Chapter 3: Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices

3.0 Objectives
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Primary Storage
3.3 Secondary Storage Devices
3.4 Summary
3.6 Questions for Self – Study
3.0 OBJECTIVES
This chapter “Primary Storage and Secondary Storage Devices” will enable you to
 Explain what is a storage unit and the criteria according to which the different types of
storage are ranked.
 Describe various types of storage devices and their storage capacities.
 Discuss various concepts related to memory of the computer
3.1 INTRODUCTION: Storage Unit:
A storage unit is that part of the computer system which is used to store the data and instructions
to be processed. There are two types of storage:
1) Primary storage
2) Secondary storage.
Primary memory is also known as internal memory. This is a section of the CPU which holds
program instructions, input data and intermediate results. Primary memory is also known as main
memory.
Secondary storage is a memory that is stored external to the computer. It is used mainly for
permanent and long-term storage of programs and data.
3.1.1 Characteristics of Storage units:
The storage units have special characteristics which decide the:
 Speed of operation of the computer,
 Its efficiency,
 Cost and
 The amount of data which the computer can store.
The storage unit of the computer is graded according to the following characteristics (whether
primary or secondary):
• Access time: This is the time required to locate and retrieve a particular data from the storage
unit. A fast access to data and programs always yields higher efficiency.
• Storage Capacity: Storage capacity is the amount of data that can be stored by a storage unit.
Large capacity of data storage is always desirable. As seen earlier, the smallest unit of data
which the computer understands is the bit. A group of 8 bits forms a byte. The storage capacity
of a computer system is defined in terms of bytes or words. One kilobyte (1 KB) is 2 ^ 10 (2 10) or
1024 bytes, eg. 4 KB memory implies that it can store 4 x 1024 bytes or characters. Storage
capacities of primary and secondary units are measured in Kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes,
terabytes.
• Cost: Low-cost storage media are always desirable. Thus, storage units with faster access time,
higher storage capacity and low costs are the ones which are considered to be of a superior
nature.
3.2 PRIMARY STORAGE
Primary storage is characterized by faster access time, less storage capacity and higher costs as
compared to secondary storage units. Primary storage or main memory is that part of the
computer system which stores the programs, data and intermediate results during the program
execution. A primary storage comes as an integral part of all computer systems. It comprises of a
number of small locations. Each location has a unique number assigned to it. This is called as the
address of the location and it is used to identify the location. Each location has a capacity to store
a fixed number of bits. The number of bits that a location can store is called as word length. Each
location contains the same number of bits. Normally, primary memory size ranges from a few
kilobytes on small computers to several thousand kilo bytes and megabytes on larger machines.
The primary storage is volatile. Whenever the power is turned off the data is lost. Primary
storage is also called Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM means it is possible to randomly
select and use any storage location for storage and retrieval of data. RAM is also called a
read/write memory because data can both be read from and written onto these units. When the
power is switched off the data stored in the RAM is lost.

Fig 3.1 Organization of Primary storage unit

• ROM: ROM is Read Only Memory. In this type of memory, the data is permanently stored.
The information can only be read and new data cannot be written onto this memory. However,
the contents of the ROM are not lost even when the power is turned off i.e., this memory is non-
volatile. Such memories are also called as field stores, or permanent stores. There are a number
of high-level functions which are required to be performed by the computer system. Such
functions are performed by writing special programs called micro programs. Micro programs
generally execute the low-level machine functions. These programs are mainly used as a
substitute for hardware. Such programs can be stored on ROMs and be used again and again.
This results in reducing the hardware of the system. ROM helps to increase the efficiency of the
CPU as it can perform specialized tasks. ROM comes in the form of a chip. Once information is
stored on a ROM chip it cannot be changed or altered.
 PROM: PROM is Programmable Read Only Memory. These are ROMs which can be
programmed. A special PROM programmer is used to enter the program on the PROM. Once the
chip has been programmed, information on the PROM cannot be altered. PROM is nonvolatile
i.e. data is not lost when power is switched off.
• EPROM: Another type of memory is the Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. It is
possible to erase the data which has been previously stored on an EPROM and write new data
onto the chip.
