Types of ROM

Type Description

Mask ROM Data is permanently stored during

manufacturing

Programmable ROM (PROM) Data can be programmed once using a

PROM programmer

Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM) Data can be erased and reprogrammed

using UV light

Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM Data can be erased and reprogrammed

(EEPROM) electrically

Differences between ROM and PROM

Differecesompleting the course
Feature ROM PROM

Programmability Non-programmable Programmable, but only once

Erasability Non-erasable Non-erasable, data is permanent

Cost Costly to develop, requires Inexpensive, can be programmed

custom mask after manufacturing

Application Used to store firmware and Used to store small programs and
operating systems configuration data

Difference between - EPROM and EEPROM:

S.N
O EPROM EEPROM

In EPROM, UV light is used to erase the In EEPROM, electric signal is used to erase the
1.
EPROM’s content. EEPROM’s contents.

2. Whole memory location need to be erased Selected memory location can be erased
S.N
O EPROM EEPROM

In EPROM, an erasure consumes 15 to 20 In EEPROM, an erasure consumes 5 millisecond

3.
minute for erasing contents. times for erasing contents.

EEEPROM chip will be erased and

EPROM chip has got to be off from the
reprogrammed within the electrical circuit to
4. computer circuit to erase and reprogram
erase and reprogram the content of computer’s
the computer’s BIOS.
BIOS.

Difference between RAM and ROM

Difference Random Access Memory Read Only Memory (ROM)

(RAM)

Data- RAM is a volatile memory that ROM is a non-volatile memory that the could
Retention could store the data as long as retain the data even when the power is turned
the power is supplied. off.

Read/Write Read and write operations are Only read operations are supported.
supported.

Use Used to store the data that has to It is typically used to store firmware or
be currently processed by CPU microcode, which is used to initialize and
temporarily. control hardware components of the
computer.

Speed It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.

CPU CPU can easily access data CPU cannot easily access data stored in ROM.
Interaction stored in RAM.

Size and Large size with higher capacity, Small size with less capacity, concerning
Capacity concerning ROM. RAM.

Used as/in CPU Cache, Primary memory. Firmware, Micro-controllers.

Difference Random Access Memory Read Only Memory (ROM)
(RAM)

Accessibility The data stored is easily The data stored is not as easily accessible as in
accessible. the concerning RAM.

Cost RAM is more costlier than ROM. ROM is cheaper than RAM.

Chip Size A RAM chip can store only a few A ROM chip can store multiple megabytes
gigabytes (GB) of data. (MB) of data.

Function Used for the temporary storage of Used to store firmware, BIOS, and other data
data currently being processed by that needs to be retained.
the CPU.

SRAM Circuit Design and Operation

Static Random Access Memory cell is designed with two inverters, which are cross-linked like as latch form.
This latch is made connection to two bit line along with two transistors T1 and T2. Now both transistors are
capable to alter their modes (open or close) under control of word line, and this entire process is controlled by
address decoder. When word line goes to ground level then both transistors get turned off, and latch starts to
retain own state.

How Does Work Static RAM?

In this section, we will cover about complete working structure of SRAM in detail, as follow them:
SRAM Read and Write Operation
Static RAM working is divided into three operations like as Read, Write and Hold.
SRAM Read Operation:
Both switches T1 and T2 are closed while activating the word line. When, cell comes to state 1 then signal
flows in high amount on b line and other side signal flows in low amount on b’ line. Opposite is true when cell
goes to state 0. Finally both b and b’ get complement of each other’s.

SRAM Write Operation:

In the write operation, Sense/Write circuit allows to drive bit lines b and it complement b’,
For Hold Operation both access transistors must be turn OFF (T1 and T2). Due to presence of latching element
SRAM hold its state.
Main objective of using the static RAM is to make Cache Memory. Static Ram is more expensive because it is
made with using of much complicated structure, and its complexity is also limited for storing amount of data
into one chip. Due to this, SRAM chips have not ability to hold much data compare to DRAM. So, SRAM is used
mostly in to small size applications like as CPU cache memory and hard drive buffers, compact discs (CD’s),
printers, modem, routers, digital versatile discs (DVD’s) and digital cameras.

How Does DRAM Work?

Invented by Robert Dennard in 1966 at IBM, DRAM works much differently than other types of memory. The
fundamental storage cell within DRAM is composed of two elements: a transistor and a capacitor.
When a bit needs to be put in memory, the transistor is used to charge or discharge the capacitor. A charged
capacitor represents a logic high, or '1', while a discharged capacitor represents a logic low, or '0'. The
charging/discharging is done via the wordline and bitline, shown in Figure 1.
 Figure 1. In DRAM a bit is stored as the presence or absence of charge on a capacitor

During a read or write, the wordline goes high and the transistor connects the capacitor to the bitline.
Whatever value is on the bitline ('1' or '0') gets stored or retrieved from the capacitor.
The capacitors leak charge over time. Therefore, to maintain the data stored in memory the capacitors must
be refreshed periodically. Refreshing works just like a read and ensures data is never lost. This is where DRAM
gets the “Dynamic” moniker from—the charge on a DRAM cell is dynamically refreshed every so often.
Contrast this with SRAM (Static RAM) which retains its state without needing to be refreshed.

Difference between SRAM and DRAM

SRAM DRAM

It stores information as long as the power is

It stores information as long as the power
supplied or a few milliseconds when the power
is supplied.
is switched off.

Transistors are used to store information

Capacitors are used to store data in DRAM.
in SRAM.

To store information for a longer time, the

Capacitors are not used hence no
contents of the capacitor need to be refreshed
refreshing is required.
periodically.

SRAM is faster compared to DRAM. DRAM provides slow access speeds.

It does not have a refreshing unit. It has a refreshing unit.

 SRAM DRAM

These are expensive. These are cheaper.

SRAMs are low-density devices. DRAMs are high-density devices.

In this bits are stored in the form of electric

In this bits are stored in voltage form.
energy.

These are used in cache memories. These are used in main memories.

Consumes less power and generates less

Uses more power and generates more heat.
heat.

SRAMs has lower latency DRAM has more latency than SRAM

SRAMs are more resistant to radiation DRAMs are less resistant to radiation than
than DRAM SRAMs

SRAM has higher data transfer rate DRAM has lower data transfer rate

SRAM is used in high-speed cache

DRAM is used in lower-speed main memory
memory

SRAM is used in high performance

DRAM is used in general purpose applications
applications