Short Questions Chapter 1

1. What is Primary Memory?

Ans: Primary memory, also known as main memory or RAM (Random Access Memory),
is the part of a computer system that temporarily stores data and instructions that the
CPU (central processing unit) uses while performing tasks. It is a volatile type of
memory, meaning it only retains data while the computer is powered on. Once the
power is turned off, all information stored in primary memory is lost.

2. Define Bit and Byte?

Ans: Bit : A bit is the smallest unit of data in computing and represents a binary value,
either 0 or 1.

Byte: A byte is a group of 8 bits and is the standard unit used to measure data size in
computing. Bytes are used to represent more complex information, such as a single
character (e.g., the letter 'A' or a number) or a small amount of binary data.

3. Name Three Types of RAMS?

Ans: Three common types of RAM (Random Access Memory) are:

• Static RAM (SRAM)

• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
• Magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM)
4. What is memory module?

Ans: A memory module is a small circuit board that contains memory chips used to store
data temporarily in computers and other electronic devices. The main purpose of a
memory module is to hold data and programs that the computer is currently using, so
they can be accessed quickly by the CPU (central processing unit).

5. Name of different variants of DRAM?

Ans: Name of different variants are

a. Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM DRAM)

 b. Extended Data Out DRAM (EDO DRAM)
c. Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)
d. Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM)
e. Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)

Long Question Chapter 1

1. Define bytes and address system of memory in computers?

Ans: A byte is a basic unit of digital information in computing. It typically consists of 8

bits, where each bit is a binary digit (either 0 or 1). A byte can represent:

• A single character, such as a letter or number (e.g., 'A' or '5').

• A value between 0 and 255 in decimal (since 2⁸ = 256).

In a computer's memory system, every byte of memory has a unique identifier called a
memory address. The address system is crucial because it allows the CPU to locate
and access specific data stored in memory.

In summary, a byte is the smallest addressable unit in memory, and the address system
ensures that every byte or block of memory can be uniquely located and accessed by
the CPU.

2. Differentiate between SIMM and DIMM?

SIMM (Single Inline Memory Module):

• Data Path: SIMMs have a 32-bit data path. This means they can transfer 32 bits
of data at a time.
• Pins: SIMMs typically have 30 or 72 pins.
• Single-sided contacts: The same electrical contacts are used on both sides of
the module, meaning the pins on both sides of the SIMM are connected to the
same signal.
• Usage: SIMMs were commonly used in older computers, especially in the 1980s
and early 1990s.
• Memory Bus: For modern 64-bit systems, two SIMMs were often required to
work together to handle the 64-bit data path of newer processors.
DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module):

• Data Path: DIMMs have a 64-bit data path, which makes them faster and more
efficient for modern computers.
• Pins: DIMMs typically have 168, 184, 240, or 288 pins, depending on the type.
• Double-sided contacts: The electrical contacts on each side of the DIMM
module are separate, meaning the pins on the front and back of the module are
connected to different signals.
• Usage: DIMMs are used in most modern desktops, laptops, and servers.
• Memory Bus: With a 64-bit data path, a single DIMM can support the 64-bit data
transfer of modern CPUs.

3. What do you understand by Direct RDRAM?

Ans: Direct Rambus DRAM (Direct RDRAM) is a type of high-performance Dynamic

RAM (DRAM) developed by Rambus Inc. in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It was
designed to offer significantly faster data transfer rates than traditional DRAM types,
such as SDRAM and early DDR SDRAM.

Key Characteristics of Direct RDRAM:

High Speed:

o Direct RDRAM provides higher data transfer speeds compared to

traditional memory technologies at the time, reaching up to 800 MHz or
more. This was much faster than SDRAM, which typically operated at 100-
133 MHz.
o It was designed to transfer data at 1.6 GB/s or more per channel, making
it well-suited for high-bandwidth applications.

Serial Data Transfer:

o Unlike traditional DRAMs that used a parallel data bus, Direct RDRAM
uses a narrow, high-speed serial bus to transfer data. This allowed for
faster communication between the memory and the CPU.

Memory Channels:

o Direct RDRAM operates on multiple memory channels (typically 16-bit

wide channels), which could be combined to achieve higher bandwidth.
 4. Explain Different types of Dynamic RAM?

