Memory module

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A memory module is a discrete integrated circuit (IC), i.e. an IC in a housing, consisting of a large number of memory cells . These electronic components are individually used for soldering onto a circuit board , e.g. B. the motherboard of a computer or a memory module offered.

In addition to the components of the logic circuits, memory modules are essential components of a digital system. Depending on the type, they represent the long-term and short-term memory of these systems, such as a computer. This includes, for example, start load routines in the BIOS as well as the storage of working variables in the processing of an application program in the main memory . Originally, these functions were only implemented in memory modules. With the increasing complexity of the systems, a higher degree of integration of ICs and shorter switching times, additional memory modules were added, which (partly the same) are implemented together with the logic circuits in a monolithic IC for reasons of cost, reliability and speed. Examples of this are the cache in a conventional computer system as well as embedded memory for long-term data storage in modern microcontrollers . Another application of memory modules is in large, non-volatile memories such as those used in semiconductor hard drives, USB mass storage devices or in memory cards .

Memory modules are available in various forms. A distinction is made both with regard to the semiconductor memory technology used and the chip housing used or its control . Common storage technologies here are random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), MROM , EPROM , EEPROM or flash memory . It is selected depending on the use of the memory, e.g. B. non-volatile long-term memory like in a BIOS or faster short-term memory like the main memory of a computer system.

Other storage media in computer systems such as magnetic hard drives , magnetic tapes or optical storage (e.g. CDs and DVDs) are usually not referred to as memory modules.

literature

  • Klaus Wüst: Microprocessor technology: Fundamentals, architectures, circuit technology and operation of microprocessors and microcontrollers . 4th, updated and exp. Edition. Vieweg + Teubner Verlag / Springer Fachmedien, Wiesbaden 2010, ISBN 978-3-8348-9881-4 , 4th memory modules.