DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES :

Memory system organization is a major factor in determining device performance. Different memory technologies, such as DRAM, SRAM, EPROM and EEPROM, offer trade-offs in capacity, speed, and cost. Let’s see how these memory technologies differing from each other.

  

Picture Courtesy/Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/6jWy1xiYhXREBMyA8

What is the difference between RAM and ROM?

Factors RAM ROM Usage   RAM allows the computer to read data quickly to run applications. ROM stores all the application which is needed to   boot the computer initially. It only allows for reading. Volatility   RAM is volatile. So, its contents are lost when the device is powered off.  ROM is non-volatile, i.e., its contents are retained even if the device is powered off Accessibility Information stored in the RAM is easily accessed.   The processor can't directly access the information that is stored in the ROM. In order to access ROM information first, the information is transferred into the RAM, and then it can be executed by the processor. Speed   It is a high-speed memory. It is much slower than the RAM.   CPU Interaction   The CPU can access the data stored on it.   The CPU can not access the data stored on it unless the data is stored in RAM.  Size and Capacity   Large size with higher capacity.   Small size with less capacity. Structure   The RAM chip is in rectangle form and is inserted over the motherboard of the computer. Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of storage medium that permanently stores data on personal computers (PCs) and other electronic devices.                    Cost RAM is costly. ROM is cheap.

What is the difference between SRAM and DRAM?

Factors	DRAM	SRAM
Speed	DRAM has the characteristics of off-chip memory. It has a more substantial access time than the SRAM and is therefore slower.	SRAM is in the form of on-chip memory. It has a small access time, and thus it is faster than DRAM.
Density	The DRAM is highly dense.	SRAM is rarer than DRAM in density.
Cost-effectiveness	The DRAM is reasonably priced.	SRAM is expensive and is thus less cost-effective than DRAM.
Used in	Main memory	Cache memory
Storage capacity	DRAM possesses a larger storage capacity.	SRAM is usually of smaller size.
Construction	Simple and uses capacitors and very few transistors.	Complex and uses transistors and latches.
Single block of memory requires	Only one transistor.	6 transistors.
Charge leakage property	Present hence require power refresh circuitry.	Not present
Power consumption	High	Low

What is the difference between EPROM and EEPROM?

Factors	EPROM	EEPROM
Definition	EPROM is ROM type which can be erased and reused	EEPROM is can be erased and  reprogrammed through  a normal electrical voltage.
Technology	EPROM is an older technology.	EEPROM is modern version over EPROM.
Appearance	EPROM has a transparent quartz crystal window at the top	EEPROM are totally encased in an opaque plastic case
Data Erasing	Ultraviolet light is used to erase the content of EPROM.	EEPROM contents are erased using electronic signal
Erased and Reprogrammed	EPROM chip has to be removed from the computer circuit to erase and reprogram the computer BIOS.	EEPROM chip can be erased and reprogrammed in the computer circuit to erase and reprogram the content of computer BIOS.

References 

•        https://www.edn.com/memory-hierarchy-design-part-3-memory-technology-and-optimizations/

•        https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/electronic_components/semiconductor-ic-memory/memory-types-technologies.php

•      https://technobyte.org/memories-digital-electronics/

Thank you for reading this blog! Stay updated for further knowledge about memory technologies in digital design! Please comment and share.

  The contributor to this article is: Vedika Patil.