History of DRAM Memory

Here, we will show you, brief history about DRAM memory in computer domain, including:

• Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) was invented by Robert Dennard at IBM in the 1960s.

• Intel released the first commercially available DRAM, the 1103, in 1970 with a capacity of 1 kilobit. DRAM integration increased, with chips containing thousands of bits.

• Shift to 1-megabit: The 1980s saw the shift to 1-megabit DRAM, significantly increasing memory capacity.

• 1990s: DRAM continued to evolve, with the development of technologies like Extended Data Out (EDO) DRAM and Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM).

• 2000s: Double Data Rate (DDR) SDRAM became prevalent, offering increased data transfer rates compared to its predecessors. Successive generations of DDR continued to improve speed and efficiency.

• DDR4 is introduced in 2014; and it brought further improvements in speed, power efficiency, and overall performance.

• 2020s: Emergence of DDR5 SDRAM, offering higher bandwidth and improved power efficiency. It is growing demand for high-performance DRAM in artificial intelligence applications and data centers.
• Future: On-going efforts to develop advanced memory technologies beyond DDR5, such as DDR6 and emerging non-volatile memory solution.

Types of DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

There are different types of DRAM, and below explained each  one:

Also Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of DRAM | Applications & Uses

FPM DRAM

FPM DRAM stands for “Fast Page Mode DRAM”, and this DRAM has fast speed to other conventional DRAMs. FPM DRAM mostly used in the personal computers, but today it is not useful because it was only capable to support memory bus speed rate up to 66 MHz.

EDO DRAM

EDO DRAM stands for “Extended Data out DRAM”, and it had great performance than FPM DRAM but its speed was same FPM DRAM like as 66 MHz.  It performs all processing on the FIFO principle “First Come First Out”. For example Intel Pentium

BEDO DRAM

BED DRAM stands for “Burst EDO DRAM”, and it provided the best performance compare to EDO DRAM. It was able to process 4 memory addresses in single burst so it could save three clock cycle processes. This task was completed with appending one on-chip address counter count the next address.

BEDO DRAM was used the page access cycle with attaching pipeline, and further it classified into two major parts such as –

• First part was capable to access all data from memory array to O/P state.
• Second part played major role to drive entire data buses from this latch on the specific logic level.

SDRAM

SDRAM stands for “Synchronous Dynamic Access Memory”, and it can access any element of data within 25 to 10 nano second. SDRAM are used in the DIMM (dual in-line memory module) along with 168 contacts.

In which, all data are stored with the help of capacitors using IC’s “Integrated Circuits”, and it is inserted into its specific slot, which is embedded on the motherboard.

ADRAM

Asynchronous DRAM is basic form of the DRAM, and Asynchronous DRAM is enabling to different connections like as power, address inputs, and bidirectional data lines. It controls the timing of all memory devices with asynchronously nature, and memory controller circuit arises the useful control signals to control timing.

RDRAM

RDRAM stands for “Rambus DRAM”, and it was designed by Rambus Inc; especially for graphic card. Now these days, modern RDRAM has higher data transfer rate to CPU memory bus because it includes several new speedup techniques such as synchronous memory interface system, caching enabled DRAM chips and faster signal timing. RDRAM consist 8 or 9 bits width data bus.

CDRAM

CDRAM stands for “Cache DRAM”, and it is designed specially with enabling on-chip cache memory. It works as high speed buffer to main Dynamic RAM.

SDR SDRAM

SDR SDRAM stands for “Single Data Rate synchronous DRAM”, and it can allow only one instruction and transfer one frame of data’s word on per clock cycle. It can bear clock frequency up to 100 to 133 MHz, and it performs all tasks on the 3.3 V voltages. These types of chips are designed with several data buses forms such as 4, 8, or 16 bits, and they are assembled into 168 pin DIMM package module. These chips are capable to read or write with 64 bit concurrently.

DDR SDRAM

DDR SDRAM stands for “Double Data Rate SDRAM”, and it provides the more bandwidth to all users. It is capable to accept the same commands at the once per cycle, and it can transfer double words of data with one clock cycle at a same time. Its clock rates are 133, 166 and 200 MH.

There are some family members of DDR SDRAM

DDR2 SDRAM

It is second member of DDR SDRAM family. It provides the double bus rate on per clock cycle rate, and it uses the different clock rates like as 200, 266, 333 or 400 MHz.

