3.1. Select components to be measured.

3.2. Understand the unit of measurement in a computer system.

3.3. Carry out mensuration and calculation.
MENSURATION AND CALCULATION

“There are 10 types of people in this world: those who understand binary, and
those who don’t”
All of the components in your computer, such as the CPU, the hard drive and the
operating system, work together as a team, and memory is one of the most
essential parts of this team. From the moment you turn your computer on until
the time you shut it down, your CPU is constantly using memory. In this module,
we will understand how computers process information.

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SELECTING COMPONENTS TO BE MEASURED
The Memory Hierarchy
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. Although memory is technically any form of electronic storage, it is used most often to
identify fast, temporary forms of storage. If your computer's CPU had to constantly access the hard
drive to retrieve every piece of data it needs, it would operate very slowly. When the information is kept
in memory, the CPU can access it much more quickly. Most forms of memory are intended to store data
temporarily.
The CPU accesses memory according to a distinct hierarchy. Whether it comes from permanent storage
(the hard drive) or input (the keyboard), most data goes in random access memory (RAM) first. The
CPU then stores pieces of data it will need to access, often in a cache, and maintains certain special
instructions in the register. The CPU is the driver of the computer. Processors are usually differentiated
by speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz). The higher the GHz, the faster the computer will run.
Memory is primarily of three types:
a. Registers
b. Cache Memory
c. Primary Memory/Main Memory
d. Secondary Memory

A. Registers
Small memory spaces inside our processor that can each hold only single values. The registers can store
a small amount of data really fast. A register may hold an instruction, a storage address, or any kind of
data (such as a bit sequence or individual characters).
B. Cache Memory
Cache memory, also called cache, is a supplementary memory system that
temporarily stores frequently used instructions and data for quicker
processing by the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer. The cache
augments, and is an extension of, a computer’s main 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. The smaller capacity of the cache reduces the
time required to locate data within it and provide it to the CPU for processing.
When a computer’s CPU accesses its internal memory, it first checks to see if the information it needs
is stored in the cache. If it is, the cache returns the data to the CPU. If the information is not in the cache,
the CPU retrieves it from the main memory.
The advantages of cache memories 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.

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  It stores data for temporary use.
The disadvantages of cache memory are as follows:
 Cache memory has limited capacity.
 It is very expensive. Memory modules
C. Primary Memory/Main Memory were once known as
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which the memory sticks.
computer is currently working. It has a limited capacity and data is lost Today, "memory
when power is switched off. It is generally made up of semiconductor stick" is used to
device. These memories are not as fast as registers. The data and describe the
instruction required to be processed resides in the main memory. computer flash
memory sticks.
The following are 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.

It is divided into two subcategories RAM and ROM.

a. Read-only memory (ROM) chips are located in the motherboard.

ROM chips contain instructions that can be directly accessed by the CPU. Basic instructions
for booting the computer and loading the operating system are stored in ROM. ROM chips
retain their contents even when the computer is powered down. The contents cannot be erased
or changed by normal means.

b. Random access memory (RAM) is the temporary storage for data and programs that are being
accessed by the CPU. RAM is volatile memory, which means that the contents are erased when
the computer is powered off. The more RAM in a computer, the more capacity the computer
has to hold and process large programs and files, as well as enhance system performance.

Early computers had RAM installed in the motherboard as individual chips. The individual
memory chips, called dual inline package (DIP) chips, was difficult to install and often became
loose on the motherboard. To solve this problem, designers soldered the memory chips on a
special circuit board called a memory module.

In computing, a memory module or RAM (random-access memory) stick is a printed circuit board on
which memory integrated circuits are mounted. Memory modules permit easy installation and
replacement in electronic systems, especially computers such as personal computers, workstations, and
servers. A memory module is the computer part that holds the Random Access Memory (RAM),
measured in megabytes or gigabytes. A megabyte being 1,000,000 bytes of storage, and a Gigabyte
being 10,000,000,000 bytes of storage. All of these bytes are placed in small circuits on a memory
module stick, making it easy for anyone to replace or add more RAM as the computer needs it.

