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Primary Memory

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23 views5 pages

Primary Memory

Uploaded by

surajxto
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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Primary Memory

• Known as main memory and temporary memory.


• Storage capacity of main memory is less as compared to secondary memory.
• Directly accessed by processor using data bus.
• Primary memory is faster than secondary memory.
Types of Primary memory

Primary
memory

RAM ROM

SRAM DRAM PROM EPROM EEPROM

RAM (Random Access Memory)

• Also refer to short term memory.


• It is volatile in nature.
• It holds data as long as power is on.
• It stores currently processed data from the CPU.

1. SRAM (Static RAM)


• SRAM is made up of flip-flops
• It stores information as long as power is on
• Refresh circuit is not needed (because it holds data as long as power is on)
• Expensive
• Consume more power

2. DRAM (Dynamic RAM)


• DRAM is made up of capacitors
• It stores data for short period (a few millisecond) even though power is on
• Data is refreshed periodically, so refresh circuit is needed
• Cheaper
• Consume less power
ROM (Read only memory)

• It is Non-Volatile memory
• Programs are written in ROM permanently at the time of manufacturing
• It holds the instruction for booting
• ROM is directly accessed by CPU

1. PROM (Programmable Read only Memory)


• It can be programmed only once
• PROM comes blank at the time of manufacturing
• PROM programmer writes programs on it only once

2. EPROM (Erasable programmable read only memory)


• It can be reprogrammed many times
• Data can be erased by using ultra violet light
• It takes 40 min to erase data
• We cannot erase particular data from EPROM. We need to erase entire data present in EPROM

3. EEPROM (Electrical erasable programmable read only memory)


• It can be reprogrammed
• Data can be erased electrically
• It takes millisecond to erase data
• We can erase particular data from EEPROM

Cache Memory

• Cache memory is small, quick and expensive memory


• Placed between main memory and processor
• Made up of semi-conductor
• Stores most frequently used data
• Cache memory is faster than Main memory
• Cache memory is needed due to the mismatch between the speed of main memory and processor
Types of Cache memory
L1 Cache

• L1 Cache is directly embedded in the processor chip


• Fastest cache memory
L2 Cache

• L2 Cache is generally integrated into motherboard


• Slower than L1 cache and faster than L3 cache
L3 Cache

• L3 Cache memory placed onto RAM


• Slower than L1 and L2
Advantages of Cache Memory

• Data access time is less


• Faster memory used to speed up the processor
Disadvantages of Cache Memory

• Limited capacity
• Expensive

Buffer Memory

• Buffer is a temporary storage in RAM


• It stores data for short period of time
• The purpose of buffer to store data right before it is used
• A buffer also called buffer memory
• Mostly used for input/output process
• Example: When we send document to be printed to printer. The information stored in buffer.

Secondary Memory

• Permanent memory.
• Non-volatile in nature.
• Stores large amount of data.
• Slower than RAM.
Types of secondary memory

Secondary
memory

Magnetic Optical Flash Memory External Storage


SSD
Disk Disk Memory Stick Device
Magnetic Disk

• A magnetic Disk is a flat disc covered with a magnetic coating.


• It stores data in the form of tracks and sectors.
• Hard disk, floppy disk and zip disk are the examples of magnetic disk.

1. Hard disk
It is used to store large amount of data permanently. It is created using the collection of discs known as
platters. They are coated with magnetic material. Each platter consists of number of invisible circles
which is divided into tracks and sectors. Read/write heads are used to read and write data from the disk.
Hard disk is of two types:
a. Internal Hard disk
b. External Hard disk

SSD (Solid State Drive)


SSD stands for solid-state drive, is a type of storage device used in computers. This non-volatile storage media
stores data on solid-state flash memory. SSDs replace traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in computers and
perform the same basic functions as a hard drive. But SSDs are significantly faster in comparison. With an SSD,
the device's operating system will boot up more rapidly, programs will load quicker and files can be saved faster.

Optical Disk

• An optical disk typically has a flat, circular shape and is made up of polycarbonate plastic.
• An optical disk uses laser technology to read and write data.
• Most of today's optical disks are available in three formats: CD, DVD, Blue ray Disk.

1. CD (Compact Disk)
A Compact Disc contains tracks and sectors on its surface. Its shape is circular and is made up of
polycarbonate plastic. The storage capacity of CD is up to 700 MB of data.

2. DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)


A Digital Versatile Disc looks just like a CD, but the storage capacity is greater as compared to CD, it
stores up to 4.7 GB of data. The video files, like movies or video recordings, etc., are generally stored on
DVD and you can run DVD using the DVD player.

3. Blue Ray disk


A Blu-ray disc looks just like a CD or a DVD but it can store data or information up to 25 GB data. If you
want to use a Blu-ray disc, you need a Blu-ray reader.
Flash memory

• Flash memory is non-volatile memory chip.


• Used to transfer data between digital devices (smart phones, camera etc.) and personal computer.
• Flash memory is a type of EEPROM.
• Flash memory retain information without requiring power.

Memory Stick

• Memory stick is a type of flash memory developed by Sony.


• Used to store data for digital cameras and other kind of electronics and used by Sony products.
• This memory stick is incompatible for products not developed by Sony.
External storage Device

• Used as a backup storage device.


• These devices are permanently not attached with computer system.
• Example: External Hard Disk, External DVD, Pen drive etc.

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