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SRAM and DRAM: Difference

SRAM and DRAM: Difference

Anonymous
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What is the difference between an SRAM and a DRAM?

 

What is SRAM?

 

SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is static, so it will retain a value as long as power is supplied. SRAM is typically faster than DRAM since it doesn't have refresh cycles. Since each SRAM memory cell is comprised of 6 Transistors unlike a DRAM memory cell, which is comprised of 1 Transistor and 1 Capacitor, the cost per memory cell is far greater in an SRAM compared to a DRAM. With similar reasoning, it can be asserted that DRAMs come in larger densities than SRAMs given a fixed area.

What is DRAM?

 

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is a type of semiconductor memory in which the memory is stored in the form of a charge. Each memory cell in a DRAM is made of a transistor and a capacitor. The data is stored in the capacitor. Capacitors loose charge due to leakage and hence DRAM's are volatile devices. To keep the data in the memory, the device must be regularly refreshed. 

Difference Between SRAM and DRAM:

 

  • Structure: SRAM is built using flip-flops, which are simple circuits that store a single bit of data. DRAM, on the other hand, uses capacitors and transistors to store data. This design makes SRAM faster and less power consumption than DRAM.

  • Speed: SRAM is faster than DRAM because it does not require constant refreshing. Once data is stored in an SRAM cell, it remains there until it is overwritten. DRAM, on the other hand, must be constantly refreshed to keep the data from decaying. This makes SRAM better suited for cache memory, where fast access times are essential.

  • Density: DRAM is denser than SRAM because it uses smaller transistors and capacitors to store data. This makes DRAM more suitable for applications where a large amount of memory is required.

  • Power consumption: SRAM consumes less power than DRAM because it does not require constant refreshing. This makes SRAM more energy efficient, which is important for battery-powered devices.

 

Example: SRAMs are used in Caches because of higher speed and DRAMs are used for main memory in a PC because of higher densities.

Note: Infineon does not manufacture DRAM's.

 

Translation - Japanese: SRAMとDRAMの違いについて - Community Translated (JA)

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