The common architecture for desktop computers is the dual in-line memory module (DIMM), which
transfers 64 bits at a time. Because of space limitations, laptops use small outline DIMMs (SODIMMs).
The modules are keyed with notches in different places so they cannot be inserted into the wrong slots

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Types of Memory Modules
a. Dual in-line package (DIP) memory – In microelectronics, a
dual in-line package (DIP or DIL), or dual in-line pin package
(DIPP) is an electronic component package with a rectangular
housing and two parallel rows of electrical connecting pins. The
package may be through-hole mounted to a printed circuit board
(PCB) or inserted in a socket. DIPs are commonly used for
integrated circuits (ICs). Other devices in DIP packages include
resistor networks, DIP switches, LED segmented and bar graph
displays, and electromechanical relays.

b. Single in-line pin package (SIPP) memory – A single inline pin

package (SIPP) is a computer chip package that contains only a
single row of connection pins.

c. Single in-line memory module (SIMM) – SIMMs have 30-pin

and 72-pin configurations. It is a module containing one or
several random access memory (RAM) chips on a small circuit
board with pins that connect to the computer motherboard.

d. Dual in-line memory module (DIMM) – DIMM comprises a

series of dynamic random-access memory integrated circuits.
These modules are mounted on a printed circuit board and
designed for use in personal computers, workstations and
servers.

e. Small Outline DIMM (SO-DIMM) – is a type of computer

memory built using integrated circuits. SO-DIMMs (also
written SODIMMs) are a smaller alternative to a DIMM, being
roughly half the size of regular DIMMs. SO- DIMMs are often
used in systems which have space restrictions such as
notebooks, small footprint PCs (such as those with a Mini-ITX
motherboard), high-end upgradable office printers, and
networking hardware like routers.

f. Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM) –

SDRAM is designed to synchronize itself with the timing of the
CPU. This enables the memory controller to know the exact
clock cycle when the requested data will be ready, so the CPU
no longer has to wait between memory accesses.

g. Double Data Rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM) – The next

generation of SDRAM is DDR, which achieves greater
bandwidth than the preceding single data rate SDRAM by
transferring data on the rising and falling edges of the clock
signal (double pumped). Effectively, it doubles the transfer rate
without increasing the frequency of the clock. The transfer rate
of DDR SDRAM is the double of SDR SDRAM without
changing the internal clock. DDR SDRAM, as the first
generation of DDR memory, the prefetch buffer is 2bit, which
is the double of SDR SDRAM.

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D. 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.
Some Common Types of Storage Drives
a. Floppy Drive. A floppy drive, or floppy disk drive, is a storage
device that uses removable 3.5-inch floppy disks. These
magnetic floppy disks can store 720 KB or 1.44 MB of data. In
a computer, the floppy drive is usually configured as the A:
drive. The floppy drive can be used to boot the computer if it
contains a bootable floppy disk. A 5.25-inch floppy drive is
older technology and is seldom used.
b. Hard Drive. A hard drive, or hard disk drive, is a magnetic
storage device that is installed inside the computer. The hard
drive is used as permanent storage for data. In a Windows
computer, the hard drive is usually configured as the C: drive
and contains the operating system and applications. The hard
drive is often configured as the first drive in the boot sequence.
The storage capacity of a hard drive is measured in billions of
bytes, or gigabytes (GB). The speed of a hard drive is measured
in revolutions per minute (RPM). Multiple hard drives can be
added to increase storage capacity.
c. Optical Drive. An optical drive is a storage device that uses
lasers to read data on the optical media. There are three types of
optical drives: Compact Disc (CD), Digital Versatile Disc
(DVD) and Blu-ray Disc (BD). CD, DVD, and BD media can
be pre-recorded (read-only), recordable (write once), or
rewritable (read and write multiple times).
d. External Flash Drive. An external flash drive, also known as a
thumb drive, is a removable storage device that connects to a
USB port. An external flash drive uses the same type of non-
volatile memory chips as solid state drives and does not require
power to maintain the data. These drives can be accessed by the
operating system in the same way that other types of drives are
accessed.

