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Static RAM facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Hyundai RAM HY6116AP-10
A static RAM chip from a NES clone (2K × 8 bits)

Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) is a type of RAM that keeps data that's fed to it without having to be refreshed over and over again.

Both DRAM and SRAM store information in binary by using very small electronic components. Both are volatile (need electrical current flowing to keep the negative and positive charged components stay that way).

One difference is that SRAM are also used for specific applications within the PC, where their good points outweigh their bad points compared to DRAM.

Like other semiconductor chips, SRAM chips are made by Photolithography.

For SRAM, each bit is composed of between four and six transistors, the parts that hold information, which is why SRAM takes up much more space compared to DRAM. To compare with SRAM, DRAM has only one transistor plus a capacitor acting like a miniature rechargeable battery).

Good differences

  • SRAM does not need to be refreshed.
  • Changing Static RAM is faster than DRAM.

Bad differences

  • SRAM is more expensive than DRAM.
  • SRAMs take up more space and electricity.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: SRAM para niños

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