Memory Chips

Memory chips are internal storage areas in computers. Although the term “memory chip” commonly refers to a computer's random access memory (RAM), this product area includes many different types of electronic data storage. Computer memory stores data electronically in cells. Without memory chips, a computer could not read programs or retain data.

The two most common types of memory chips are DRAM chips and SRAM chips. Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is single-transistor memory cell that requires regular refreshes. DRAM chips consist of small capacitors for each bit of memory. Since capacitors do not hold a charge indefinitely, DRAM memory chips must be constantly refreshed to avoid losing its contents. In addition, the process of reading the contents of the memory are destructive, which means that extra time must be spent restoring the contents of memory addresses. Consequently, DRAM is slower than SRAM. Static random access memory (SRAM) is a volatile memory cell that does not require updates or periodic refresh cycles to keep the memory content intact.

Other types of memory chips use FIFO or Flash. First-in, first-out (FIFO) memory is used in buffering applications between devices that operate at different speeds. Flash memory is a form of electrically erasable, programmable, read-only memory (EEPROM) that can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks, rather than one byte at a time. Flash memory does not need a constant power supply to retain data and offers fast access, low power consumption, and relative immunity to shock or vibration. Flash memory chips have an approximant lifespan of 100,000 write cycles. Consequently, Flash is not suitable to be the main memory of a computer. Instead, Flash is used in digital cameras, cell phones, pagers, scanners, laptops, and video game memory cards.

PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM memory chips are also available. Programmable read-only memory (PROM) can only be written once. EPROM stands for erasable programmable read-only memory. These PROM memory chips can be erased through exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and then reprogrammed. EEPROM memory chips are similar to EPROM chips; however, EEPROM can be erased electronically. Other, unlisted types of memory chips are also available. 

Power specifications for memory chips include the supply voltage, the maximum and minimum operating currents, standby current, and power dissipation. Specialized specifications for memory chips refer to access time, cycle time, data retention, endurance, and operating temperature. Additional specifications for memory chips may also be available.

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Part Numbers for Memory Chips