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 Figure 1 Memory Hierarchy

DIGITAL REPRESENTATION
Memory Units
A memory unit refers to the amount of storage or memory that is used to measure and represent data.
Due to heavy usage and demand for computer systems, computer memory has also grown rapidly over
time. Each generation of computer has brought a faster and higher capacity memory version of the
computer. This has ultimately brought a new level of memory nits and new terms for defining memory
size.
The following are the basic memory units of a computer system:
A. Bit (Binary Digit). A computer system uses electrical
components (e.g., integrated circuits and semiconductors) to
handle data or information stored in it. Such components can
only understand and recognize the presence or absence of Bits and bytes are
electrical signals. That is why a computer uses two different known as basic
states: zero (0) and one (1). building blocks of
memory, where bit is
The two symbols, 0 and 1, are known as bits or binary digits. the smallest memory
While 0 indicates the absence (passive state) of the signal, 1 units of a computer
indicates the presence (active state) of the signal. However, a that is used to express
bit a t a time can only store one of these two binary values, i.e., data size.
either 0 or 1. Therefore, multiple bits in a combined form are Additionally, a byte
capable of holding a greater range of values. is the smallest unit
B. Nibble. A nibble is a collection of 4 bits. that is used to
represent data items
C. Byte. A byte is a collection of eight bits sequenced together to or characters into
create a single alphabetical or numerical character. One byte, or higher memory units.
eight bits, was the original amount of information needed to
encode the characters of the text. The number was later
standardized after upgrades in computer hardware.

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 A byte is referred to as the fundamental unit of measurement for the data on a computer system.
It is because bytes can be more often represented in larger multiples, such as Kilobytes (KB),
Megabytes (MB), Terabytes (TB), and Petabytes (PB). Bytes are stored digitally to define the
amount of data in storage. Additionally, bytes help in measuring memory and document size.
D. Word. Like a byte, a computer word is also a combination of a fixed number of bits. It is
another basic memory unit of a computer system. However, it remains fixed for a particular
computer.
Computer word length is commonly represented as word-size or word-length. Because it varies
from one system to another, it can be as short as 8 bits or as long as 96 bits. A computer system
usually stores data or information in the form of computer words.

Memory Unit Description

Byte 8 bits
Kilobyte (KB) 1 KB = 1024 bytes
Megabyte (MB) 1 MB = 1024 KB
Gigabyte (GB) 1 GB = 1024 MB
Terabyte (TB) 1 TB = 1024 GB
Petabyte (PB) 1 PB = 1024 TB

For simplicity and technical reasons, the capacity of computer memory is usually expressed in multiples
of powers of 2. This method eventually helped express a very large number of bits and bytes easily.
Digital Representation
Within a computer, information is represented and stored in a digital binary format. The term bit is an
abbreviation of binary digit and represents the smallest piece of data. Humans interpret words and
pictures; computers interpret only patterns of bits.
Computers use binary codes to represent and interpret letters, numbers and special characters with bits.
A commonly used code is the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). With
ASCII, each character is represented by a string of bits. For example:
 Capital letter: A = 01000001
 Number: 9 = 00001001
 Special character: # = 00100011
Each group of eight bits, such as the representations of letters and numbers, is known as a byte. Codes
can be used to represent almost any type of information digitally: computer data, graphics, photos,
voice, video, and music.

Converting Decimals Numbers to Binary Number

To convert a decimal number to binary, all you have to do is divide the number by 2. Get the quotient
and the remainder. Bring down the quotient, divide it by 2, and get the quotient and remainder again.
Do it repeatedly until the quotient results to 0. Copy the remainder from bottom to top, and that is the
binary equivalent.
Example:
1. Convert 1310 to binary.
(Note: The base 10 indicates that 13 is a decimal number.)

