Difference Between SRAM and DRAM
Introduction
SRAM and DRAM are two types of integrated-circuit RAM, with SRAM using transistors and latches and DRAM use capacitors and transistors. These may be distinguished in a variety of ways, such as the fact that SRAM is quicker than DRAM, hence SRAM is used for cache memory while DRAM is used for main memory.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a kind of memory that requires continual power to preserve data; if the power supply is interrupted, the data is lost, thus the name "volatile memory." Reading and writing in RAM is simple and quick, and it's done using electrical impulses.
What is SRAM?
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is a six-transistor device created using CMOS technology. It is made up of two cross-coupled inverters for data storage (binary), similar to flip-flops, plus two additional transistors for access control. It is quicker than other forms of RAM, such as DRAM. It uses less energy. SRAM can store data indefinitely as long as it is powered.SRAM is often quicker since it does not need refresh. DRAM has an average access time of 60 nanoseconds, but SRAM has access times as low as 10 nanoseconds. SRAM requires more transistors than DRAM to store a given amount of data due to its structure. To store every bit of data, a DRAM module only needs one transistor and one capacitor, but SRAM takes six transistors. Because the number of transistors in a memory module affects its capacity, a DRAM module may have up to 6 times the capacity of an SRAM module for the same number of transistors.
Characteristics of SRAM
- Compared to DRAM, SRAM is substantially faster.
- DRAMs are much more expensive.
- Compared to DRAMs, it occupies a lot more space.
- Compared to DRAMs, there is less power usage.
- Level 1 or level 2 caches
- Cycle time is much less than DRAM since there is no need for a pause between accesses.
- It is often solely used as a memory cache.
What is DRAM?
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is another form of RAM made out of capacitors and a few transistors. The capacitor is used to store data, with a bit value of 1 indicating that it is charged and a bit value of 0 indicating that it is discharged. Capacitors have a tendency to discharge, resulting in charge leakage.
The dynamic word means that the charges are always leaking even while power is continually provided, which is why it uses more power. To save data for a long period, it must be updated often, which necessitates the insertion of refresh circuits. Even when the power is turned on, DRAM loses data due to charge leakage. DRAM has a bigger capacity and is less costly than SDRAM. For a single memory block, just a single transistor is required.
Characteristics of DRAM
- Cost-effective
- Its data retention duration is brief.
- It has a lower refresh rate need than SRAM.
- Energy use increases.
Key Difference Between SRAM and DRAM
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- The term "dynamic random-access memory" refers to a form of random-access memory that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor in each integrated circuit.
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- A form of semiconductor memory known as static random-access memory. It makes use of bistable latching circuitry to save every byte of data. Its performance does not need it to be renewed on a regular basis.
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- DRAM is primarily used as the primary memory in computers (e.g. DDR3). It's not a good idea to keep it for a long time.
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- The basic areas of application of an SRAM are the L2 and L3 cache units of a CPU.
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- In smartphones and tablets, 1GB to 2GB DRAM is typical. In most laptops, the DRAM capacity ranges from 4GB to 16GB.
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- SRAM has a storage capacity of 1MB to 16MB.
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- On the motherboard, the DRAM is installed.
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- A computer device's SRAM might be situated on the CPU or sandwiched between the main memory and the processor.
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- DRAM has off-chip memory properties. It is slower than SRAM because it has a longer access time.
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- On-chip memory is the form of SRAM. It is quicker than DRAM because it has a short access time.
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- DRAM has a greater storage capacity.
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- SRAM is often smaller in size.
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- A single transistor is required to construct a memory block in DRAM.
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- In SRAM, a single memory block necessitates the use of six transistors.
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Conclusion
SRAM is the ancestor of DRAM. DRAM was created to address the shortcomings of SRAM; designers decreased the number of memory components required in each bit of memory, lowering DRAM costs and increasing storage capacity. However, since DRAM is slower and uses more power than SRAM, it must be refreshed every few milliseconds to keep the charges.
Related Questions
1). What is the difference between SRAM and DRAM memory?
SRAM is a memory semiconductor that is more energy-efficient and speedier than DRAM. A DRAM memory device can store more data than an SRAM chip, but it also consumes more power. First, some context. A semiconductor chip called random access memory (RAM) is mounted on a processor and used to store variables for CPU computations.
2). Why is SRAM faster than DRAM?
The technique used by static RAM is very different. Each memory bit in static RAM is kept in a flip-flop configuration. A memory cell flip-flop requires 4 or 6 transistors and some wire and is never updated. As a result, static RAM is much quicker than dynamic RAM.
3). Where are SRAM and DRAM used?
SRAM is often used for cache memory in computers, such as the L2 or L3 cache of a CPU. Digital electronics often employ DRAM when low-cost, high-capacity memory is needed.
4). Why is DRAM used for main memory?
The primary computer memory is often made of dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Its faster transmission rate and greater storage density are to blame for this.
