Memory organization

Memory unit
Memory unit is
• the amount of data that can be stored in the storage unit.
• storage capacity is expressed by Bytes.

Following are the main memory storage units:

• Bit (Binary Digit): A binary digit is logical 0 and 1 representing a passive or an
active state of a component in an electric circuit.
• Byte: A group of 8 bits is called byte. A byte is the smallest unit which can
represent a data item or a character.
• Word: A computer word, like a byte, is a group of fixed number of bits
processed as a unit which varies from computer to computer but is fixed for
each computer.
 Memory unit

Few higher storage units are following:

 Bit – A single binary digit
 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
 Memory unit
So, to store a 10MB program/file means, To keep/store it on
computer takes 10*1024*1024byte space.

Remember computer takes 1Bytes of space to store a character.

 Memory
• A memory is just like a human brain. It is used to store data
and instructions. Computer memory is the storage space in
computer where data is to be processed and instructions
required for processing are stored.
• In short, memory is a electronic device which consists of lots
of cells.

• Memory is primarily of three types

1. Cache Memory
2. Primary Memory/Main Memory
3. Secondary Memory
More RAM = Better Performance!
 Cache memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which can speed up
CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and main memory. The parts of data and
programs are transferred from disk to cache memory by operating system.

Advantages
The advantages of cache memory 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.
• It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages
• Cache memory has limited capacity.
• It is very expensive.
How Cache memory works
 Primary memory
Primary memory holds only those data and
instructions on which computer is currently working. It
has limited capacity. It is divided into two
subcategories RAM and ROM.

Characteristics of Main Memory

• These are semiconductor memories
• It is known as main memory.
• It is working memory of the computer.
• Faster than secondary memories.
• A computer cannot run without primary memory.
 Secondary memory
This type of memory is also known as external
memory or non-volatile. It is slower than main
memory. These are used for storing data/Information
permanently.
For example : Hard disk, CD, DVD etc.
Characteristic of Secondary Memory
• These are magnetic and optical memories
• It is known as backup memory.
• It is 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 secondary memory.
• Slower than primary memories.
 RAM
Random access memory (RAM)--an essential component for running personal
computers--determines the computer's speed.
Characteristics of RAM(Random Access Memory):
• Computer memory is either volatile or non-volatile.
• It is the internal memory of the CPU for storing data, program and program result.
• It is read/write memory which stores data until the machine is working.
• As soon as the machine is switched off, data is erased. So it is called volatile
memory.
RAM is of two types
• Static RAM (SRAM)
• Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
 ROM
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read but cannot
write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile. The information is stored permanently in such
memories during manufacture. A ROM, stores such instructions that are required to start a
computer.

PROM (Programmable Read only Memory)

• Can be modified only once by a user.
• Data is not erasable.
• Permanently stores data.
EPROM(Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)
• Can be programmed
• The EPROM can be erased using ultra-violet light
• Can be reprogrammed
EEPROM(Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory)
• The EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically.
• the process of re-programming is flexible but slow.
A ROM Chip
 Memory
Characteristics RAM ROM
Definition Random Access Memory or RAM is a Read-only memory or ROM is also a
form of data storage that can be form of data storage that can not be
accessed randomly at any time, in any easily altered or reprogrammed. Stores
order and from any physical location. instructions that are necessary for
booting up the computer. They are
hardwired.

Stands for Random Access Memory Read-only memory

Use RAM allows the computer to ROM stores the program required to
read data quickly to run applications. initially boot the computer. It only
It allows reading and writing. allows reading.
Volatility RAM is volatile i.e. its contents are It is non-volatile i.e. its contents are
lost when the device is powered off. retained even when the device is
powered off.
Types The two main types of RAM are static The types of ROM include PROM,
RAM and dynamic RAM. EPROM and EEPROM.