What is RAM?

Answer

RAM

An acronym for Random Access Memory (pronounced "ram"). RAM is memory that has information stored in such a way that any data element may be retrieved in the same amount of time.

A RAM device may be fabricated with several different technologies; one of the most common is based on transistors. These memory systems are fast, inexpensive, and reliable but they do have one drawback: when power is removed, all stored information is lost. Technically most memory systems are random access, for example, a read only memory (ROM) is a random access device. The term RAM, however, is generally applied only to semiconductor read/write memory. Various types of RAM are distinguished in the literature:


• DRAM (dynamic RAM)—which must be refreshed periodically in order to retain its information. Refresh periods are on the order of every few milliseconds.
• SRAM (static RAM)—which retains its contents as long as power is supplied.
• VRAM (video RAM)—which is used to provide memory for graphics processing or temporary image storage.

RAM. (2001). In Hargrave's Communications Dictionary, Wiley.

Retrieved from Credo Reference, an online reference library available through the AUO library.

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  • Last Updated Jul 26, 2017
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