rompt 8: Volatile Digital Memory

A capacitor  stores a charge that drains slowly over time or is discharged by a  connection to ground. These charges can be used as a digital “on”, or  HIGH, when fully charged. Dynamic Random-Access Memory (DRAM) uses  capacitors, along with a transistor, to store HIGH and LOW bit values  using these capacitors but does loose the memory states once the  capacitors discharge. Regenerative capacitor memory, like DRAM,  periodically updates or moves data in the memory block to maintain the  charges and prevent data loss.  

Discussion Prompt: Discuss the following prompts

• Research and discuss Dynamic Random-Access Memory transitive-capacitive circuit diagram. DRAM stands for Dynamic  random access memory. DRAM, is a specific type of random access memory  that allows for higher densities at a lower cost. The memory modules  found in laptops and desktops use DRAM.
  DRAM works much  differently than other types of memory. The fundamental storage cell  within DRAM is composed of two elements: a transistor and a capacitor.
• Research and discuss the use of DRAM technology and the challenges with mass memory storage.

Dynamic random access memories  (DRAMs) are key components in all computing systems that require large  working memory. Due to the strong increase in data volume in many  embedded applications, such as machine learning, image processing,  autonomous systems, etc., DRAMs largely impact the overall system  performance and power consumption. In many of these applications, the  overall system performance is often limited by the memory bandwidth or  latency and not by the computation itself. Due to the dynamic storage  scheme of DRAMs and shrinking technology nodes, reliability is also a  major concern in current and future DRAMs.

How does the transistor charge the storage capacitor in a DRAM and what circuitry is required for each memory bit?

A voltage is applied to the transistor in the DRAM cell. The voltage is then given a data value. It is then placed on a bit-line. This, in turn, charges the storage capacitor.

DRAM will store bits of data in what's called a storage, or memory cell, consisting of a capacitor and a transistor.  The storage cells are typically organized in a rectangular  configuration. When a charge is sent through a column, the transistor at  the column is activated.

Why is it recommended to turn off a digital device for a full minute before restarting the device again? 

Shutting down your digital device can help it run more smoothly by eliminating memory leaks.  A memory leak occurs when an app requires a certain amount of memory in  order to work, but fails to free up this memory when it is no longer  needed.

1. What devices do you use that contain DRAM technology and what are some scaling challenges does this technology face?

I use several Dram devices iPad iPhones and other devices.Some scaling challenges are memory performance and testing.

August 01, 2019 by Stephen St. Michael https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/technical-articles/introduction-to-dram-dynamic-random-access-memory