Memory Hierarchy What is Memory Hierarchy? The memory in a computer can be divided into five hierarchies based on the speed as well as use. The processor can move from one level to another based on its requirements. The five hierarchies in the memory are registers, cache, main memory, magnetic discs, and magnetic tapes. The first three hierarchies are volatile memories which mean when there is no power, and then automatically they lose their stored data. Whereas the last two hierarchies are not volatile which means they store the data permanently. A memory element is the set of storage devices which stores the binary data in the type of bits. In general, the storage of memory can be classified into two categories such as volatile as well as non- volatile. Memory Hierarchy in Computer Architecture The memory hierarchy design in a computer system mainly includes different storage devices. Most of the computers were inbuilt with extra storage to run more powerfully beyond the main memory capacity. The following memory hierarchy diagram is a hierarchical pyramid for computer memory. The designing of the memory hierarchy is divided into two types such as primary (Internal) memory and secondary (External) memory. Increasing order of Access Time Ratio Memory Magnetic Disks Magentic Tapes Auxillary MemoryPrimary Memory The primary memory is also known as internal memory, and this is accessible by the processor straightly. This memory includes main, cache, as well as CPU registers, Secondary Memory The secondary memory is also known as external memory, and this is accessible by the processor through an input/output module. This memory includes an optical disk, magnetic disk, and magnetic tape. Characteristics of Memory Hierarchy The memory hierarchy characteristics mainly include the following. Performance Previously, the designing of a computer system was done without memory hierarchy, and the speed gap among the main memory as well as the CPU registers enhances because of the huge disparity in access time, which will cause the lower performance of the system. So, the enhancement was mandatory. The enhancement of this was designed in the memory hierarchy model due to the system’s performance increase. Ability The ability of the memory hierarchy is the total amount of data the memory can store. Because whenever we shift from top to bottom inside the memory hierarchy, then the capacity will increase. Access Time The access time in the memory hierarchy is the interval of the time among the data availability as well as request to read or write. Because whenever we shift from top to bottom inside the memory hierarchy, then the access time will increase Cost per bitWhen we shift from bottom to top inside the memory hierarchy, then the cost for each bit will increase which means an internal Memory is expensive compared with external memory. Memory Hierarchy Design The memory hierarchy in computers mainly includes the following. Registers Usually, the register is a static RAM or SRAM in the processor of the computer which is used for holding the data word which is typically 64 or 128 bits. The program counter register is the most important as well as found in all the processors. Most of the processors use a status word register as well as an accumulator, A status word register is used for decision making, and the accumulator is used to store the data like mathematical operation. Usually, computers like complex instruction set computers have so many registers for accepting main memory, and RISC- reduced instruction set computers have more registers. Cache Memory Cache memory can also be found in the processor, however rarely it may be another IC (integrated circuit) which is separated into levels. The cache holds the chunk of data which are frequently used from main memory. When the processor has a single core then it will have two (or) more cache levels rarely. Present multi-core processors will be having three, 2-levels for each one core, and one level is shared. Main Memory The main memory in the computer is nothing but, the memory unit in the CPU that communicates directly. It is the main storage unit of the computer. This memory is fast as well as large memory used for storing the data throughout the operations of the computer. This memory is made up of RAM as well as ROM. Magnetic Disks The magnetic disks in the computer are circular plates fabricated of plastic otherwise metal by magnetized material. Frequently, two faces of the disk are utilized as well as many disks may be stacked on one spindle by read or write heads obtainable on every plane. Alll the disks in computer turn jointly at high speed. The tracks in the computer are nothing but bits which are stored withinthe magnetized plane in spots next to concentric circles. These are usually separated into sections which are named as sectors. Magnetic Tape This tape is a normal magnetic recording which is designed with a slender magnetizable covering