TYPES OF COMPUTER MEMORY

In general, memory can be divided into primary and secondary memory; moreover, there are numerous
types of memory when discussing just primary memory. Some types of primary memory include the
following

Cache memory. This temporary storage area, known as a cache, is more readily available to the
processor than the computer's main memory source.

RAM. The term is based on the fact that any storage location can be accessed directly by the processor.

Dynamic RAM. DRAM is a type of semiconductor memory that is typically used by the data or program
code needed by a computer processor to function.

Static RAM. SRAM retains data bits in its memory for as long as power is supplied to it. Unlike DRAM,
which stores bits in cells consisting of a capacitor and a transistor, SRAM does not have to be
periodically refreshed.

Double Data Rate SDRAM. DDR SRAM is SDRAM that can theoretically improve memory clock speed to
at least 200 MHz.

Double Data Rate 4 Synchronous Dynamic RAM. DDR4 RAM is a type of DRAM that has a high-
bandwidth interface and is the successor to its previous DDR2 and DDR3 versions. DDR4 RAM allows for
lower voltage requirements and higher module density. It is coupled with higher data rate transfer
speeds and allows for dual in-line memory modules (DIMMS) up to 64 GB.

Rambus Dynamic RAM. DRDRAM is a memory subsystem that promised to transfer up to 1.6 billion
bytes per second. The subsystem consists of RAM, the RAM controller, the bus that connects RAM to the
microprocessor and devices in the computer that use it.

Read-only memory. ROM is a type of computer storage containing nonvolatile, permanent data that,
normally, can only be read and not written to. ROM contains the programming that enables a computer
to start up or regenerate each time it is turned on.

Programmable ROM. PROM is ROM that can be modified once by a user. It enables a user to tailor a
microcode program using a special machine called a PROM programmer.

Erasable PROM. EPROM is programmable read-only memory PROM that can be erased and re-used.
Erasure is caused by shining an intense ultraviolet light through a window designed into the memory
chip.

Electrically erasable PROM. EEPROM is a user-modifiable ROM that can be erased and reprogrammed
repeatedly through the application of higher than normal electrical voltage. Unlike EPROM chips,
EEPROMs do not need to be removed from the computer to be modified. However, an EEPROM chip
must be erased and reprogrammed in its entirety, not selectively.

Virtual memory. A memory management technique where secondary memory can be used as if it were
a part of the main memory. Virtual memory uses hardware and software to enable a computer to
compensate for physical memory shortages by temporarily transferring data from RAM to disk storage.
DATA REPRESENTATION IN A COMPUTER

1. Introduction
Computers are classified according to functionality, physical size and purpose.

Functionality, Computers could be analog, digital or hybrid. Digital computers process data that is in
discrete form whereas analog computers process data that is continuous in nature. Hybrid computers on
the other hand can process data that is both discrete and continuous.

In digital computers, the user input is first converted and transmitted as electrical pulses that can be
represented by two unique states ON and OFF. The ON state may be represented by a “1” and the off
state by a “0”.The sequence of ON’S and OFF’S forms the electrical signals that the computer can
understand.

A digital signal rises suddenly to a peak voltage of +1 for some time then suddenly drops -1 level on the
other hand an analog signal rises to +1 and then drops to -1 in a continuous version.

Generally, a periodic wave representing a signal can be described using the following parameters

Amplitude (A)

Frequency (f)

Periodic time (T)

Amplitude (A): this is the maximum displacement that the waveform of an electric signal can attain.

Frequency (f): is the number of cycles made by a signal in one second. It is measured in hertz.1hert is
equivalent to 1 cycle/second.

Periodic time (T): the time taken by a signal to complete one cycle is called periodic time. Periodic time
is given by the formula T=1/f, where f is the frequency of the wave.

2. Concepts of data representation in digital computers

Data and instructions cannot be entered and processed directly into computers using human language.
Any type of data be it numbers, letters, special symbols, sound or pictures must first be converted into
machine-readable form i.e. binary form. Due to this reason, it is important to understand how a computer
together with its peripheral devices handles data in its electronic circuits, on magnetic media and in optical
devices.

Data representation in digital circuits

Electronic components, such as microprocessor, are made up of millions of electronic circuits. The
availability of high voltage(on) in these circuits is interpreted as ‘1’ while a low voltage (off) is interpreted
as ‘0’.This concept can be compared to switching on and off an electric circuit. When the switch is closed
the high voltage in the circuit causes the bulb to light (‘1’ state).on the other hand when the switch is
open, the bulb goes off (‘0’ state). This forms a basis for describing data representation in digital
computers using the binary number system.