8.4 MEMORY TYPES

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There are a few basic types of computer memory that are in use today.

RAM (Random Access Memory) - this memory is fast, but it will lose its contents when power is lost, this is known as volatile memory. Every PLC uses this memory for the central CPU when running the PLC.

ROM (Read Only Memory) - this memory is permanent and cannot be erased. It is often used for storing the operating system for the PLC.

EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) - this is memory that can be programmed to behave like ROM, but it can be erased with ultraviolet light and reprogrammed.

EEPROM (Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) - This memory can store programs like ROM. It can be programmed and erased using a voltage, so it is becoming more popular than EPROMs.

Hard Disk - Software based PLCs run on top of another operating system (such as Windows) that will read and save values to a hard drive, in case power is lost.

All PLCs use RAM for the CPU and ROM to store the basic operating system for the PLC. When the power is on the contents of the RAM will be kept, but the issue is what happens when power to the memory is lost. Originally PLC vendors used RAM with a battery so that the memory contents would not be lost if the power was lost. This method is still in use, but is losing favor. EPROMs have also been a popular choice for programming PLCs. The EPROM is programmed out of the PLC, and then placed in the PLC. When the PLC is turned on the ladder logic program on the EPROM is loaded into the PLC and run. This method can be very reliable, but the erasing and programming technique can be time consuming. EEPROM memories are a permanent part of the PLC, and programs can be stored in them like EPROM. Memory costs continue to drop, and newer types (such as flash memory) are becoming available, and these changes will continue to impact PLCs.