Semiconductor memory is used for computer memory and includes nonvolatile memories like flash memory, ROM, and MRAM. Volatile memory like DRAM and SRAM can also be based on semiconductors. ROM stores common programs, while flash memory is portable and erases entire blocks of data. RAM is volatile and can be both written and read, with SRAM being faster but more expensive than DRAM.
Semiconductor memory, a form of electronic data storage device, is usually used for computer memory and is implemented on a semiconductor-based integrated circuit (IC). There are many types of devices that use semiconductor memory, including flash memory (or flash ROM), read-only memory (ROM), and magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM). All of these types of semiconductor memory are nonvolatile memories, which means that the memory contents stored in the devices are retained even when the computer has been turned off. Volatile memory such as DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or SRAM (Stac Random Access Memory) can also be based on semiconductors. The difference between non-volatile memory and volatile memory is that the latter must have a constant electrical flow to maintain the stored information.
ROM is just one of many types of semiconductor-based computer memory that can simply be read and not written to. Its uses include permanent storage without a flow of electricity and the security of sensitive data against harmful viruses. ROM stores common programs in a computer system for constant and consistent availability. The most used and most common program stored in ROM is the Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) program. It is in ROM so that a computer can boot its operating system.
Flash memory, or simply flash, is another type of semiconductor memory found in computers, smartphones, MP3 players, global positioning system (GPS) devices, universal serial bus (USB) drives, and digital cameras. Since devices like these are portable and prone to loss of electrical power, having flash memory is beneficial because any memory you store will be preserved under any circumstances. Flash memory can erase entire blocks of data, rather than individual bytes, and is found in devices that use applications that require constant updates. Memory cards and USB drives use flash due to the speed of information transfer and high information storage capacity. These devices may also have built-in hardware encryption for the purpose of password protection.
Another type of semiconductor memory is RAM, which is volatile and can be both written and read. There are different types of RAM, especially SRAM and DRAM. The two differ in that the former stores data while the electricity is running and the latter needs an update of the electrical charge every couple of milliseconds. SRAM requires less power and is faster than DRAM, but is expensive to build and has lower storage capacity. DRAM has a higher storage capacity and is therefore more commonly used for computer memory.
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