What are memory ICs?

Memory ICs are integrated circuits (ICs) specially designed to store and process data, information, or programs either temporarily or permanently. They are composed of millions of semiconductors and are primarily used as memory chips, thereby forming an essential component of electronic devices, computers, and mobile phones. 

Types of memory ICs

Memory ICs can be broadly categorized into two types:

• Volatile Memory ICs: These types of memory ICs need a direct connection to a power supply to store data in them and lose the data once the power supply is disconnected.   
• Non-volatile Memory ICs: These types of Memory ICs don't need any specific connection to a power supply to store & retain data. They can keep data stored in them even after disconnecting the power supply. 

Applications of memory ICs

Memory ICs or memory chips are widely used across different types of electronic devices. Primarily, they are used to store data temporarily & permanently as Random Access Memory or RAM, Static RAM or SRAM, and Read Only Memory or ROM. When used as ROM, the memory chips can store data permanently and allow a processor to read the data but don’t allow any modifications.

The other common applications of memory ICs include:

• Memory-based electronic devices like computers, phones, and communication equipment
• Smart cards like bank cards
• New-generation identity cards like driver’s license
• Electronic passports