Emerging memories
Why are MRAM and FeRAM sometimes used in high-radiation environments such as space equipment?
- ABecause they are made of materials that absorb and shield radiation
- BBecause they always have larger capacity than flash memory
- CBecause they do not store data as charge, so radiation is less likely to flip the data
Show answer and explanation
Answer: C. Because they do not store data as charge, so radiation is less likely to flip the data
DRAM and flash store information as amounts of charge, so charge generated by radiation can flip the data. MRAM stores data as magnetization and FeRAM as polarization, so the storage itself is less affected by radiation (the peripheral circuits still need their own measures).
- A. The reason is not radiation-shielding materials.
- B. Flash memory generally has larger capacity.
- C. Correct. Storing data in a quantity other than charge makes them more radiation-tolerant.