Ans: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is a type of volatile memory that stores each bit of data in a
separate capacitor, which needs to be refreshed periodically to retain the data. Over
time, several types of DRAM have been developed to improve performance, reduce
power consumption, and enhance data transfer speeds. Below are the different types of
DRAM:

Fast Page Mode DRAM (FPM DRAM)

• Definition: An older form of DRAM that improves memory access by keeping the
row address constant while accessing multiple column addresses within the
same row, speeding up sequential access.
• Speed: Operates at 50-70 ns access times.
• Usage: Popular in the 1980s and early 1990s but now obsolete.

Extended Data Out DRAM (EDO DRAM)

• Definition: EDO DRAM is an improved version of FPM DRAM. It can start a new
memory access cycle before the previous one is fully completed, increasing
performance.
• Speed: Faster than FPM DRAM, with access times of 40-50 ns.
• Usage: Used in mid-1990s computers but replaced by SDRAM

Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM)

• Definition: SDRAM is synchronized with the system clock, which means it can
respond to commands in sync with the CPU’s clock cycles, making it faster than
asynchronous DRAM.
• Key Feature: It works in sync with the system clock, so data can be transferred
in bursts.
• Usage: Commonly used in the late 1990s and early 2000s for desktop computers
and is still used in some embedded systems.
• Speed: Faster than asynchronous DRAM, typically running at 100–133 MHz.

Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM)

• Definition: DDR SDRAM improves on regular SDRAM by transferring data on

both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, effectively doubling the
data transfer rate without increasing the clock speed.
Rambus DRAM (RDRAM)

• Definition: RDRAM was developed by Rambus Inc. to provide high-speed

memory access for systems that required high bandwidth, such as high-
performance PCs and gaming consoles.
• Speed: Operates at 600–800 MHz, with data transfer rates of up to 1.6 GB/s per
channel.
• Drawbacks: Expensive, generated a lot of heat, and had high latency compared
to competing DDR memory.
• Usage: Used briefly in some Intel-based systems and gaming consoles like the
PlayStation 2.

5. What are the features of a Static RAM?

Ans: Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of volatile memory that uses bistable latching
circuitry to store each bit of data. Unlike Dynamic RAM (DRAM), which needs to be
refreshed periodically, SRAM retains data as long as power is supplied. Here are the
key features of SRAM:

Speed

• High Speed: SRAM is faster than DRAM, with quicker access times, making it
suitable for cache memory in CPUs and other high-performance applications.

Volatility

• Volatile Memory: SRAM loses its data when the power is turned off, like DRAM,
but it does not require constant refreshing to maintain data.

Stability

• Stable Data Storage: Because SRAM uses flip-flops (latching circuits) to store
data, it is less susceptible to data corruption and can maintain the stored data as
long as power is supplied.

Power Consumption

• Higher Power Consumption: Although SRAM does not require refreshing like
DRAM, it consumes more power when active due to the constant current flow
through its transistors. However, it consumes less power in standby mode
compared to DRAM.
 6. Explain the purpose of cache in the computer. Write the difference between
L1 and L2 cache?

Ans: Cache memory is a small, high-speed storage area located inside or close to the
CPU (central processing unit) that temporarily stores frequently accessed data and
instructions. The primary purposes of cache memory are:

Speeding Up Data Access:

o Cache provides faster data access compared to main memory (RAM).

Since accessing data from cache is much quicker than accessing it from
RAM, it helps improve overall system performance.

Reducing Latency:

o Cache reduces the time it takes for the CPU to retrieve data and instructions,
minimizing the latency that occurs when accessing slower memory types.

Improving CPU Efficiency:

o By storing frequently used data and instructions, cache helps the CPU
perform more efficiently, reducing the number of cycles wasted on waiting
for data from main memory.

L1 Cache:

L1 cache is located directly on the CPU chip, making it faster and more efficient, with
typical sizes ranging from 16KB to 128KB. It operates at the CPU's clock speed and has
a lower access time of about 1-2 cycles. Its primary role is to store the most frequently
used data and instructions, providing immediate access to the CPU. If a data miss
occurs in L1, the system then checks the L2 cache.

L2 Cache

L2 cache is larger, typically ranging from 256KB to several megabytes, and may be
located on the CPU chip or a separate chip close to the CPU. Although it is slower than
L1 cache, it still operates faster than main memory, with an access time of about 3-6
cycles. L2 cache serves as a secondary storage area for data that is less frequently
accessed than that in L1. If a data miss occurs in both L1 and L2 caches, the system
retrieves the data from the main memory.