Name : Shamayel Afzal Khan Roll no.

: F-46066 Class : BBA Section : B Semester : Fall 2010(1st Semester) Date : 27-September-2010 Assignment: 3 Subject : Introduction to IT Lecturer : Sir , Mr. Sarosh Farjam

ASSIGNMENT QUESTIONS WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RAM?

1. RAM: RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is a non volatile memory for devices and computer based machines. RAM is generally the main memory available to the programs to run. The RAM therefore should be enough for handling all the operating programs. If the RAM is larger, the computer / device performance will be better whereas low RAM may turn the computer / device slow.

2. Types of RAM: Following are the types of RAM: i. ii. iii. iv. v. SRAM NVRAM FRAM CMOS RAM DRAM

Now let us discuss them one by one. 3. SRAM: Static RAM, referred as SRAM uses latches or logic gates for storing of the information. As compared to DRAM, it is structurally built in a way that it

provides faster access to the information for the processor. Another thing is that SRAM doesnt need any power refreshing. But SRAM is comparatively much expensive than DRAM.

4. NVRAM: Non-volatile RAM, referred as NVRAM, has an extra ability to retain data after power loss or a power failure. But for a computer system to support NVRAM, a separate battery is needed.

5. FRAM: Ferroelectric RAM, referred as FRAM, is found both in computers as well as in mobile devices. It needs very little power. Like DRAM, FRAM has also a fast read and write time. But it cannot store much of the information in the same physical space as other types of RAM.

6. CMOS RAM: CMOS RAM, it is another type of RAM which is used by CMOS in the mother board for the purpose of storing useful information about computer or system such as date, time, system settings etc. It is supplied power through a battery

attached with CMOS to store the information. As long as the power is supplied to CMOS RAM, it maintains its memory contents.

7. DRAM: Dynamic RAM, referred as DRAM, uses capacitors for storing of the information. It is the cheapest as compared to other types of RAM. It needs to be refreshed with power regularly to continue storing information. This is due to the reason that a capacitors charge disperses with time. Normally it needs to be refreshed after every time it reads data and in every 15 microseconds.

8. Types of DRAM: Following are the types of DRAM: a. RDRAM: Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory, referred as RDRAM, is designed by Rambus. It is a departure from the previous architecture of DRAM. In RDRAM, Rambus In-Line memory modules i.e. RIMM is used which is similar in size and in pin configuration as compared to a standard DIMM. It has a high speed data bus called the Rambus channel. The data rate achievement of RDRAM memory chips working parallel is 800 MHz or 1600 MBps. They generated more heat due to their high speed as

compared to any other type of RAM. For heat dissipation, there is a heat spreader inside Rambus chips.

b. FPM DRAM: Fast Page Mode Dynamic Random Access Memory, referred as FPM DRAM, is the original form of DRAM. Its working mechanism is such that it has to wait through entire process of locating a bit of data by column and row. Then it reads the bit before it goes for next bit.176 MBps is the maximum data transfer rate to L2 cache.

c. EDO DRAM: Extended Data-Out Dynamic Random Access Memory, referred as EDO DRAM, it does not wait like FPM DRAM for all the processing of first bit before going for the next one. It begins to looks for the next one as soon as the address of the first bit is located. 264 MBps is its maximum data transfer rate to L2 cache. It is five percent faster than the FPM DRAM.

d. SDRAM: Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory, referred as SDRAM, takes advantage of the burst mode concept to enhance its performance. It is made possible by staying on the row containing the requested bit and moving rapidly through the columns, reading each bit as it goes. The general idea in this case is that the data needed by the CPU will be in sequence. SDRAM is a five percent faster than the EDO RAM. It is found as the most common form in desktops today. 528 MBps is the maximum data transfer rate of SDRAM to L2 cache.

e. DDR SDRAM: Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory, referred as DDR SDRAM, is just like SDRAM except that is has higher bandwidth, meaning greater speed. 1064 MBps / 133 MHZ are its maximum data transfer rate to L2 cache.

f. Credit Card Memory: It is a proprietary self-contained DRAM memory module. It plugs into a special slot for its use in notebook computers.

PCMCIA Memory Card: Like the Credit Card Memory, it is another self-contained DRAM module for notebooks but the cards of this type are not proprietary. It can work with any notebook computer whose system bus matches the

configurations of the memory card.

g. VRAM: Video RAM, referred as VRAM, is also known as Multiport Dynamic Random Access Memory (MP DRAM). It is a type of RAM which is used specifically for the video adapters or 3D accelerators. VRAM has two independent access ports that allow the CPU and graphics processor to

access the RAM at the same time. It is located on the graphics card and comes in a variety of formats, many of which are proprietary. The determining factor in the displays color depth and resolution is the amount of VRAM. It is also used to hold graphics-specific information such as texture maps and 3d-geometry data. It is very expensive.