Semiconductor memory is an electronic data storage device, often used as computer memory, implemented on a semiconductor-based integrated circuit. It is made in many different types and technologies. It is a type of semiconductor device tasked with storing data.
Semiconductor memory technology is an essential element of today’s electronics. Normally based on semiconductor technology, memory is used in any equipment that uses a processor of one form or another.
There are two electronic data storage mediums that we can utilize, magnetic or optical.
Magnetic storage:
- Stores data in magnetic form.
- Has high storage capacity.
- Magnetic storage devices are; Hard disk, Floppy disk, Magnetic tape etc.
Optical storage:
- Stores data optically, uses a laser to read/write.
- Data accessing is high, compared to a floppy disc.
- Optical storage devices are; CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD etc.
With the rapid growth in the requirement for semiconductor memories, there have been a number of technologies and types of memory that have emerged. Names such as ROM, RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash memory, DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, and the very new MRAM can now be seen in the electronics literature. Each one has its own advantages and area in which it may be used.
