What is the Difference Between RAM and ROM?

Computer Memory, or memory in general, is of various types. We can divide the memory in multiple ways. However, a broader way to define memory is by their ability to store without power. So, we have permanent and temporary memories. RAM is the best example of temporary memory. RAM is called volatile because it loses the data when powered off. Whether it is SRAM in the CPU cache or the SDRAM as the primary memory on the motherboard, these are all temporary memory types. But, RAM has the advantage of a very high bandwidth and low latency. RAM has many types, and some of them are discussed in this article.

If we look at the permanent memory types (non-volatile memory), we have SSDs (Flash Memory), HDDs (Magnetic Storage), flash drives, Optical storage drives, and ROM. ROM is special because of its simple design, low price, high write endurance, and overall stability. It has major applications such as Read-Only memory for computer BIOS/UEFI, Microcontrollers, and embedded system firmware in devices like TVs, routers, microwaves, etc. The ROM generally stores the data that should be changed by the end user. However, there are different variations of the ROM whose data can be re-written through firmware or BIOS updates or by experts.

Let’s compare both of them and understand how they work.

RAM vs ROM Simulator

Before starting, let me help you understand the working mechanism using a simulator or you can say a visualizer. It will be good to differentiate how these two different types of memory operate.

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is called “Random Access” because the data on it can be read or written in any order. It simply means the CPU can access any memory location if it is available for use. NAND flash memory can also be accessed randomly, but only RAM is called RAM because of its historical context. When the RAM was found in the 1940s and 50s, the other storage mediums were sequential. The access pattern of the RAM was completely different from the magnetic tapes and hard drives. Now, RAM comes with the advantage of high throughput and low latency because of this random access pattern.

RAM doesn’t have only one type. There are around 10 types of RAMs in the market. The three most popular types of RAMs are DRAM, SRAM, and VRAM. The main memory in our computers is made up of a special type of DRAM called SDRAM. In mobile devices, there is generally the LPDDR RAM is generally used as the primary memory. The CPU cache is made up of the SRAM, while the GPUs use the VRAM or Video RAM.

There are many other types of RAM, but most of them are volatile. All of them need a constant power supply in order to keep the data in its place. The DRAM (which is based on the capacitor memory) even needs constant refreshing of the memory cells so that they retain their states. RAM works closely with the CPU, providing it a faster storage medium than the primary memory, i.e., hard drive or SSDs.

How does RAM work?

The working of RAM depends on how it’s made and where it is employed. The SRAM, for example, has its biggest application as L1, L2, and L3 cache in the CPUs. It is highly expensive and hard to scale, but much faster than any other type of RAM. SRAM is a transistor-based memory. The DRAM, on the other hand, stores the data inside the 1T1C memory cells, storing each bit of data in the form of an electric charge in a capacitor. Millions and Billions of these cells may be combined to make a DRAM chip, which can then be used by the CPU.

All the CPUs have their own register and cache memory, which is really fast but has very low storage capacity. RAM allows for scalability with a little compromise to the speed. Cache memory can be 30% to 500% faster than RAM depending on the type of CPU. However, the cache memory is around 6 to 10 times more expensive than DRAM. So, both of them are RAMs, but their prices, speed, scalability, and applications are different.

If we just look at the RAM as the main working memory in a computer or mobile system, its main role is to give enough space for temporary data. The CPU can load the required data from the secondary storage and load it into the RAM. Then, it can load the most important data into the cache memory and work on it. The RAM will be there to hold any big amount of data that won’t fit inside the cache. But RAM isn’t just that. There are many types and different types of working. Let’s understand all the popular types of RAMs below.

Types of RAM

1. DRAM (Asynchronous-Dynamic Random Access Memory)

This was the early variant of the DRAM introduced between the late 1970s and early 1980s. This type of RAM has a clock that works independently of the CPU. For the incoming control signals, this RAM responded in real time as they arrived. ADRAM was simpler in design but slower for the newer upgrades in computer technology. Also, it was less efficient in handling multiple data requests, again, because of its asynchronous nature.

ADRAM uses a pair of a capacitor and a transistor to store one bit of data (1 or 0). The presence of charge represents 0, and the absence represents 1. However, this charge leaks over time, and it must be refreshed constantly. The access time of a DRAM is around 10 to 100 nanoseconds.