on an extended, plastic film of the thin strip. This is mainly used to back up huge data. Whenever the computer requires to access a strip, first it will mount to access the data. Once the data is allowed, then it will be unmounted. The access time of memory will be slower within magnetic strip as well as it will take a few minutes for accessing a strip. Advantages of Memory Hierarchy The need for a memory hierarchy includes the following. © Memory distributing is simple and economical . Removes external destruction * Data can be spread all over * Permits demand paging & pre-paging © Swapping will be more proficientPrimary and Secondary Memory What is Primary Memory? Primary memory is the main memory of the computer system. Accessing data from primary memory is faster because it is an internal memory of the computer. The primary memory is most volatile which means data in primary memory does not exist if it is not saved when a power failure occurs. The primary memory is a semiconductor memory. It is costlier compared with secondary memory. The capacity of primary memory is very much limited and is always smaller compares to secondary memory. ripen Lan ‘Two types of Primary Memory are: . RAM RAM ROM PROM . cow SRAM DRAM. a RAM (Random Access Memory) EEPROM Random access memory which is also known as RAM is generally known as a main memory of the computer system. It is called temporary memory or cache memory. The information stored in this type of memory is lost when the power supply to the PC or laptop is switched off. ROM (Read Only Memory) It stands for Read Only Memory. ROM is a permanent type of memory. Its content is not lost when the power supply is switched off. The computer manufacturer decides the information of ROM, and it is permanently stored at the time of manufacturing which can not be overwritten by the user. Characteristic of Primary Memory + The computer can't run without primary memory + Itis known as the main memory. + You can lose data in case power is switched off + Itis also known as volatile memory + Itisa working memory of the computer. + Primary memory is faster compares to secondary memory. What is Secondary Memory? All secondary storage devices which are capable of storing high volume data is referred to secondary memory. It's slower than primary memory. However, it can save a substantial amount of data, in the range of gigabytes to terabytes. This memory is also called backup storage or mass storage media. ‘Types of Secondary memory Mass storage devices: ‘The magnetic disk provides cheap storage and is used for both small and large computer systems. ‘Two types of magnetic disks are: © Floppy disks . Hard disksFlash/SSD Solid State Drive provides a persistent flash memory. It's very fast compared to Hard Drives. Frequently found in Mobile phones, its rapidly being adopted in PC/Laptop/Mac. Optical drives: This secondary storage device is from which data is read and written with the help of lasers. Optical disks can hold data up to 185 TB. Examples ° cD . DVD * Blue Ray USB drives:It is one of the most popular types of secondary storage device available in the market. USB drives are removable, rewritable and are physically very small. The capacity of USB drives is also increasing significantly as today 1B pen drive is also available in the market. Magnetic tape:It is a serial access storage device which allows us to store a very high volume of data. Usually used for backups. Characteristic Secondary Memory * These are magnetic and optical memories * Secondary memory is known as a backup memory © Itis a non-volatile type of memory * Data is stored permanently even when the power of the computer is switched off + Ithelps store data in a computer © The machine can run without secondary memory * Slower than primary memory Primary Memory V/S Secondary Memory Parameter Primary memory Secondary memory The primary memory is categorized as The secondary memory is always a non- jature volatile & nonvolatile memories. volatile memory. i ‘These memories are also called internal Secondary memory is known as a Backup Alias memory or Additional memory or Auxiliary ‘memory. memory. Data cannot be accessed directly by the yn Data is directly accessed by the processor. It is first copied from secondary ccess processing unit. memory to primary memory. Only then CPU can access it. It's a volatile memory meaning data Formation cannot be retained in case of power failure. It's a non-volatile memory so that that data can be retained even after power failure. Itholds data or information that is _It stores a substantial amount of data and Storage currently being used by the processing information. Capacity is generally from unit. Capacity is usually in 16 to 32 GB 200GB to tera bytes. Primary memory can be accessed by Secondary memory is accessed by /O the data bus. channels. Primary memory is costlier than Secondary memory is cheaper than primary secondary memory. memory. Accesses Expense