Description
The DRAM memory chip is a form of random-access memory ("DRAM and SDRAM Memory Chip Information", 1). The DRAM memory chip is made unlike other random-access memory chips because it has a more simple structure, containing only one transistor and one capacitor ("DRAM and SDRAM Memory Chip Information", 1). Most random-access chips, such as the SRAM (static random access memory) can include four to six transistors("DRAM and SDRAM Memory Chip Information", 1). The simple structure of the DRAM allows engineers to compact the memory chip and make it more dense (McDowell, Interview).
This form of random access memory has allowed for many computer devices to be made a lot smaller, as the memory chip is becoming more and more dense and compacted (McDowell, Interview). This has made a huge impact on computer technology and mobile devices, thus far (McDowell, Interview)
This form of random access memory has allowed for many computer devices to be made a lot smaller, as the memory chip is becoming more and more dense and compacted (McDowell, Interview). This has made a huge impact on computer technology and mobile devices, thus far (McDowell, Interview)
Types
DRAM:(Dynamic Random-Access Memory) This is a type of RAM that is able to store a bit of data inside of capacitor that is embedded on a chip of silicon on a circuit board. It is called Dynamic rather then Static due to the fact that the chip will automatically refresh because capacitors lose charge, so the memory needs to be refreshed to prevent data loss ("DRAM and SDRAM Memory Chip Information", 1).
SDRAM: (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) This is a form of DRAM that is synchronized with a system bus, as apposed to regular DRAM that doesn't sync. This creates a faster environment for the SDRAM chip to run. It also implements pipelining, which alows the chip to start a new process before finishing the first ("DRAM and SDRAM Memory Chip Information", 1).
DDR DRAM: (Double Data Rate DRAM) The double data rate DRAM is a version of the DRAM that is made to speed up the process of the memory chip. The DDR DRAM is twice as fast as the DRAM. There are also DDR2 and DDR4, each one is twice as fast as the version before (McDowell, Interview).
LPDRAM: (Low Power DRAM) Optimized to use very little power. Ideal for mobile devices, such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc., where power consumption is a concern (McDowell, Interview).
SDRAM: (Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory) This is a form of DRAM that is synchronized with a system bus, as apposed to regular DRAM that doesn't sync. This creates a faster environment for the SDRAM chip to run. It also implements pipelining, which alows the chip to start a new process before finishing the first ("DRAM and SDRAM Memory Chip Information", 1).
DDR DRAM: (Double Data Rate DRAM) The double data rate DRAM is a version of the DRAM that is made to speed up the process of the memory chip. The DDR DRAM is twice as fast as the DRAM. There are also DDR2 and DDR4, each one is twice as fast as the version before (McDowell, Interview).
LPDRAM: (Low Power DRAM) Optimized to use very little power. Ideal for mobile devices, such as cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc., where power consumption is a concern (McDowell, Interview).
Who invented it and when
Robert Dennard invented the DRAM in 1968. In the mid-1960's RAM was made up of a very complex system of wires and magnets (Mitchell 1). This system took up a lot of room and used a lot of power (1). Every time the computer was turned off, all memory would be erased from the memory chip (1).
Dennard's goal was to create a RAM that would store multiple data, and not lose that data even if the computer was restarted (Mitchell 1). Dennard was successful in this and he also reduced the size of the RAM cell, by having it contain a single transistor (1).
"The ultimate effect of Dennard's invention was that a single chip can hold a billion or more RAM cells in today’s computers" (Mitchell, 1).
Micron was started 10 years later and has since been a huge factor in making the DRAM smaller, faster, and more affordable (McDowell, Interview).
Dennard's goal was to create a RAM that would store multiple data, and not lose that data even if the computer was restarted (Mitchell 1). Dennard was successful in this and he also reduced the size of the RAM cell, by having it contain a single transistor (1).
"The ultimate effect of Dennard's invention was that a single chip can hold a billion or more RAM cells in today’s computers" (Mitchell, 1).
Micron was started 10 years later and has since been a huge factor in making the DRAM smaller, faster, and more affordable (McDowell, Interview).