SRAM Vs DRAM: Key Differences
RAM is an abbreviation for the term Random Access Memory. It is a type of memory that needs a constant supply of power for retaining the data present in it. It means that as soon as the power supply to the laptop or PC gets disrupted (switched off), the information stored in this memory type will be lost. Thus, it is called volatile memory, cache memory, or temporary memory of a computer system.
It is easy to read and write in RAM. Electrical signal accomplishes this process. RAM is mainly of two types:
SRAM – Static RAM is a type of semiconductor memory that stores each bit by making use of Bistable latching circuitry. This RAM type stores data using the six cells of transistor memory. It mostly serves as the cache memory for the CPU (processor).
DRAM – Dynamic RAM allows users to store every data bit in a separate capacitor residing within a particular IC (integrated circuit). It serves as the standard computer memory for any recent/modern desktop computer.
What is SRAM?
The data and information stored in transistors require a constant flow of power. Thus, because of the continuous need for power, SRAM does not need to refresh itself to remember the data stored in the memory. Because it does not demand refreshing or change in action to keep its data intact, SRAM is also known as static.
What Is DRAM?
Capacitors serve as storage units of data and information. The Capacitors storing their data in DRAM gradually discharge their memory. No energy implies that the data is lost. Thus, it needs a periodic refreshing of power in order to function. Since DRAM requires constant change or action (meaning it requires refreshing for keeping the data intact), it is also known as dynamic. One can also use them for implementing the main memory.
Difference Between SRAM and DRAM
| Parameter | SRAM | DRAM |
| Definition | Static random-access memory is a specific type of memory of a semiconductor. It makes use of bistable latching circuitry to store every bit of data. SRAM is static. A user does not have to refresh it periodically for it to perform. | Dynamic random-access memory is a type of RAM that serves as storage for every data bit within another capacitor in any given IC (integrated circuit). |
| General Applications | The general application areas of an SRAM are the L3 and L2 cache units in the CPU. | The DRAM works as the main memory in the computers (for example, DDR3). |
| Size | SRAM typically has a storage capacity of 1 MB- 16 MB. | DRAM has a usual capacity of 1 GB0 2GB, commonly found in tablets and smartphones. In most laptops, its storage capacity can be up to 4 GB- 16GB. |
| Position of Memory | You can find SRAM on the processor. Or it stays lodged between the processor and the main memory of any computing device. | You can find DRAM on the motherboard of a device. |
| Storage Capacity | SRAM usually has a smaller size of storage. | The storage capacity of DRAM is comparatively larger. |
| Speed | SRAM stays in the form of on-chip memory. The access time is lesser than DRAM. Thus, it is comparatively faster. | DRAM possesses the characteristics of off-chip memory. The substantial access time is more than SRAM, and thus, it is slower. |
| Cost | SRAM is less cost-effective and more expensive than DRAM. | DRAM is available at a reasonable price. It is more cost-effective. |
| Density | SRAM is low in density and rarer. | DRAM is highly dense compared to SRAM. |
| Total Number of Transistors | Since SRAM has a single block of memory, including six transistors becomes necessary. | A single transistor can form a memory block with only a single transistor. |
| Design and Construction | It is very complicated to construct and design SRAM. It is because it uses various types of transistors to implement its performance. | The DRAM is comparatively easy to implement because it also has a simplistic design. The total number of transistors present in a memory module impacts the capacity of a DRAM. Thus, the DRAM module can be six times more capable than the SRAM module (that has the same number of transistors). |
| Consumption of Power | The principle that SRAM follows relates to the constant change of a current direction through the switches. It has no charges like the DRAM. | The rate of power consumption is comparatively higher in DRAM as compared to SRAM. |
| Nature of Leaking Charge | SRAM faces no issues of leakage of charge. | The DRAM utilizes a capacitor that produces a leakage current. It makes DRAM dynamic. It’s possible because a dielectric current is present inside a capacitor. A dielectric separates the constructive plates. It does not serve as a perfect insulator- thus, DRAM requires a power refresh circuitry. |
| Simplicity | The modules of SRAM are more straightforward when compared to the DRAM modules. One can develop easy-to-build interfaces for accessing the memory. | DRAMs are very complex as compared to SRAMs. |
| Advantage | Consumption of power is low, and the speed of access is fast. | Manufacturing cost is low, and memory capacity is greater. |
| Disadvantage | Memory capacity is less, and manufacturing cost is fairly high. | Power consumption is high, and access speed is slow. |
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