SRAM stands for static random access memory. It’s a subtype of the more general type random access memory or RAM. More specifically, it’s a memory chip that can hold its contents without constantly needing to refresh with the CPU. Other types of RAM, such as DRAM, refresh hundreds of times per second.
Technipages Explains SRAM
SRAM chips are significantly faster than for example DRAM or dynamic random access memory chips. They are, however, also a lot more expensive and therefore less widely used for RAM caches. There are two types of SRAM – synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous RAM is the faster of the two, as it is able to synch with with the microprocessor or CPU’s clock speed. Asynchronous RAM can’t do that, meaning that it can’t perform operations that are determined and timed by the system clock. Other types of RAM have to take over those tasks where asynchronous RAM is present.
In live systems, there will almost always be a combination of SRAM and DRAM – SRAM is the perfect choice for use as a CPU cache, while DRAM is used for the computers main processional memory. There is one more thing that’s important to know about SRAM – another distinction between different types is whether the memory is volatile or not. This distinction applies to all types of RAM. Volatile memory means that whatever is stored by the RAM chip is deleted and lost if the power is cut off, or the memory chip is otherwise disconnected. Non-volatile memory is capable of maintaining critical data that is stored. Generally speaking, most RAM is volatile – non-volatile RAM is extremely expensive and thus only used in situations where it is absolutely necessary – aerospace engineering, for example.
Common Uses of SRAM
- SRAM is a type of random access memory.
- In certain professional fields, non-volatile SRAM is a critical necessity.
- DRAM and SRAM usually appear together in a system as both have their distinct uses.
Common Misuses of SRAM
- SRAM is superior to normal RAM.
