What is SRAM?
Full form of SRAM is “Static Random Access Memory” in Computer industry.
Definition: SRAM is also simple types of RAM (Random Access Memory) that helps to store all data with using of static technique. Static RAM is able to retain all information into static form until power supply is turn off. So due to this nature this memory has name the volatile memory.
SRAM is totally different to DRAM because DRAM requires regularly refreshing data that is store in the memory. So, SRAM’s speed is fastest to DRAM as well as it consume less power to DRAM.
Main objective of using the static RAM is to make Cache Memory. Static Ram is more expensive because it made with using of much complicated structure. And its complexity also limited for storing amount of data into one chip.
Due to this, SRAM chips have not ability to hold much data compare to DRAM. So, SRAM is using mostly in to small size applications like as CPU cache memory and hard drive buffers, compact discs (CD’s), printers, modem, routers, digital versatile discs (DVD’s) and digital cameras.
In SRAM, All data has been stored in flip-flop. Flip-flop contains the every bit of this Ram. Flip-flop uses 4-6 transistors for making a memory cell and its circuit do not need to refreshment continuously. SRAM helps to store every bit with using of bistable latching circuitry, and typically it used six MOSFET to store every memory bit but extra transistor become at smaller nodes.
SRAM holds a bit of data on 4 transistors with using of 2 cross coupled inverters, and it has two stable states like as 0 and 1. Due to read and write operations, other two access transistors use to handle the availability for memory cell.
It needs 6 MOFSET (metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) to hold per memory bit. MOFSET is also one type of SRAM chip, and other is bipolar junction transistor. Bipolar junction transistor’s speed is fastest but it uses much power.
Examples – Unsaved PPT file in PowerPoint and other any unsaved data in the software.
Types of SRAM (Static RAM)
There are different types of SRAM, such as –
Non-Volatile SRAM
Non-volatile SRAM is capable to store all information when power supply gets turn off.
Pseudo SRAM
Pseudo SRAM uses the self refresh circuit, but it is slow speed to static RAM.
Static RAM is divided into two parts according to its functionality
Asynchronous
In which, Address transition has all control of data in and data out, and it contains the independent of clock frequency.
Synchronous
In which, all control signals, data, and address are linked with the clock signals.
Characteristics of SRAM
- It occupies much more space compare to DRAM
- More power consumption to DRAM
- Usage: level 1 or level 2 cache
- Cycle time is lesser than to DRAM because SRAM doesn’t need to pause in between accesses.
- SRAM is commonly used as cache memory
