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Memory: - Electronic Storage Place in Computer

This document summarizes different types of computer memory. It describes memory as the electronic storage in a computer where data and instructions are kept. It then defines common memory measurement units like bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes. The document outlines the main memory types including internal processor memory, primary memory (RAM and ROM), secondary memory (hard disks, tapes), and ROM types like masked, EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory. It provides details on RAM types like static RAM and dynamic RAM. The memory hierarchy and characteristics of different memory types like speed, volatility, capacity and cost are summarized.

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142 views

Memory: - Electronic Storage Place in Computer

This document summarizes different types of computer memory. It describes memory as the electronic storage in a computer where data and instructions are kept. It then defines common memory measurement units like bytes, kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes. The document outlines the main memory types including internal processor memory, primary memory (RAM and ROM), secondary memory (hard disks, tapes), and ROM types like masked, EPROM, EEPROM and flash memory. It provides details on RAM types like static RAM and dynamic RAM. The memory hierarchy and characteristics of different memory types like speed, volatility, capacity and cost are summarized.

Uploaded by

SaikatSengupta
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Memory

Electronic storage place in computer


where data to be processed and
instructions required for processing are
stored.
Some data will be required
instantaneously while others may not be
needed for extended periods.
Memory Units
Unit Symbol Bytes
Byte
(A unit of 8 bits)
B 2
0
= 1 byte
Kilobyte KB 2
10
= 1024 bytes
Megabyte MB 2
20
= 1024 KB
Gigabyte GB 2
30
= 1024 MB
Terabyte TB 2
40
= 1024 GB
Internal Processor Memory
This memory is placed in the CPU or is attached to a
special fast bus
It includes cache memory and special registers
It is used for temporary storage of data and instructions on
which the CPU is currently working
Processor memory is the fastest among all the memory
It is generally used to compensate the speed gap between
the primary memory and the processor i.e. acts as a buffer
between the CPU and main memory
Advantage
Faster than main memory.
Consumes less access time as compared
to main memory.
Stores the program that can be executed
within a short period of time.
It stores data for temporary use.
Disadvantage:
Cache memory has limited capacity.
It is very expensive.
Primary Memory
Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only
Memory (ROM) fall in the category of the primary
memory
Every computer have small amount of ROM, which
contains the boot firmware (called BIOS)
RAM is the place where the computer temporarily
stores its operating system, application programs and
current data
RAMis volatile and ROMis non volatile in nature.
Primary memory holds only those data and
instructions on which computer is currently working
Characteristic of Primary Memory
These are semiconductor memories.
It known as main memory.
Usually volatile memory.
Data is lost in case power is switch off.
It is working memory of the computer.
Faster than secondary memories.
A computer cannot run without primary
memory.
Secondary Memory
Secondary memory provides backup storage for
instructions and data
Most commonly used secondary memory devices are
hard disk, magnetic disk and magnetic tapes
These are least expensive among all the memories
and have large storage capacity than primary memory
The data stored in this memory are permanent in
nature
This memory is not directly accessible by the
processor
Characteristic of Secondary Memory
These are magnetic and optical memories.
It is known as backup memory.
It is non-volatile memory.
Data is permanently stored even if power is
switched off.
It is used for storage of the data in the computer.
Computer may run without secondary memory.
Slower than primary memories.
Memory Hierarchy
ROM
Masked ROM
It is very first ROM
The contents of the such ROMs have to be specified
before chip production
ROM
OTP EPROM
It can be programmed using a suitable programmer
device but these memories cannot be erased.
The cost of the OTP EPROM is much less than
EPROM
ROM
Reprogrammable program memory (or) Erasable PROM (EPROM)-
Similar to PROM but it can be programmed using a suitable programming device
repeatedly.
Has a small window on the chip where the data can be erased under a UV light.
An EPROM eraser is not selective, it will erase the entire EPROM
EPROM is much more expensive than PROM
ROM
EEPROM(Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM)
It is similar to EPROMbut it can be electrically erased and reprogrammed
Must be removed from the computer and placed in a special machine to do
this
EEPROM can be erased one byte at a time, rather than erasing the entire
chip
ROM
FLASH (EEPROM Memory)
It is a specific type of EEPROM that is erased and programmed in large
blocks; in early flash the entire chip had to be erased at once.
However, can be reprogrammed while still in the computer
It is used to hold control code such as BIOS in the personal computer
RAM
Static RAM (SRAM)-This RAM is retains the data as long as power is
provided to the memory chips. It does not need to be refreshed (pulse of
current through all the memory cells) periodically. SRAM is very fast but
much more expensive than DRAM. SRAM is often used as cache memory
due to its high speed.
SRAM memory cell
RAM
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)-DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be
continually refreshed in order for it to maintain the data. This
is done by placing the memory on a refresh circuit that
rewrites the data several hundred times per second. DRAM is
used for most system memory because it is cheap and small.

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