 Cache Memory: This is a very special type of high-speed memory. This memory cannot be
accessed by the user. The main function of this cache memory is to make the programs and data
available to the CPU very fast. Access time of memory is generally very high as compared to the
execution time of the CPU. Therefore, a cache, which is a very small but fast memory, is used
between the CPU and the main memory. This memory also called a high-speed buffer. A cache
stores those segments of programs and data which are frequently needed. It makes available this
data to the CPU at a very fast rate thus increasing the efficiency.
 Registers: Registers are used to retain information temporarily. These are special memory
units which are not actual parts of the main memory, but allow efficient movement of
information between the various units of the computer system. The registers receive information,
hold it temporarily and make it available as and when required. A computer uses a number of
registers, where each register performs a specific function. Some of the common registers are:
1. Memory Address Register (MAR): The function of this register is to hold the address of the
current or active memory location.
2. Memory Buffer Register (MBR): This register holds the contents of the address from which
data is read or to which data has been written.
3. Program Control Register: It holds the address of the next instruction to be executed.
Accumulator Register: It holds the initial data, the intermediate results and the final data of the
program under execution.
4. Instruction Register: This register holds the current instruction being executed. Input/output
Register: The function of this register is to communicate with the Input/output devices. The
 storage capacity of primary storage is limited. It is normally not sufficient to accommodate all
the data. Therefore, secondary storage medium is used to store large volumes of data. The cost
of secondary memory is much less as compared to primary memory; however, access time of
primary memory is very fast. The data stored on secondary storage is transferred to the
primary storage as and when required. Secondary storage is also called auxiliary memory.
Secondary storage is used for storing copies of data and programs. This is a nonvolatile
memory and is stored external to the computer.
Check your Progress - 3.1 & 3.2
1. Answer in 1-2 words:
a. Name the two types of storage:
b. Name the characteristics according to which the storage devices are ranked
c. Give the names of any two registers used by the computer:
2. Give the full form of:
a. RAM b. ROM c. PROM d. EPROM
3.3 SECONDARY STORAGE DEVICES
Information stored on secondary storage devices can be accessed in two ways:
 Sequential Access and
 Direct Access:
3.3.1 Sequential Access Devices: Sequential or serial access
In sequential access data can be accessed only in the sequence in which it has been stored.
Typical sequential access storage device is the magnetic tape. These types of devices are useful
in applications like pay slip printing where the data is to be accessed one after the other. Types of
Access Devices:
a) Punch Paper Tape: Punched paper tapes were the early devices of data storage. Data is
coded onto a paper tape as a combination of punched holes across the width of the tape. Each
row on the tape represents one character. The data has to be coded on the tapes using special
coding systems. The punched paper tapes are a low-cost storage medium and their storage
capacity is unlimited. However, the paper is susceptible to wear and tear and mishandling.
Nowadays, punched paper tapes are rarely being used wear and tear and mishandling. Nowadays,
punched paper tapes are rarely being used.
 Fig. 3.2 Sequential Access Devices: Paper tape, magnetic tapes
b) Magnetic Tape: A magnetic tape is a ribbon of Mylar which is coated with a thin layer of
iron oxide material on one side. This tape is stored on a cassette or cartridge, or reel. The iron
oxide material can be magnetized and the data is recorded on the tape in the form of magnetized
and non-magnetized spots. A magnetic tape drive is used to read data from the tape or write
information to the tape. The tape drive has a read/write head to access or store information
respectively. Magnetic tape is a read write device where the data can be written as well as erased
and new data recorded on the same area. The tape is divided into vertical columns and horizontal
rows. The columns are called frames and the rows are called tracks. Special computer codes are
used for recording data on the tape. One character is recorded on each frame. Most modern tapes
have 9 tracks, and use the EBCDIC code for data representation. The actual number of characters
that can be stored on an inch of a tape is known as the density of the tape. The storage capacity
of magnetic tapes is very large. This capacity is measured in terms of bytes per inch. Most
common tape densities are 800 bpi, 1600 bpi. Nowadays tapes with much higher densities of the
order of 6000 bpi are also available. The records in a tape can be of any size. Also, all the
records in a given file need not be same in length. Thus, the tapes can store fixed length and vs
variable length records. In between two consecutive records the computer automatically keeps a
fraction of the tape blank. This blank space is called the Interlock gap, while reading from the
tape, the drive takes a finite amount of time to physically stop when the end of the record is
reached. Therefore this interlock gap is created to avoid loss of any data of the subsequent record
that may have been stored while the drive mechanism comes to a halt.
