Technical Vocational & Livelihood

Computer Systems Servicing 12

First Quarter

THE
ROM AND RAM

Prepared by:
MARILOU F. ANGADOL
 Information Sheet 1.4

THE ROM AND RAM

I. Read Only Memory (ROM

Read Only Memory (ROM) is a type of computer storage containing non-volatile,
permanent data that, normally, can only be read, not written to. ROM contains the
programming that allows a computer to start up or regenerate each time it is turned on. ROM
also performs large input/output (I/O) tasks and protects programs or software instructions.
Once data is written on a ROM chip, it cannot be removed.
Almost every computer incorporates a small amount of ROM that contains the
start-up firmware. This boot firmware is called the basic input/output system (BIOS).
This software consists of code that instructs the boot-up processes for the computer
-- such as loading the operating system (OS) into the random access memory (RAM)
or running hardware diagnostics. Consequently, ROM is most often used for firmware
updates.

Types of ROM
ROM may sometimes be called maskROM (MROM). MROM is a form of read-only
memory that is static and programmed into an included circuit by the manufacturer. Solid-
state ROM, the oldest type of ROM, is an example of maskROM. With the original ROM,
since it was truly read-only, it had to be removed and physically replaced in order to
change any of its contents.
However, new types of ROM have emerged that are still non-volatile, but can be
reprogrammed; these types are categorized as programmable read-only memory
(PROM). PROM can be used to update firmware, such as BIOS, through the utilization of
installation software.

Types of PROM include:

• Ultraviolet-erasable ROM (UV-ROM) - ROM whose contents can be erased using
ultraviolet light, and then reprogrammed.
• Erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) - A type of ROM that is programmed
using high voltages and exposure to ultraviolet light for about 20 minutes.
• Electrically-erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) - Often used in older
computer chips and to control BIOS, EEPROM can be erased and reprogrammed
several times while enabling the erase and writing of only one location at a
time. Flash memory is an updated version of EEPROM that allows numerous
memory locations to be changed at the same time.

II. Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the hardware in a computing device where the
operating system (OS), application programs and data in current use are kept so they
can be quickly reached by the device's processor.
 Random Access Memory is volatile. That means data is retained in RAM as long
as the computer is on, but it is lost when the computer is turned off. When the computer
is rebooted, the OS and other files are reloaded into RAM, usually from an HDD or SSD.

What are the types of RAM?

There are two main types of RAM: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) and Static RAM (SRAM).
• DRAM (pronounced DEE-RAM), is widely used as a computer’s main memory.
Each DRAM memory cell is made up of a transistor and a capacitor within an
integrated circuit, and a data bit is stored in the capacitor. Since transistors always
leak a small amount, the capacitors will slowly discharge, causing information
stored in it to drain; hence, DRAM has to be refreshed (given a new electronic
charge) every few milliseconds to retain data.

• SRAM (pronounced ES-RAM) is made up of four to six transistors. It keeps data in

the memory as long as power is supplied to the system unlike DRAM, which has to
be refreshed periodically. As such, SRAM is faster but also more expensive, making
DRAM the more prevalent memory in computer systems.

What are the common types of DRAM?

• Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM) “synchronizes” the memory speed with CPU clock
speed so that the memory controller knows the exact clock cycle when the
requested data will be ready. This allows the CPU to perform more instructions at a
given time. Typical SDRAM transfers data at speeds up to 133 MHz.

• Rambus DRAM (RDRAM) takes its name after the company that made it,
Rambus. It was popular in the early 2000s and was mainly used for video game
devices and graphics cards, with transfer speeds up to 1 GHz.

• Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) is a type of synchronous memory that
nearly doubles the bandwidth of a single data rate (SDR) SDRAM running at the
same clock frequency by employing a method called "double pumping," which
allows transfer of data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal
without any increase in clock frequency.

• DDR1 SDRAM has been succeeded by DDR2, DDR3, and most

recently, DDR4 SDRAM. Although operating on the same principles, the modules
are not backward-compatible. Each generation delivers higher transfer rates and
faster performance. The latest DDR4 modules, for example, feature fast transfer
rates at 2133/2400/2666and even 3200 MT/s.
Figure 1. Types of computer memory.

What are the types of DRAM packages?

• Single In-Line Memory Module (SIMM)
SIMM modules were widely used from the late 1980s to 1990s, and are now
obsolete. They typically had 32-bit data bus and were available in two physical
types—30- and 72-pin.

• Dual In-Line Memory Module (DIMM)

Current memory modules come in DIMMs. "Dual in-line" refers to pins on both sides
of the modules. A DIMM originally had a 168-pin connector supporting 64-bit data
bus, which is twice the data width of SIMMs. The wider bus means that more data
can pass through a DIMM, translating to faster overall performance. Latest DIMMs
based on fourth-generation double data rate (DDR4) SDRAM have 288-pin
connectors for increased data throughput.