RAM is a type of memory that keeps data close by so the computer can quickly access it. It’s important for programs and apps that you use often, such as your browser and email.
Performing MVM in forwards and backwards directions requires routing rows and columns of the RRAM crossbar array to power-hungry circuits on the periphery11,42. These extra hardware layers impose significant energy, latency and area penalties.
What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it’s one of the most important parts of your computer or mobile device. It reads information that your app or OS may need in the near future and stores it temporarily for easy access by the CPU, graphics card and other components. Then, when you close your program or restart your device, the stored data is wiped from RAM so it can be cleaned and prepared to accept fresh, relevant data.
RAM is volatile, meaning it stores and processes information significantly faster than hard drives. It’s also compact and physically limited in its ability to store data, which is ram chip why most of the time it’s paired with a storage component like a hard drive for a complete system.
Most of the time, you won’t see individual RAM chips because they’re sold as part of a module called a memory stick or card. Depending on the type of RAM, you’ll typically see the manufacturer name, a four-digit number that tells how many mega transfers (data transfer) per second it can perform, and either “DRAM” or “SRAM.”
DRAM uses memory cells with a paired transistor and capacitor that require constant refreshing to retain a high or low electrical charge representing a data bit. It’s the most commonly used form of main RAM in modern computers.
What is SRAM?
SRAM (Static Random Access Memory) is a type of memory that stores data in the form of bits in transistors. Each bit consists of two inverters that function as latches, and can present data in binary form as either ‘0’ or ‘1’. The fact that the information is static means that it does not require refresh, which is why SRAM is often used as cache memory in microprocessors and other computing applications.
Its main advantages are that it consumes much less power than DRAM, is faster to access and writes data, and has greater storage capacity. However, it also requires more transistors to function, which increases manufacturing cost and complexity.
In order to operate, SRAM needs to have multiplexing and demultiplexing circuitry to select a specific set of memory cells. This enables the device to have a’read-only’ or ‘write-only’ memory mode. Four-transistor SRAM is the most common type, but there are also devices that use fewer transistors, such as 3T or 1T SRAM.
As a key component of modern computing, SRAM is a vital technology for many industries and applications. It can be found in everything from personal computers and tablets to automotive electronics and networking hardware, where it buffers data packets and streamlines network traffic flows. It is also commonly embedded in field-programmable gate arrays and complex programmable logic devices.
What is RRAM?
RRAM is a memory chip that uses oxygen ions to control the switching of resistance. It is a high-density non-volatility memory with low operating voltage and power. This type of memory is ideal for applications requiring high data density and fast write/erase speeds. It can be found in work memory (such as DRAM) and in non-volatile storage devices such as flash memory.
It consists of an insulator metal-oxide thin film whose resistance can change between the “On” and “Off” states under a varying current. This switching behavior is reflected by the I-V characteristics of RRAM, which can be divided into three types: unipolar, bipolar and ternary.
During DRAM operation, memory cells are activated to store data using row and column lines. The row line contains the state that the cell should take on and the column line specifies whether it should be written or read. A sense amplifier determines whether the capacitor is charged and a counter tracks how many times the memory cell has been read or written. The amount of time needed to do this is known as latency and is measured in nanoseconds.
Weebit has developed a ReRAM technology that is said to offer better performance on key metrics than floating gate ram chip manufacturer technology. It also aims to be cost efficient and integrate into any fab’s existing manufacturing processes.
What is Cache Memory?
Cache memory is a special type of high-speed memory that stores frequently used data and instructions close to the CPU, so it can be accessed quickly. This improves performance by reducing the need to access slower primary storage, such as RAM or the hard drive.
The fastest cache is the Level 1 (L1), which is integrated directly into the CPU chip. The L1 cache assesses the data that has just been accessed and decides whether it’s likely to be needed again soon. If so, it will be stored in the L1. If not, it will be tagged as a “miss” and your computer will have to search for the data in RAM or on the hard drive.
Other types of cache include L2, which may be inside or outside the CPU and is shared between cores, depending on the architecture. This is often a smaller size than the L1 cache and is connected to the CPU with a high-speed bus. L2 caches can also use various mapping strategies, such as two-way set associative or direct mapping, which determine how data is mapped to the cache.
The third type of cache is the L3 cache, which is outside the CPU and shared by all cores. It is not present in all processors and has a memory size between 1 and 8 megabytes. It is used to enhance the performance of the L1 and L2 cache by reducing the latency between main memory and the CPU.
