An Overview of Memory
Referring to the concept of memory, memory is the part of a computer or another system that stores binary data. In a computer, memory is accessed millions of times per second, so the need for speed and accuracy is very important. Today, very fast semiconductor memory modules with several gigabytes of capacity are available. In the electronic industry, an Integrated circuit size memory is introduced to be placed in a limited device, such as a smartphone, and to maximize performance and convenience.
What is Memory in terms of RAM and ROM?
Random Access Memory:
RAM is a random access memory, which is a type of internal memory in a computer and is also the most important one. It is generally called running memory in computers and mobile phones. It is much faster than a hard disk, so the running program is in RAM, and the data not used during operation is stored in the hard disk. When the data is needed, the data is taken from the hard disk to the memory, but at the same time, the RAM will lose data when the power is off, so if the power is off in our computer, the original running data will be lost. Therefore, the concept of RAM in a mobile phone and RAM in a computer is the same. The larger the RAM, the more programs can be executed in the memory at the same time, and the better the performance is generally.
Read-only Memory:
ROM is the hard disk for computers, the built-in storage for mobile phones, and Flash for microcontrollers. It is used to store the operating system software.
Why is it called read-only memory when I can write data to the hard disk?
It is easier to explain on a microcontroller: burn the firmware (system software) into Flash, and then it cannot be modified. No matter how the user restarts or uses it, it will not impact the firmware. In other words, the firmware cannot be written, therefore it is called "read-only memory".
The same logic works for mobile phones. There is a part of the space in the internal storage for storing system software, and the system software will not be damaged no matter how you use it. This part can also be understood as "read-only memory".
Practically, the built-in storage and Flash will be divided into two sections, one that can be written and the other that cannot. The place that can be written is used to store contacts, photos, music, APPs, etc., and the place that cannot be written is used to store the operating system software.
What are the Types of Random Access Memory?
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory): SRAM is a memory with a static access function. It can save the data stored inside without refreshing the circuit.
- Pro: fast speed, no need to cooperate with memory refresh circuit, which can improve overall work efficiency.
- Con: low integration, high power consumption, large volume with the same capacity, and high price.
DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory): DRAM is the most common system memory. DRAM can only keep data for a short time. To keep the data, DRAM uses capacitor storage, so it must be refreshed every once in a while. If the storage unit is not refreshed, the stored information will be lost.
What are the LCSC Categories of Memory?
Non-Volatile Memory (ROM), Memory - Serial MCP (Multi Chip Package), eMMC, SRAM, DDR SDRAM, Font chips, Memory - Configuration Proms for FPGAs, NOR FLASH, DRAM, EEPROM, SDRAM, Memory Controllers, NAND FLASH, Random Access Memory (RAM), FRAM