A memory is just like a human brain.
It is used to store data and
instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in the computer,
where data is to be processed and instructions required for processing are
stored. The memory is divided into large number of small parts called
cells. Each location or cell has a unique address, which varies from zero to
memory size minus one. For example, if the computer has 64k words, then
this memory unit has 64 * 1024 = 65536 memory locations. The address of
these locations varies from 0 to 65535.
Memory is primarily of three types −
Cache Memory
Primary Memory/Main Memory
Secondary Memory
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can
speed up the CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the main
memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and program which are most
frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data and programs are
transferred from the disk to cache memory by the operating system, from
where the CPU can access them.
Advantages
The advantages of cache memory are as follows −
Cache memory is faster than main memory.
It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of
time.
It stores data for temporary use.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows −
Cache memory has limited capacity.
It is very expensive.
Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the
computer is currently working. It has a limited capacity and data is lost
when power is switched off. It is generally made up of semiconductor
device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The data and
instruction required to be processed resides in the main memory. It is
divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.
Characteristics of Main Memory
These are semiconductor memories.
It is known as the main memory.
Usually volatile memory.
Data is lost in case power is switched off.
It is the working memory of the computer.
Faster than secondary memories.
A computer cannot run without the primary memory.
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-volatile. It is
slower than the main memory. These are used for storing data/information
permanently. CPU directly does not access these memories, instead they
are accessed via input-output routines. The contents of secondary
memories are first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can
access it. For example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
These are magnetic and optical memories.
It is known as the backup memory.
It is a non-volatile memory.
Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
It is used for storage of data in a computer.
Computer may run without the secondary memory.
Slower than primary memories.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for
storing data, program, and program result. It is a read/write memory which
stores data until the machine is working. As soon as the machine is
switched off, data is erased.
Access time in RAM is independent of the address, that is, each storage
location inside the memory is as easy to reach as other locations and
takes the same amount of time. Data in the RAM can be accessed
randomly but it is very expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the
computer or if there is a power failure. Hence, a backup Uninterruptible
Power System (UPS) is often used with computers. RAM is small, both in
terms of its physical size and in the amount of data it can hold.
RAM is of two types −
Static RAM (SRAM)
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Static RAM (SRAM)
The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as
power is being supplied. However, data is lost when the power gets down
due to volatile nature. SRAM chips use a matrix of 6-transistors and no
capacitors. Transistors do not require power to prevent leakage, so SRAM
need not be refreshed on a regular basis.
There is extra space in the matrix, hence SRAM uses more chips than
DRAM for the same amount of storage space, making the manufacturing
costs higher. SRAM is thus used as cache memory and has very fast
access.
Characteristic of Static RAM
Long life
No need to refresh
Faster
Used as cache memory
Large size
Expensive
High power consumption
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in order 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 as it is cheap and small. All DRAMs are made up of
memory cells, which are composed of one capacitor and one transistor.
Characteristics of Dynamic RAM
Short data lifetime
Needs to be refreshed continuously
Slower as compared to SRAM
Used as RAM
Smaller in size
Less expensive
Less power consumption
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can
only read but cannot write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The
information is stored permanently in such memories during manufacture. A
ROM stores such instructions that are required to start a computer. This
operation is referred to as bootstrap. ROM chips are not only used in the
computer but also in other electronic items like washing machine and
microwave oven.
Let us now discuss the various types of ROMs and their characteristics.
MROM (Masked ROM)
The very first ROMs were hard-wired devices that contained a pre-
programmed set of data or instructions. These kind of ROMs are known as
masked ROMs, which are inexpensive.
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only once by a user. The
user buys a blank PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM
program. Inside the PROM chip, there are small fuses which are burnt
open during programming. It can be programmed only once and is not
erasable.
EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)
EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light for a duration of
up to 40 minutes. Usually, an EPROM eraser achieves this function.
During programming, an electrical charge is trapped in an insulated gate
region. The charge is retained for more than 10 years because the charge
has no leakage path. For erasing this charge, ultra-violet light is passed
through a quartz crystal window (lid). This exposure to ultra-violet light
dissipates the charge. During normal use, the quartz lid is sealed with a
sticker.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)
EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It can be erased and
reprogrammed about ten thousand times. Both erasing and programming
take about 4 to 10 ms (millisecond). In EEPROM, any location can be
selectively erased and programmed. EEPROMs can be erased one byte at
a time, rather than erasing the entire chip. Hence, the process of
reprogramming is flexible but slow.
Advantages of ROM
The advantages of ROM are as follows −
Non-volatile in nature
Cannot be accidentally changed
Cheaper than RAMs
Easy to test
More reliable than RAMs
Static and do not require refreshing
Contents are always known and can be verified