DDR3 SDRAM

It provides the double bandwidth and bus to DDR2 rate on single clock rate. DDR3 is capable to fetch 100-200 M per second, and its clock rate is 400–800 MHz.

DDR4 SDRAM

It has great performance to DDR3 due to use its modern signal processing, and it uses fewer power consumption (1.2 V) along with huge memory capacity. Its clock rate up to 1600MHz as well as enable 288 pin configurations.

DDR5 SDRAM

It enables the double bandwidth to DDR4 while reducing power consumption (1.1 V).

GDDR SDRAM

GDDR SDRAM stands for “Graphics Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM”, and it is developed specially for graphics processing units (GPUs). GDDR provides the high definition environment for playing games to users. GDDR has own growing performance family similar to DDR SDRAM such as  GDDR2 SDRAM, GDDR3 SDRAM, GDDR4 SDRAM, and GDDR5 SDRAM.

Examples of DRAM Packages

There are mainly three types of DRAM memory module packages like as:

Also Read: How Does DRAM Work? With its Operations (Read and Write)!!

• SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module)
• DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module)
• RIMM (Rambus In-line Memory Module)
• SIMM (Single In-line Memory Module)

This memory package consist the eight or nine RAM chip, where eight is used in MAC and nine in the personal computer but 9th chip is reserved to parity checking. SIMM used the 32 bit bus width, and it was available in 30 or 72 pin modules.

DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module)

Now these days, DIMM is used as memory modules because its performance is excellent to SIMM. In DIMM, pins are embedded on the both sides of this module. Some years ago, DIMM was supported 168 pin connectors with 64 bit data bus. But now DIMM works on the latest technology like as fourth generation double data rate (DDR4) SDRAM, and it contains the 288 pin connectors.

Some Common Types of DIMM

UDIMM (Unbuffered DIMM)

It is designed specially to use on desktop and laptops because its speed fast and cost effective but not stable.

FB-DIMM (Fully buffered DIMM)

These memory modules are used in large system such as servers and workstations, and it enables the error detection techniques for decreasing the soft errors and bugs.

RDIMM (Registered DIMM)

It is also called the “Buffer” memory, because it is used in the servers and large applications, where to need the more stability and robustness.

LR-DIMM (Load Reduced DIMM)

It is used for decreasing the overload on the main memory controller along with buffering (data and address).

SO-DIMM (Small outline DIMM)

It has small size compare to standard DIMM because these memory modules are used small size PCs such as laptops, PDA and notebooks, etc.

RIMM (Rambus In-line Memory Module)

This memory package is similar as a DIMM but it is known as RIMM because of their manufacture companies slot needed.

SO-RIMM (Small outline RIMM, SO-RIMM)

It is small version of RIMM memory module package.

What is the Use of DRAM in SSDs?

DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) plays a crucial role in SSDs by keeping the virtual map of the SSD and tracking the location of data as the drive reorganizes it to make ensuring even wear on the flash memory cells. SSDs with DRAM provides the higher performance, as DRAM is faster than NAND flash memory and allows for quicker data access.

On the other hand, DRAM-less SSDs store the map of the data directly on the NAND flash memory, which can get result in slower performance and more wear on the memory cells. However, DRAM-less SSDs can still be perfectly for less demanding applications and can offer price and power advantages, especially in hyper scale data centers. Some newer DRAM-less SSDs can utilize the host system’s DRAM to compensate for the lack of internal DRAM.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is DRAM in computer?

Dynamic RAM is a kind of random access semiconductor memory that allows to keep store every bit of data into memory cell; it is usually containing of a tiny capacitor and a transistor, and both are totally based on MOS (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) technology.

Is DRAM used for main memory?

Yes! DRAM is mostly going to use as your computer’s main memory.

What is meant by dynamic random access memory?

Dynamic random access memory is special kind of semiconductor memory that is usually used for data needed by a computer system processor to function.

What are the examples of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory)?

Through this article, already we have been explained above many examples of dynamic RAM; you can check them.

What are the different types of DRAM in computer architecture?

There are different types of DRAM like as FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, BEDO DRAM, SDRAM, ADRAM, RDRAM, CDRAM, SDR SDRAM, and DDR SDRAM.

Final Verdicts

In this article, you have been completely educated all possible stuffs about what is DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) and its examples; as well as different types of DRAM with ease. If this post is helpful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Also Read: Difference Between SRAM and DRAM | SRAM Vs DRAM

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Happy Learning!!