Full Form of RAM

What is RAM?

RAM is essentially the short-term memory of a gadget. It temporarily stores (remembers) everything running on a device, including all OS-specific services, web browsers, image editors, and games.

RAM stops the CPU from accessing slower storage, such as a hard drive or even a solid-state drive (SSD), whenever you request a new browser tab or load a new adversary to shoot. Even if storage is significantly faster than drives of the past, it is still significantly slower than RAM.

Data that lives in RAM can be read at almost the same rate from any capable component. Due to its physical connection to the device, there is no significant lag in the cabling or connection.

However, RAM does not remember anything forever. This technology is "volatile," meaning that when it loses power, it forgets everything. This makes it ideal for tackling the numerous high-speed tasks your device throws at it daily.

However, this is also why storage solutions such as hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs) are essential. Unlike RAM, they retain data when the device is powered down.

There are two categories of RAM:

SRAM (Static RAM)\

Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of random-access memory that keeps the state of its data bits or data as long as it is powered. It is composed of memory cells and is referred to as static RAM since, unlike dynamic RAM, it does not require periodic refreshment because it does not require power to prevent leaking. Thus, it is more rapid than DRAM.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is composed of memory cells as well. It is an integrated circuit (IC) composed of millions of extremely small transistors and capacitors. Each transistor is aligned with a capacitor to create a highly compact memory cell, allowing millions of memory cells to fit on a single memory chip. Consequently, a DRAM memory cell consists of one transistor and one capacitor, and each cell represents or stores a single bit of data in its capacitor within an integrated circuit.

RAM: Brief History

• In 1947, the Williams tube was used to produce the first type of RAM.
• Using the Cathode Ray Tubes, the information was stored on the face of the tube in the form of electrical charge spots.
• Magnetic-core memory was used as a second commonly used type of RAM in 1947.
• Small metal rings & wires connecting to every ring have been used for dealing with Magnetic-core memory. In every one of those rings, one bit of data has been preserved and that data can be retrieved at any moment.
• Robert Dennard, in the year 1968, initially discovered RAM, which is now known as solid-state memory To preserve bits of information in DRAMs, transistors have now been used.

RAM: Advantages

• No noise is generated by the RAM as it does not include a mechanical moving component.
• Far less power is required on the RAM when compared to a mechanical disc drive. Emissions of CO2 are lowered and it prolongs battery life.
• RAM is one of the quickest mediums of storage.

RAM: Drawbacks

• The power outage can induce irrecoverable loss of data unless there is a power recovery system like a laptop battery.
• Devices don't include much of RAM as its prices per bit is huge.