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Memory and Processor

The document discusses the types of memory used in digital devices, including RAM, ROM, and flash memory, highlighting their characteristics and uses. It also explains the structure and functioning of processors, detailing the role of CPUs and their speed measured in clock cycles. Additionally, it compares RAM and ROM in terms of volatility, speed, and data storage capabilities.

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Nelly Chantal
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31 views6 pages

Memory and Processor

The document discusses the types of memory used in digital devices, including RAM, ROM, and flash memory, highlighting their characteristics and uses. It also explains the structure and functioning of processors, detailing the role of CPUs and their speed measured in clock cycles. Additionally, it compares RAM and ROM in terms of volatility, speed, and data storage capabilities.

Uploaded by

Nelly Chantal
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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DIGITAL DEVICES

Memory and Processor


Memory
Memory can be accessed faster than secondary storage. Memory is used to store
instructions so that the processor can quickly fetch them in order to process them
There are three types of memory:
 Random Access Memory (RAM)
 Read Only Memory (ROM)
 Flash memory
1,Random access memory.
RAM is volatile, meaning it cannot store data when power is off.
The more RAM that is available the more programs can run at the same time.
When the system does not have enough RAM, the operating system creates virtual
memory by using an area of secondary storage to improve the computer system
performance
2.Read Only Memory
ROM stores data permanently. It is also non-volatile, meaning that data is not lost
when power is turned off.
ROM is used in single purpose computer systems like digital watch, calculators and
washing machines
ROM is generally used to refer to memory that cannot be changed after manufacturer.
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory).It is manufactured with ability to be
written to but only once.
Types of PROM
1.EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory).Data can be erased and
written to by exposing it to strong ultraviolet (UV) light.
2.EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). Content is
written to and erased by applying a voltage to one of the pins on the ROM chip
EEPROM later developed to flash memory
Comparing characteristics of RAM and ROM
ROM RAM
Non volatile Volatile
Writing is slow Writing is faster
Stores permanent data Stores temporary data
Cannot be upgraded Can be upgraded

3.Flash memory:
Flash memory is a type of EEPROM. Like other types of ROM, it is non-volatile. It does
not have any moving parts, so it has a fast access time and low power consumption.
Because of its low power consumption, flash memory is used in SSDs that are in
portable devices such as laptops. Flash memory is often used as removable storage in
USB drives and SD cards.
Processor
A processor is made up of one or more central processing units (CPUs). These carry
out software instructions. In processors that are made up of more than one CPU,
each CPU is referred to as core. For example, in a quad-core processor, four cores
are working during each processer cycle. This means that it can do up to four times
as much work as single core processor.
Processor speed is measured in Clock cycle per second. This is the
number of times per second the processor can carry out one or more instructions.
Clock cycles are measured in units called

 Hertz
 Kilohertz
 Mega hertz
 Gigahertz
Name Abbreviation Clock cycle per
second
Hertz Hz 1
Kilohertz KHz 1000
Megahertz MHz 1,000,000
Gigahertz GHz 1000,000,000

Although clock cycle measures processing speed, there are other factors
that affect how much work a processor can do in a given time. A user
should also consider the amount of work that a CPU can do in each clock
cycle. Different processors carry out more instructions per core in each
cycle.

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