What is Static RAM (SRAM)?

SRAM is a type of RAM and it is a volatile memory, which looses its data when the power is turned
off. In a SRAM, each bit that stores data is made up of four or six transistors that make up a flip-flop.
There are additional transistors that are used to control read and write accesses of storage cells. Even
though typical SRAMs use six transistors to store each bit, there are SRAMs that use eight, ten or more
transistors to store a single bit. When the number of transistors is reduced, the size of the memory cell
decreases. Each SRAM cell can be in three different states called read, write and standby. A cell is in
the reading state when data has been requested and it is in writing state when the data in the cell is
modified. The cell is in the standby state when it is idling.
What is Dynamic RAM (DRAM)?

DRAM is also a volatile memory that uses separate capacitors to store each bit. Capacitors when not
charged represent the value 0 of a bit and when charged represent the value 1. Since the capacitors
discharge with time, they need to be refreshed periodically to maintain the values stored in them. Each
memory cell in a DRAM consists of a capacitor and a transistor and these cells are arranged in a square
array. DRAMS are widely used for main memories in personal computers and game stations since they
are cheaper. DRAMs are manufactured as integrated circuits (ICs) that come in plastic packages with
metal pins that could be connected in to busses. Currently there are DRAMs in the market that are
manufactured as plug-in modules, which are easier to handle. Single In-line Pin Package (SIPP), Single
In-line Memory Module (SIMM) and Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM) are some examples of
such modules.
What is the difference between Static RAM and Dynamic RAM?

Even though both SRAMs and DRAMs are volatile memories, they have some important differences.
Since the DRAM requires a single capacitor and a transistor for each memory cell, it is much simpler in
the structure than the SRAM, which uses six transistors for each memory cell. On the other hand, due
to the use of capacitors, DRAM requires to be refreshed periodically as opposed to the SRAM. DRAMs
are less expensive and slower than SRAMs. Therefore they are used for the large main memory of
personal computers, workstations, etc., while SRAM are used for the smaller and faster cache memory.

What is a Neural Network?

An Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is an information processing paradigm that is inspired by the way
biological nervous systems, such as the brain, process information. The key element of this paradigm is
the novel structure of the information processing system. It is composed of a large number of highly
interconnected processing elements (neurones) working in unison to solve specific problems. ANNs,
like people, learn by example. An ANN is configured for a specific application, such as pattern
recognition or data classification, through a learning process. Learning in biological systems involves
adjustments to the synaptic connections that exist between the neurones. This is true of ANNs as well.

Difference between Static RAM & Dynamic RAM

SRAM
1. Stores

bits

in

DRAM
1. Memory cells are composed of
memory

cells

composed of flip flops.

2. Each cell which can store a
single

bit

requires

six

transistors.
3. Does not need to be refreshed
periodically as flips flops retain
the data.
4. Faster access time compared to
DRAM, therefore used as caches
mostly.
5. Low density/less memory per
chip

due

to

more

circuitry

required for a single cell.

6. More power consumption than
DRAM

because

of

low

chip

density.
7. More costly in terms of cost per
bit compared to DRAM due to
low chip density.

capacitors and transistors.

2. Each cell requires a capacitor
(which stores bit as charge) & a
transistor.
3. Needs to be refreshed every few
milliseconds
because

to

the

retain

charge

data

of

the

capacitor leaks.
4. Slower access time compared to
SRAM as it cannot be read while
being refreshed.
5. High chip density/more memory
per chip compared to SRAM due
to less circuitry for a single cell.
6. Less power consumption than
SRAM

because

of

simple

circuitry.
7. Less costly than SRAM because
of

high

chip

density

and

therefore used as main memory

in PCs.