DRAM has many variations. SDRAM is the most popular these days. However, the types of DRAM are RDRAM (Rambus DRAM), FPM DRAM (Fast Page Mode DRAM), and EDO DRAM (Extended Data Out DRAM).

1.1. SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory)

The SDRAM was developed in the mid-1990s as an advanced memory technology for improving computers. As the name says, it shared the same clock as the CPU, and this resulted in much better processing and handling of multiple processes at a time. DDR (Double Data Rate) helped the SDRAM to enhance its applications and performance with much more efficient use of the data signals. Each generation of DDR SDRAM offers higher speeds, lower latency, and enhanced system performance.

Again, the same type of 1T1C memory cell is used to hold one bit of data. However, SDRAM sends the data in bursts because it is possible to queue up and process multiple data requests at once. Below is the table of the DDR variants and their effective data rate along with the bandwidth and basic clock speed.

2. SRAM (Static Random Access Memory)

The term Static came as the opposite of the Dynamic in the DRAM. The SRAM doesn’t require constant refreshing of the capacitors to retain its data. Because 4-6 transistors are used to hold a bit of data inside a flip-flop in SRAM, it not only becomes static but also very fast. SRAM offers a very low latency and very high bandwidth. The access time of SRAM is generally between 1 and 3 nanoseconds, which makes it most suitable for high-performance environments. But, because of its low density and high cost, it can’t be used as a primary memory in any device. This would increase the cost of the devices a lot. So, it is used smartly for cache purposes not only in computers but printers, smartphones, routers, networking devices, cameras, etc.

3. VRAM (Video Random Access Memory)

VRAM is used in graphics cards and integrated GPUs in the CPUs. It is optimized for handling the high bandwidth and parallel processing demanded by the GPUs. This RAM is ideal for storing images, videos, games, and other types of 3D data.

VRAM is dual-ported, allowing simultaneous read and write operations and making it suitable for video and image data. The two main variations of the VRAM HMB and GDDR are designed for high-performance graphics and computing tasks. GDDR is based on a 2D layout, while the HMB is based on 3D stacked technology. With a wide memory bus, the HMB offers a very high bandwidth compared to the GDDR. The HMB is mostly used in high-performance computing in specialized areas such as AI and data centers. The GDDR, on the other hand, is most popular in the consumer GPU market. The latest version, GDDRX offers the best balance between price and performance, making it the best for gaming graphics cards.

4. Other types of RAM

MRAM (Magnetoresistive RAM): This RAM uses magnetic tunnel junctions to store the data. The alignment of magnetic layers represents the bit values. These magnetic layers are separated by insulating layers and can be fixed or free to represent bits of data. The special thing about this RAM is that keeps the data even without the absence of input power. It is suitable for high-speed applications and is very durable. It is mostly utilized in industrial, automotive, and aerospace applications.

FRAM (Ferromagnetic RAM): The storage medium in this RAM is similar to a capacitor, but it uses a ferromagnetic layer to store the data. The polarization of this magnetic material represents the bit value of the data. The electric field can be used to change this field and write the data. It also retains the data even when powered off. It is mostly used in embedded systems and smart cards.

NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM): This memory uses either flash memory or SRAM with a battery for power backup. This again holds the data when the power is off. The battery-powered NVRAM uses that battery to keep the data in the SRAM. However, the flash memory-based NVRAM uses the floating gates for this job. This is generally used in firmware and BIOS chips.

LPDDR (Low-Power DDR SDRAM): If you ever go into the smartphone specifications, you might have heard this name. LPDDR and LPDDRX RAM are widely used in smartphones, tablets, and some laptops as well. It loses its data when the power is off. But, it has the advantage of high speed and bandwidth thanks to its capacitor-based memory. LPDDR is also pretty power-efficient because of low I/O voltages and mechanisms like array self-refresh.

What is ROM?

ROM, or Read-Only Memory, has no direct comparison with the RAM, but because the names are similar, people are generally confused. ROM is basically a memory that is made just to read the data. It isn’t supposed to be written by the end-user either because it stores critical data or because of its hard writing process. ROM has its biggest applications in the Firmware and BIOS/UEFI chips in computers, gaming consoles, embedded systems, electronic appliances, mobile phones, networking, etc.

