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Memory Hierarchy Triangle:: Characteristics

Memory hierarchy organizes computer memory with different speeds and sizes to optimize system performance. It arranges memory in a triangle from fastest registers at the top to slowest ROM at the bottom. Registers are within the CPU for immediate access. Cache sits between registers and RAM to speed CPU access. RAM is volatile memory divided into DRAM for system memory and faster SRAM for caches. ROM is non-volatile memory used for firmware that cannot easily be modified.

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Ashish Joshi
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45 views

Memory Hierarchy Triangle:: Characteristics

Memory hierarchy organizes computer memory with different speeds and sizes to optimize system performance. It arranges memory in a triangle from fastest registers at the top to slowest ROM at the bottom. Registers are within the CPU for immediate access. Cache sits between registers and RAM to speed CPU access. RAM is volatile memory divided into DRAM for system memory and faster SRAM for caches. ROM is non-volatile memory used for firmware that cannot easily be modified.

Uploaded by

Ashish Joshi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Memory hierarchy is a system architecture that uses various types of computer memory with different

capacities, speeds, and costs to optimize overall system performance. A common way to represent memory
hierarchy is through a triangle diagram, with the fastest and smallest memory at the top and the largest and
slowest at the bottom. Let's explore the memory hierarchy and discuss types of RAM (Random Access Memory)
and ROM (Read-Only Memory) in detail:

Memory Hierarchy Triangle:


+-------------------------+
| Registers |
| (Fastest, Smallest)|
+-------------------------+
| Cache |
| |
+-------------------------+
| RAM |
| |
+-------------------------+
| ROM |
| (Slowest, Largest) |
+-------------------------+
1. Registers:
 Characteristics:
 Located within the CPU.
 Extremely fast and small in size.
 Used for holding data immediately accessible to the CPU.
 Purpose:
 Store temporary data and intermediate results during processing.
2. Cache:
 Characteristics:
 Situated between registers and RAM.
 Faster than RAM but slower than registers.
 Divided into levels (L1, L2, L3) with L1 being the closest to the CPU.
 Purpose:
 Temporarily stores frequently used data to speed up CPU access times.
3. RAM (Random Access Memory):
 Characteristics:
 Volatile memory (loses data when power is turned off).
 Faster than most forms of long-term storage (e.g., hard drives).
 Divided into DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and SRAM (Static RAM).
 Types of RAM:
 DRAM (Dynamic RAM):
 Stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit.
 Requires refreshing (recharging) to maintain data.
 Commonly used as system memory in computers.
 SRAM (Static RAM):
 Uses flip-flops to store each bit of data.
 Faster and more expensive than DRAM.
 Commonly used in caches and certain types of memory.
4. ROM (Read-Only Memory):
 Characteristics:
 Non-volatile memory (retains data even when power is turned off).
 Primarily used for firmware and essential system instructions.
 Contents are typically programmed during manufacturing and cannot be easily modified.
 Types of ROM:
 PROM (Programmable ROM):
 Can be programmed (written to) by the user once.
 Content becomes fixed after programming.
 EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM):
 Can be erased and reprogrammed using ultraviolet light.
 Requires a special device for erasure.
 EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM):
 Can be erased and reprogrammed electrically.
 Used in applications where frequent updates are necessary, such as BIOS in
computers.

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