memory: primary memory (RAM and ROM), and secondary memory (hard drive,CD,etc.). Primary volatile memory is Read Only Memory (ROM), while primary non-volatile memory is Random Access Memory (RAM). It goes by the names read-write memory, main memory, and primary memory.
4. Why is RAM faster than ROM?
ROM is a non-volatile storage media, whereas RAM is a volatile storage medium for information storage. Writing data to RAM is a significantly faster and lighter operation than writing data to ROM, which is substantially slower than RAM.