ROM is non-volatile memory, which makes it good for storing critical data. But, the most special thing about ROM is that it is used to store permanent or semi-permanent data. It means the data on ROM must not be erased and written frequently. ROM comes with limited write capacity and generally requires special writing mechanisms for the security and reliability of the data. With the firmware updates, the system writes the data on these ROM chips, but we generally have no direct control over it.

The ROM chips used in our computers are the EEPROM chips. These chips can be rewritten through the system update utility, which initializes and executes this update. In microcontroller programming, the ROM is used to define the operations of electronic devices. Your remote control, TVs, and washing machines would have the ROM chips with the inbuilt programs that run depending on your inputs and provide some kind of feedback. These ROM chips are generally not re-writeable and once damaged, need replacement.

How does ROM work?

ROM uses transistors and diodes to form memory cells to store the data. Each cell can hold one bit of data, either 0 or 1.

In PROM, specific fusible links are blown to create permanent memory states. A blown fuse generally represents a bit value of 0, while an unblown fuse represents 1. In EPROM, data is stored by trapping electrons in floating-gate transistors. EEPROM and Flash memory allow for reprogramming by applying a voltage to remove trapped electrons.

The CPU demands the data from the ROM via the address signal through the address line. There is a decoder to select the appropriate row and column the read the specific cell.

Types of ROM

1. PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory)

This type of ROM can be programmed just once. Mostly, the manufacturers program them once they finish making this ROM. In simple words, whatever you want to write in it, you get one chance. Once written, the data can only be read from the PROM and can’t be erased or rewritten. The fusible links that make up the memory cells in the PROM can be burnt just once. It creates a permanent connection or no connection. Each cell, whether required to store 0 or 1 is written just once, and that’s it.

2. EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM)

This was the earliest variation of the PROM to make it programmable. For this, the manufacturers installed quartz windows on the chip that allowed the UV light to erase the trapped charge in the FGMOS. Once the existing data is erased, the chip can be reprogrammed as a new one with the electric signals. The writing process of the EPROM used the hot-carrier injection method. Although the EPROM was widely accepted over the PROM in the past, these days, it is almost replaced by the EEPROM.

3. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM)

EEPROM works almost like flash memory. The floating gate is utilized to store bits of data in the form of 0s and 1s. EEPROM is written or programmed using a high voltage at the gate of the transistor. This process stores the charge by tunneling it through the insulating layer and then keeping it inside the floating gate even with no power input.

In EEPROM, selective memory cells can be erased and rewritten, which helps it become more versatile. To read the data, a lower voltage is applied to the control gate. Depending on the state of the floating gate (charged or discharged), the cell will either conduct (indicating a “1”) or not conduct (indicating a “0”).

Because of these benefits of the EEPROM, it is widely utilized in applications where frequent data re-programming is required. EEPROM is the most used ROM technology in computers, printers, embedded systems, smartphones, and many other places.

Confusion between ROM and Permanent Storage

People often refer to ROM as the permanent storage of computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. I have heard people saying their smartphone has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of ROM. By ROM, they refer to the storage. But that isn’t true. ROM has its key applications where the stored data isn’t meant to be manipulated. Most people would not want to re-program their microwave’s functioning. They just want them to work perfectly. ROM serves that purpose.

On the other hand, most people are clear about the RAM. They know it is temporary memory and is volatile in nature. Once you restart your computer or smartphone, all the apps and their data (if not saved) will be deleted. Most operating systems even warn you about the opened applications if you try to shut it down with unsaved data. This is because RAM will be cleared once its power supply is cut. They also know the importance of RAM in performance. Upgrading to more RAM doesn’t always mean more performance if you already have enough of it.

Conclusion: The key difference between RAM and ROM

The main difference between these types of memory devices is their ability to hold data. While RAM clears itself as soon as its power is gone, ROM is generally employed to keep the data in its place. In ROM, data is rarely modified, while RAM is constantly used to read or write data by the CPU.

The building blocks of RAM are either 1T1C (Transistor-Capacitor) or flip-flops. While 1T1C is mainly used in computer DRAMs, flip-flops are used in SRAM cells. ROM is built using transistors, diodes, or floating gate transistors. Mask ROM or hardwired ROM is mainly made up of diodes and transistor,s while PROM has fuses and anti-fuses.

The write mechanism in RAM is electric-charge or flip-flop state. On the other hand, ROM is written by trapping electrons in the flash or fuses. RAM allows both read and write operations but ROM is mainly used for reading the data.

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