Random-access memoryRandom-access memory (RAM; ) is a form of electronic computer memory that can be read and changed in any order, typically used to store working data and machine code.
Dynamic random-access memoryDynamic random-access memory (dynamic RAM or DRAM) is a type of random-accesssemiconductor memory that stores each bit of data in a memory cell. A DRAM memory cell usually consists of a microscopic capacitor and a transistor, both typically based on metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) technology. While most DRAM memory cell designs use a capacitor and transistor, some only use two transistors.
CMOSComplementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS ) is a type of metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) fabrication process that uses complementary and symmetrical pairs of p-type and n-type MOSFETs for logic functions. CMOS technology is used for constructing integrated circuit (IC) chips, including microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory chips, and other digital logic circuits.Volatile memoryVolatile memory, in contrast to non-volatile memory, is computer memory that requires power to maintain the stored information; it retains its contents while powered on but when the power is interrupted, the stored data is quickly lost. Volatile memory has several uses, including as primary storage. In addition to usually being faster than forms of mass storage such as a hard disk drive, volatility can protect sensitive information, as it becomes unavailable on power-down.
Bipolar junction transistorA bipolar junction transistor (BJT) is a type of transistor that uses both electrons and electron holes as charge carriers. In contrast, a unipolar transistor, such as a field-effect transistor (FET), uses only one kind of charge carrier. A bipolar transistor allows a small current injected at one of its terminals to control a much larger current between the remaining two terminals, making the device capable of amplification or switching.
Fairchild SemiconductorFairchild Semiconductor International, Inc. was an American semiconductor company based in San Jose, California. It was founded in 1957 as a division of Fairchild Camera and Instrument by the "traitorous eight" who defected from Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory. It became a pioneer in the manufacturing of transistors and of integrated circuits.
CPU cacheA CPU cache is a hardware cache used by the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer to reduce the average cost (time or energy) to access data from the main memory. A cache is a smaller, faster memory, located closer to a processor core, which stores copies of the data from frequently used main memory locations, avoiding the need to always refer to main memory which may be tens to hundreds of times slower to access.
TransistorA transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electrical signals and power. It is one of the basic building blocks of modern electronics. It is composed of semiconductor material, usually with at least three terminals for connection to an electronic circuit. A voltage or current applied to one pair of the transistor's terminals controls the current through another pair of terminals.
Register fileA register file is an array of addressable registers which has two or more ports that allow concurrent reading and writing of registers in the array. Reading is nondestructive, meaning that the act of reading does not alter the stored data. Each port is either a write port or a read port, with input and output signals relevant to the port function. All ports have address inputs that specify the register to be accessed.
Flip-flop (electronics)In electronics, flip-flops and latches are circuits that have two stable states that can store state information – a bistable multivibrator. The circuit can be made to change state by signals applied to one or more control inputs and will output its state (often along with its logical complement). It is the basic storage element in sequential logic.
MOSFETType of field-effect transistorTwo power MOSFETs in D2PAKsurface-mount packages.
Hard disk driveElectro-mechanical data storage device1. Front side of an HDD (Seagate Barracuda 320GB)2. Internal circuity of the above Seagate HDD3. Inside of an 2.5" and a 3.5" HDDA hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electro-mechanical computer data storage device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage with one or more rigid rapidly rotating platters coated with magnetic material.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.