The difference is that DRAM needs to be refreshed by the memory control circuitry at certain intervals to maintain data retention, while SRAM data does not require a refresh process and is not lost during power-up.
SRAM is a static random memory with static access memory that does not require a refresh circuit to preserve the data stored inside it.
DRAM is Dynamic Random Memory, which is a random memory with dynamic memory cells, referred to as DRAM or Dynamic RAM.
SRAM does not need a refresh circuit to save the data stored inside it.
However, SRAM also has disadvantages, i.e. it is less integrated and consumes more power than DRAM.
The same area of silicon can make a larger capacity DRAM, so SRAM appears more expensive.
SRAM is more expensive than DRAM, but faster and lower power consumption (idle state only). Therefore SRAM is preferred for high bandwidth requirements. SRAM is easier to control and more random access than DRAM.
Due to the complex internal structure, SRAM has a larger footprint than DRAM and thus is not suitable for higher storage density low cost applications such as PC memory.
Clock Frequency and Power Consumption
SRAM power consumption depends on the frequency at which it is accessed. If SRAM is accessed at a high frequency, its power consumption is much greater than that of DRAM. Some SRAMs consume several watt orders of power at full bandwidth.
On the other hand SRAM if used in a microprocessor with a mild clock frequency will consume very little power and consume negligible power in the idle state – a few microwatt levels.
Reviewed and edited by Qing Liu
