Memory Chip

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What Does Memory Chip Mean?

A memory chip is an integrated circuit made out of millions of capacitors and transistors that can store data or can be used to process code. Memory chips can hold memory either temporarily through random access memory (RAM), or permanently through read only memory (ROM). Read only memory contains permanently stored data that a processor can read but cannot modify. Memory chips comes in different sizes and shapes. Some can be connected directly while some need special drives. Memory chips are essential components in computer and electronic devices in which memory storage plays a key role.

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Techopedia Explains Memory Chip

There are a few different types of memory chips:

  • Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips: Also known as volatile memory chips because they lose memory once the power supply is removed. DRAM can only transmit a single line of memory and needs to be constantly refreshed to prevent the loss of memory bits.
  • Static random access memory (SRAM) chips: Non-volatile chips that are commonly used in portable battery-powered devices. Unlike DRAM, they do not need to be refreshed and do not immediately lose memory when the power source is disconnected.
  • First in, first out (FIFO) memory chips: Mainly used when memory is being transferred between different types of devices.
  • Erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM): The memory in these chips can be erased when exposed to ultraviolet rays. These chips can then be reprogrammed for a new set of data values.
  • Programmable read only memory (PROM) memory: Differs from other programmable memory chips as they can only be programmed once.The contents cannot be erased electronically or though ultraviolet rays.
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Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist
Margaret Rouse
Technology Specialist

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of ​​a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.