The ~RAM~ chip is a |memory storage device| based upon ~semiconductor technology~. Each RAM chip is an ~integrated circuit~ containing an array of minute switches. Each of these switches can be turned on or off, reversibly. The state of the switch is read as a "zero" if off and "one" if on. This is translated as |binary code|. Because data locations within the chip may be accessed in any order, the memory is "random-access." Two types of RAM chips are dynamic RAM and static RAM. Dynamic RAM uses capacitors to provide up to four times the storage capacity of the static RAM. However, since capacitors lose their charge over time, dynamic RAM is not permanent. Static RAM, on the other hand, relies upon transistor switches, which offer less capacity than the dynamic variety but do not need periodic refreshing.