Advantages of Magnetic Tapes: -
High data density and virtually unlimited storage - Low in cost - Easy to handle and portable
from one computer to another.
Limitations are: -
Support only Sequential access - Tapes are sensitive to dust; humidity and temperature, hence
require proper storage facilities.
3.3.2 Direct Access Storage Devices Random or direct access
In random access the data at any location on the storage unit can be accessed directly without
having to follow the sequence in which it has been stored. Typical devices that support direct
access are the magnetic disk and magnetic drum.
a) Magnetic Disk: A magnetic disk is a thin metallic/Mylar platter circular in shape. It is coated
on both sides with magnetic material. A number of these disks are mounted on a disk pack, on a
central shaft. Thus, all the disks in the disk pack move at the same speed, simultaneously in the
same direction. These disks are also called as hard disks or fixed disks. Hard disk can be
permanently installed in the drive or can also be in the form of a removable cartridge. The data
are recorded as magnetic spots on the coating of the disk. The presence of a magnetic spot
represents 1 and the absence represents a 0.
The standard binary code, 8 -bit EBCDIC is used for recording data on the disk. Information is
stored on both the surfaces of the disk. Each disk is divided into a number of concentric circles
called tracks. All the corresponding tracks in all the surfaces are together called a cylinder.
Information is not stored on the outer surface of the upper plate and the lower surface of the
bottom plate. In some of the disks the outer tracks contain more data bits since the outer
circumference is greater. However, in most of the disks each track stores the same number of
characters. This means that the inner tracks, with a smaller circumference are more densely
packed than the outer tracks. Magnetic disk is a random or direct access storage device. The data
is read from or written onto the disk surface with the use of read/write heads. These heads are of
flying type. They do not come in actual contact with the surface of the disk. There are two types
of disk systems:
1) Moving head System: This consists of one read/write head for each disk surface. This head is
mounted on an access arm which moves in and out. Thus, each head moves horizontally across
the surface of the disk and can access each track individually.
2) Fixed head System: In this system the access arm does not move. A large number of
read/write heads one for each track are distributed over the surface of the disk. In this system the
data access becomes very fast. However, extra space is needed to accommodate all the heads.
The time required to access the data stored on the disk depends upon the following factors:
•The seek time- the time required for positioning the read/write head over the appropriate track
•The latency time - the time required to spin the required data under the head. This time is also
called the search time.
b) Floppy Disks: Floppy disks are made up of flexible Mylar coated with iron oxide. This disk is
enclosed in a square plastic jacket to protect the surface of the disk from dust. A floppy disk is to
be inserted in the floppy disk drive of the computer system to read or write information. The
read/write head of the drive makes a direct contact with the floppy disk.
Fig 3.4 While accessing or storing data, Floppy disks come in various sizes
 8-inch floppy disks
 51/4 inch floppy disks
 31/2 inch floppy disks
 A floppy disk can be single sided or double sided i.e., data can be written on a Fig. 3.4 Floppy
disks: 51/4 inch and 31/2 inch single side or on both the sides. A double sided disk drive is required
to read data from a double sided disk. This disk drive has two heads, one for each side. A single
sided drive has only one head. Floppy disks can also be single side double density and double
side double density depending upon their storage capacity. Floppy disks are a very popular
storage medium since they are small in size, relatively cheap and can store data on line. Floppy
disks are also very portable. They can be carried form one place to another very easily.
c) Winchester Disk: In a Winchester, the disks are permanently enclosed in a sealed container.
The disks are coated with a special lubricant to reduce friction with the read/write head. This
technology allows for an increase in the number of tracks on the disk, and higher storage density.
Winchester disks are fast and highly reliable. They are used extensively in micro computers.
d) Magnetic Drum: This is a cylinder whose outer surface is coated with a thin layer of
magnetic material. A motor rotates on the cylinder at a constant speed. Data is recorded on the
tracks of the drum as magnetized spots. A set of stationary read/write heads are positioned
slightly away from the surface of the drum. Data is read from and written onto this drum with the
help of these heads. The drum rotates are relatively fast speeds of the order of a several thousand
rotations per minute. Magnetic drums have faster data transfer rates as compared to disks.
However their storage capacity is limited. Magnetic drums are rarely used today.
