A fast memory technology that requires power to hold its content. Static RAM (SRAM, S-RAM) is used for high-speed registers, caches and relatively small memory banks such as a frame buffer on a display adapter. In contrast, the main memory in a computer is typically dynamic RAM (DRAM, D-RAM). Static RAM chips have access times in the 10 to 30-nanosecond range, while dynamic RAM is usually above 30 ns. Bipolar and ECL memories are under 10 ns.
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Static RAM is fast because the six-transistor configuration of its pretzel-like flip-flop circuits keeps current flowing in one direction or the other (0 or 1). The 0 or 1 state can be written and read instantly without waiting for a capacitor to fill up or drain; however, the six transistors take more space than dynamic RAM cells made of one transistor and one capacitor.
Earlier asynchronous static RAM chips performed read and write operations sequentially. Newer synchronous static RAM chips overlap reads and writes. Contrast with dynamic RAM.
When opposite voltages are applied to the column wires, the flip-flop is oriented in one of two directions for a 0 or 1. At that point, the flip-flop (yellow center) becomes a self-perpetuating storage cell as long as a constant voltage is applied.
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