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 Division by 2 Quotient Remainder
13 ÷ 2 6 1
6÷2 3 0
3÷2 1 1
1÷2 0 1
Therefore 1310 = 11012
(Note: The base 2 indicates that 1101 is a binary number.)
2. Convert 17410 to binary.

Division by 2 Quotient Remainder

174 ÷ 2 87 0
87 ÷ 2 43 1
43 ÷ 2 21 1
21 ÷ 2 10 1
10 ÷ 2 5 0
5÷2 2 1
2÷2 1 0
1÷2 0 1
Therefore 17410 = 101011102

MULTIPLE CHOICES
Directions: Analyze the questions carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Write your answer
on the space before the number.
____1. Why is RAM considered volatile memory?
A. The more RAM the computer has, the higher its capacity to hold more data.
B. The contents of RAM are erased when the computer is turned off.
C. RAM is faster than secondary memories.
D. RAM has limited capacity.

____2. Which of the following is considered a secondary memory?

A. DVD
B. DIP Memory
C. ROM
D. SDRAM

____3. Which of the following number indicates the presence of a signal?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 4
D. 8

____4. 2048 GB = ___ TB

A. 1024
B. 8
C. 10, 000
D. 2

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____5. How many bits are there in one byte?
A. 1024
B. 0
C. 8
D. 4

MEMORY HEIRARCHY.
Directions: Complete the memory hierarchy diagram by filling it out using the words in the box.

5________
 Hard Drive  Memory Module
 Input Sources  Main Storage
4_________
 Cache Memory  CPU Registers
 Flash Drive  Motherboard
3_________  Virtual Memory  Secondary Storage

2_________

1._________

CONVERSION.
Directions: Convert the following decimal numbers to binary code. Show your computation, then
write the final answer on the provided space.

1. 1010 = 2. 810 =
_______________________________ ________________________________

3. 12310 = 4. 11010 =
______________________________ ______________________________

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5. 7810 = 6. 46210 =
_______________________________ ______________________________

7. 20910 = 8. 20010 =
______________________________ ______________________________

9. 5410 = 10. 7310 =

_______________________________ _______________________________

Watch the video “How Computer Memory Works” to see

the inner workings of a computer system.
https://tinyurl.com/r4kjdzfs

Watch the video “How Exactly Does Binary Code Work?”

to understand why computers use 1 and 0.
https://tinyurl.com/km5jtdy3

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Computer - Memory. (n.d.). Tutorialspoint.Com.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_memory.htm
de Vera, P. (n.d.). Perform mensuration and calculation. Prezi.Com.
https://prezi.com/xhb2fp2v9ulu/perform-mensuration-and-calculation/
Decares, B. (2018, November 9). The Memory Hierarchy - Barbara Decares. Medium.
https://medium.com/@barbaradecares/the-memory-hierarchy-f9c3016d7cba
Decimal to Binary Converter. (n.d.). Rapidtables.
https://www.rapidtables.com/convert/number/decimal-to-binary.html
Gepte, R. O. (2018, July 15). PERFORM MENSURATION AND CALCULATION. Mustangbols.
https://www.mustangbols.com/animation-2d/perform
NI Business Info. (n.d.). Computer hardware components and specifications | nibusinessinfo.co.uk.
https://www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/computer-hardware-components-and-specifications
TutorialsMate. (n.d.). Memory Units of Computer: Bit, Byte, KB, MB, GB.
https://www.tutorialsmate.com/2020/12/memory-units-of-computer.html
William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team). (2021, March 16). Computer Components and
Specifications. SchoolWorkHelper. https://schoolworkhelper.net/computer-components-and-
specifications/

Module Creator/Curator: Ms. TIMMY ANNE A. LOPEZ-GARCIA

Template and Layout Designer: Ms. TIMMY ANNE A. LOPEZ-GARCIA

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