Memory Unit
Memory Unit
i. The memory unit is part of the computer that holds data and instructions for
processing.
ii. It may also be defined as the storage space in the computer where data to be
processed and instructions required for processing are stored.
Although closely associated with the central processing unit, the memory unit is
separated from it.
Primary Memory:
The primary memory is the memory that can be directly accessed by the CPU, the
CPU constantly interact with it, reads instructions stored there and executes them as
required.
i. RAM
ii. ROM
Random access memory also called the Read/Write memory, is the temporary memory
of a computer. It is said to be ‘volatile’ since its contents are accessible only as long as
the computer is on. The contents of RAM are cleared once the computer is turned off
or if there is a power cut.
Types of RAM
1. Dynamic RAM: Dynamic RAM (DRAM) is a type of physical memory used in
most personal computers. The term dynamic indicates that the memory must be
constantly refreshed (reenergized) or it will lose its contents.
2. Static RAM: Static RAM (SRAM) is a type of RAM that holds its data without
external refresh, for as long as power is supplied to the circuit. This is contrasted to
dynamic RAM (DRAM), which must be refreshed many times per second to hold its
data contents
Read Only Memory is a special type of memory which can only be read and the
contents of which are not lost even when the computer is switched off or if there is a
power cut. It typically contains the manufacturer’s instructions.
Types of ROM
ii. Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM): This type of ROM can
have its contents erased by ultraviolet light and then reprogrammed by a PROM
programmer. This procedure can be carried out many times; however, the constant
erasing and rewriting will eventually render the chip useless.
RAM ROM
It is volatile (It loses data when power is turned off) It is non-volatile (retains data even
when power is off)
Data in RAM can be changed or deleted ROM is fixed or data cannot be modified.
RAM chip are bigger in size ROM chip are smaller in size
RAM chips are relatively expensive ROM chips are relatively less expensive RAM
stores all the applications and data when the computer is running
ROM usually stores instructions that are required for booting the computer
Secondary Memory
This type of memory is a non-volatile memory. 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. Contents
of secondary memories are first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU
can access it.
Magnetic: Data and information are stored and retrieved using magnetism Examples
Magnetic disk
Magnetic tape
Hard disk
floppy disks
Optical: Optical storage devices employ light (laser beams) to store and retrieve data
and information
Examples
CD
VC
DV
D
Electronic: This holds data and information in the form of electric voltage Example
Flash Memory
1. Floppy Diskette
There are two standard sizes used these days which are 5 □((1 )/4) inches and 3 □(1/2)
inches, in size, commonly referred to as the mini-floppy and microfloppy. The capacity
of 5 □((1 )/4) inches floppy is 1.2 MB and that of 3
□(1/2) inches is 1.44 MB.
2. CD-ROM drives
a. CD-ROM
CD-ROM stands for (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), and it is mainly used to
mass produce audio CDs and computer games. Computer users can only read data
and music from the discs, but they cannot burn their information onto the discs, from
their personal computers.
b. CD-R
CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable) also known as WORM (Write Once Read Many) is
a blank disc that users can put into a CD-ROM drive to burn or make a copy of their
personal data, music, videos and information. CD-Recordable discs are designed for
one-time recording only.
3. CD-RW
The CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable) can be erased and returned to its original
blank state. New files can then be copied onto the rewritable disk. CD-RW never
became as popular as the CD-R because they are not compatible with most disc
players to listen to music. They are primarily used to move data from one computer to
another or to copy files that are only needed a few times.
4. Combo Drives
These drives combine the function of a DVD drive and a CD-RW drive.
These devices are temporary (Volatile) These devices are permanent (Non-
volatile)
Directly accessed by the CPU Not directly accessed by the CPU Internal
i. Bit (b): Bits is an acronym that stands for Binary digITS. It is the Smallest Unit of
data on a binary computer. A single bit consists of 0 (zero) or 1 (one).
iii. Bytes (B): A byte consists of eight bits. It is the smallest item that can be
individually accessed by a program. It is the fundamental unit of storage on a binary
computer.
The conversion process from one unit to another can be done using the following
relationships.
1 bit = 0 or 1
1 nibble = 4 bits
1 bytes = 8 bits
1 word = 16 bits
1 KB = 1024 bytes
1 MB = 1024 KB
1 GB = 1024 MB
1 TB = 1024 GB
1 PB = 1024 TB
1 EB = 1024 PB
1ZB = 1024 EB
1 YB = 1024 ZB
Example 1
unknown byte be x
It implies that;
1208bits = xbyte
byte
Divide both sides by the coefficient of the unknown unit of storage which is the 8bits
(1208 byte)/8
xbyte = 151bytes
Example 2
Solution
It implies that;
330KB = xbyte
The relationship between kb and byte is 1KB =
1024byte
Divide both sides by the coefficient of the unknown unit of storage which is the 1 kb
xbyte = 337920bytes
Example 3
Convert 14200 KB to MB
Solution
It implies that;
14200KB =
xMB
1024KB = 1MB
Divide both sides by the coefficient of the unknown unit of storage which is the 1024
byte
xKB = 13.87MB
Example 4
Solution
It implies that;
1.44MB = xB
1MB = 1048576B
Divide both sides by the coefficient of the unknown unit of storage which is the 1MB
x B=1509949.44B
Example 5
ii. putting the two storage together, calculate the total capacity in bytes Solution
2 KB to bits
2KB = xbits
1KB = 8192bits
cross multiply
xbits = 16384bits
2KB = 16384bits
2 MB to bits
2MB = ybits
1MB = 8388608bits
cross multiply
ybits=16777216bits
2MB = 16777216bits
cross multiply
bytes=2099200 bytes