3.3.3 Optical Devices
a) Optical Disk:
An optical disk is made up of a rotating disk which is coated with a thin reflective metal. To
record data on the optical disk, a laser beam is focused on the surface of the spinning disk. The
laser beam is turned on and off at varying rates! Due to this, tiny holes (pits) are burnt into the
metal coating along the tracks. When data stored on the optical disk is to be read, a less powerful
laser beam is focused on the disk surface. The storage capacity of these devices is tremendous;
the Fig. 3.5 Optical disk access time is relatively fast. The biggest drawback of the optical disk is
that it is a permanent storage device. data once written cannot be erased. Therefore it is a read
only storage medium. Atypical example of the optical disk is the CD-ROM. Fig 3.5
 Optical Card: The optical card has an optical laser encoded strip which can store
approximately 2 megabytes of data. These cards are the size of a credit card. Optical cards find
use only in specific areas like storing credit records or medical histories of people.
 Optical Tape: Optical tapes are similar to magnetic tapes in appearance. However optical laser
techniques are used to write data on the tapes. Like optical disks optical tapes too are read only
storage devices.
Check your Progress - 3.3
Answer in 1-2 Sentences:
a. What are the methods with which the data on the secondary storage devices can be accessed?
b. Name any two sequential access devices.
c. Name any two direct access storage devices.
d. Name any two optical devices. Name the factors which determine the time required to access
data stored on the disk.
3.4 SUMMARY
The storage unit is that part of the computer system which stores the data and instructions. The
two types of storage are primary storage and secondary storage. The characteristics of the storage
unit are access time, storage capacity and cost. Primary storage is an integral part of all computer
systems. Primary storage is also called as Random Access Memory. This memory is volatile.
The data stored on this memory is lost when the power is turned off. There are special types of
memories which come in the form of chips. Micro programs which perform low level machine
functions and which are used as a substitute for hardware are stored on such chips. Such
memories are called field stores or permanent stores or Read Only Memory (ROM). Data can be
permanently stored in this type of memory. Other similar memories are PROM, EPROM. Cache
memory is a special type of high-speed memory. Special memory units are used in computers
which are not a part of the main memory. These units hold data temporarily. These units are
called registers, e.g. Memory Address Register, Instruction Register etc. Secondary storage
devices are used to store large amounts of data. Secondary storage devices are cheaper as
compared to primary storage. However, their data access time is less. Secondary storage is
nonvolatile and stored external to the computer. There are two ways in which data can be
accessed from the secondary devices: sequential access and random access. Punched paper tape,
magnetic tape is sequential access devices. Punched paper tapes are nowadays rarely being used.
Magnetic tapes can store unlimited data and have a high data density. They are also low in cost
and portable. But since information can be accessed only sequentially, they are slow. Direct
access or random-access devices allow the access of data from any storage location randomly,
without having to follow the sequence in which it has been stored. Magnetic disk is made of a
thin Mylar platter and coated on both sides by magnetic material. Data is recorded as magnetic
spots on this disk. A number of such disks are mounted on a disk pack. Each disk is divided into
a number of concentric circles called tracks. All the corresponding tracks in all the surfaces
together are called as a cylinder. These disks are also called hard disks and can be permanently
installed in a disk drive in the computer. Floppy disks are made of flexible mylar coated with
iron oxide. The floppy disks come in various sizes like 8-inch, 5 1/4 inch, 31/2 inch. Floppy disks
are relatively cheap and can store data online. They are also very portable. Winchester disks are
permanently enclosed in a sealed container. A magnetic drum is a cylinder whose outer surface is
coated with magnetic material. The drums have faster data transfer rate as compared to disks.
However, their storage capacity is limited. Optical laser techniques are used to write data onto
optical dev ices like optical disks, optical tapes and optical cards. The storage capacities of these
devices are tremendous. But these are permanent storage devices.
3.6 QUESTIONS FOR SELF - STUDY
1. Discuss what storage units are. What are the types of storage units? Describe the
characteristics of the storage units.
2. Discuss what is volatile and non-volatile memory.
3. Define registers. Write in short about the most commonly used registers in the computer
systems.
4. Explain the methods by which data on a secondary storage device can be accessed.
5. Describe any two sequential access devices.
6. Describe any two direct access storage devices.
7. What are moving head systems and fixed head systems?
8. Discuss any two types of optical storage devices