Lecture 06

computer memory
ENGR. NUZHAT MADINA
 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.
The memory is divided into large number of small parts called cells.
Each location or cell has a unique address which varies from zero to
memory size minus one.
For example, if computer has 64k words, then this memory unit has 64
* 1024=65536 memory locations. The address of these locations varies
from 0 to 65535.
 Types of memory
Memory is primarily of three types
Cache Memory
Primary Memory/Main Memory
Secondary Memory
 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. It is used to hold
those parts of data and program which are most
frequently used by CPU. The parts of data and programs
are transferred from disk to cache memory by operating
system, from where CPU can access them.
 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
The disadvantages of cache memory are as
follows:
Cache memory has limited capacity.
It is very expensive.
 Primary Memory (Main Memory)
Primary memory holds only those data and instructions
on which computer is currently working. It has limited
capacity and data is lost when power is switched off. It
is generally made up of semiconductor device. These
memories are not as fast as registers. The data and
instruction required to be processed reside in main
memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and
ROM.
 Characteristics of Main Memory
These are semiconductor memories
It is known as main memory.
Usually volatile memory.
Data is lost in case power is switched off.
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. CPU
directly does not access these memories instead they
are accessed via input-output routines. Contents of
secondary memories are first transferred to main
memory, and then CPU can access it. For example : disk,
CD-ROM, 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.
 Random Access Memory

RAM(Random Access Memory) 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.
Access time in RAM is independent of the address that is, each storage location
inside the memory is as easy to reach as other locations and takes the same
amount of time. Data in the RAM can be accessed randomly but it is very
expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or
if there is a power failure. Hence a backup uninterruptible power system(UPS) is
often used with computers. RAM is small, both in terms of its physical size and
in the amount of data it can hold.
 Types of RAM
RAM is of two types
Static RAM (SRAM)
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Static RAM (SRAM)
The word static indicates that the memory retains its contents
as long as power is being supplied. However, data is lost when
the power gets down due to volatile nature.
SRAM is used as cache memory and has very fast access.
 Characteristic of the Static RAM
It has long life
There is no need to refresh
Faster
Used as cache memory
Large size
Expensive
High power consumption
 Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
DRAM, unlike SRAM, must be continually refreshed in
order to maintain the data. This is done by placing the
memory on a refresh circuit that rewrites the data
several hundred times per second.
DRAM is used for most system memory because it is
cheap and small. All DRAMs are made up of memory
cells which are composed of one capacitor and one
transistor.
 Characteristics of the Dynamic RAM
It has short data lifetime
Need to be refreshed continuously
Slower as compared to SRAM
Used as RAM
Lesser in size
Less expensive
Less power consumption
 Read Only Memory
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. This operation is referred to as bootstrap. ROM
chips are not only used in the computer but also in other
electronic items like washing machine and microwave
oven.
 Types of ROM
PROM (Programmable Read only Memory)
PROM is read-only memory that can be modified
only once by a user. The user buys a blank PROM
and enters the desired contents using a PROM
program. Inside the PROM chip there are small
fuses which are burnt open during programming. It
can be programmed only once and is not erasable.
 EPROM(Erasable and Programmable Read Only
Memory)
The EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light
for a duration of up to 40 minutes. Usually, an EPROM eraser
achieves this function. During programming, an electrical
charge is trapped in an insulated gate region. The charge is
retained for more than ten years because the charge has no
leakage path. For erasing this charge, ultra-violet light is
passed through a quartz crystal window(lid). This exposure to
ultra-violet light dissipates the charge. During normal use the
quartz lid is sealed with a sticker.
 EEPROM(Electrically Erasable and
Programmable Read Only Memory)
The EEPROM is programmed and erased electrically. It
can be erased and reprogrammed about ten thousand
times. Both erasing and programming take about 4 to
10 ms (milli second). In EEPROM, any location can be
selectively erased and programmed. EEPROMs can be
erased one byte at a time, rather than erasing the
entire chip. Hence, the process of re-programming is
flexible but slow.
 Advantages of ROM
The advantages of ROM are as follows:
Non-volatile in nature
These cannot be accidentally changed
Cheaper than RAMs
Easy to test
More reliable than RAMs
These are static and do not require refreshing
Its contents are always known and can be verified