DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) is a type of volatile semiconductor memory IC designed to store digital data in a dense, cost-effective form. It retains information only while power is applied and requires periodic refresh operations to maintain stored data.
As a major category under Memory ICs, DRAM provides temporary data storage and fast read/write access through organized memory arrays and standardized control interfaces. It is commonly supplied as standalone memory devices or integrated into larger memory subsystems.
- Volatile memory: data is lost when power is removed
- Refresh-based storage: stored bits must be refreshed to remain valid
- Array-structured architecture: data is accessed via addressed memory locations
