Static random-access memory

Static random-access memory (SRAM) is a type of RAM that keeps data that is fed to it without having to be refreshed over and over again.

Both DRAM and SRAM store information in binary by using very small electronic components. Both are volatile (need electric current flowing to make the negative and positively charged components stay that way).

One difference is that SRAM are also used for specific applications within the PC, where their good points outweigh their bad points compared to DRAM.

Like other semiconductor chips, SRAM chips are made by photolithography.

For SRAM, each bit is composed of between four and six transistors, forming a flip-flop to hold information. This complexity is what makes SRAM bigger and more expensive than DRAM. In DRAM each bit has only one transistor plus a capacitor acting like a miniature rechargeable battery).

Advantages

• SRAM does not need to be refreshed.
• Changing Static RAM is faster than DRAM.

Disadvantages

• SRAM is more expensive than DRAM.
• SRAMs take up more space and electricity.

Other websites

• Uses of SRAM by Intel Corp.