The first magnetic core memory, developed in 1951, began the revolution of computer memory and the start of bigger and better personal computers. The development of static and dynamic RAM integrated circuits followed swiftly in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Compared to the relays and vacuum tubes used for computer memory function prior to the development of the magnetic core memory models, the advancement created a more user friendly experience as well as an increase in the amount of memory a computer could be expected to produce. This precursor to the common personal computer revolutionized the technological world since it made it possible to begin to see the advantages of the computer for personal use instead of being seen and used only in business operations.
The computer systems of today boast a hierarchy of memory that includes CPU registries, SRAM caches, external caches, DRAM, and swap space among others. This is often referred to as RAM, but it actually defies the original concept of true random access memory and does not hold the same intent as the original magnetic core memory from which RAM was born. The methods utilized by the pool of memory in today's computers often sequence through various subsystems with different access times in layered sequential order to allow the illusion of instantaneous response times. Generally, the computer accesses its memory in order of speed with the slower forms of memory being the last to be drawn from when a command is given to the computer.
RAM now has methods of upgrading that allow for even greater memory capacity if there is a need to change the amount of RAM a computer has based on the amount of RAM used by the operator on average, these are usually in the form of DRAM and come in the form of memory modules. A few sticks of chewing gum are comparable in size to the memory modules in terms of physical size. These modules can be replaced quickly in the case of damage or should the amount of memory need to be increased again at a later date. Small amounts of RAM, most commonly SRAM, are also found in other locations on the computer, such as the mother board or the hard drive.
Developers are currently investigating the possibility of non-volatile RAM. This would be another huge step in computer memory as these new forms of RAM would allow for the preservation of data upon the loss of power. Currently, RAM is a volatile memory form and will lose information if an interruption of power occurs. Carbon nanotubes offer promising results in this field of RAM development, but no non-volatile RAM has been released for public use yet. All of the developing technologies under this direction of RAM are pre-beta stage at present.
MRAM has seen some success with the release of several chips that have undergone extensive testing. The core technology of MRAM depends upon the concepts of the magnetic tunnel effect and is promising to turn the world of computer memory onto the pathway of the future as a result.
In 2004, Solid state drivers became available. Bases on flash technology, these drivers have a capacity exceeding 150 GB. These drivers also have speeds that far exceed the speed of traditional disks. In short, this means that the lines between RAM and disks have blurred and there is less difference between the two in performance.
With each passing year, memory capacity grows. New technologies revolutionize the way we think of computer memory and how we use that memory once it becomes available. It is expected that computer memory will only continue to increase and evolve as our world becomes more technologically advance.
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