Which type of memory needs to be refreshed repeatedly to retain its stored data?

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is a type of memory that must be refreshed repeatedly to retain the data stored in it.
DRAM stores each bit of data in a memory cell that typically consists of a capacitor and a transistor. The capacitor... Read More

1 COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE MCQS

Which type of memory needs to be refreshed repeatedly to retain its stored data?

  • Static RAM
  • Dynamic RAM
  • EPROM
  • ROM
Correct Answer: B. Dynamic RAM

Detailed Explanation

Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is a type of memory that must be refreshed repeatedly to retain the data stored in it.


DRAM stores each bit of data in a memory cell that typically consists of a capacitor and a transistor. The capacitor holds an electrical charge representing the stored bit. However, this charge gradually leaks away over time. To prevent the stored information from being lost, the memory cells must be periodically refreshed by the memory controller.


This refreshing occurs many times per second and is the main characteristic that distinguishes DRAM from Static RAM (SRAM). SRAM uses flip-flop circuits to retain data as long as power is supplied and does not require the same periodic refresh operation.


ROM (Read-Only Memory) and EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) are non-volatile memory types, meaning they can retain their stored information even when power is removed. They therefore do not require the continuous refresh process used by DRAM.


DRAM is widely used as main memory (RAM) in computers because it provides relatively high storage density at a lower cost per bit compared with SRAM.


Key Points



  • DRAM → Requires periodic refreshing. 

  • Stores data using electrical charge in memory cells.

  • SRAM → Does not require periodic refresh.

  • ROM/EPROM → Non-volatile memory.

  • DRAM is commonly used as a computer's main memory.

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