COMPUTER
APPLICATIONS
Computer Science Department
Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan
Devices that uses
memory
See
Memory
Computer memory refers to devices that are
used to store data or programs (sequences of
instructions) on a temporary or permanent basis
for use in an electronic digital computer.
referto the semiconductor technology that is
used to store information in electronic devices.
Current primary computer memory makes use
of integrated circuits consisting of silicon-
based transistors.
There are two main types of memory: volatile
and non-volatile.
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Types of Computer
Memory
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Volatile memory
Volatile memory is computer
memory that requires power to
maintain the stored information.
E.g RAM(Random access
memory)
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Non-volatile memory
Non-volatile memory is computer
memory that can retain the stored
information even when not powered.
Examples :read-only memory
( ROM), flash memory, most types of
magnetic computer storage devices
(e.g. hard disks, floppy discs and
magnetic tape), optical discs, and
early computer storage methods
such as paper tape and punch cards.
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Classification based on
access time
1. Internal processor memory
(called registers).
2. Main memory (primary memory).
1. Uses semiconductor technology.
2. Capacity more than processor
memory.
3. Secondary memory.
1. Capacity more than main memory.
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Properties of memory
devices
Access time:
◦ Rate at which data can be read from
or written to memory.
◦ Depends on physical characteristics.
◦ Low access time means high cost.
Punch card
Access Time CD-ROM COST
Magnetic Disks
RAM 10/29/24 9
Cost
◦ The purchase price.
Access mode
◦ Random access(access time
independent of loc)
◦ Serial access (access time dependent of
loc)
Alterability
◦ Read-only (ROM). Can not be erased.
◦ Read-write (RAM).
Cycle time & data transfer rate
◦ Time needed to perform any read or
write task.
◦ Maximum amount of data
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Physical characteristics
◦ Technology used to store data.
◦ The popular technologies are electronic,
magnetic, mechanical and optical.
Capacity
◦ The number of 0’s and 1’s the memory
can hold.
◦ Bit(Binary Digit).
◦ Byte (= 8 bits).
◦ Kilobyte (= 1024 bytes or 2^10 byte).
KB.
◦ Megabyte (= 1024 KBs). MB.
◦ 00011101=1 byte 10/29/24 11
Memory Hierarchies
Microprocessor Cost per
bit
Register
Built in cache
External Cache
Main Memory
Secondary Memory
Capacity
Access
time 10/29/24 12
Read Only Memory
ROM
◦ Used to store permanent
data/program.
◦ nonvolatile.
◦ Contains the BIOS(Basic Input Output
System).
PROM( Programmable ROM)
◦ Initially nothing stored.
◦ Data written by special programming
device.
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Read Only Memory
EPROM( Erasable Programmable ROM)
◦ Can be erased and re-programmed.
◦ Ultraviolet light is used for alteration.
◦ Need special programming device
EEPROM(Electrically EPROM)
◦ Same as EPROM
◦ Uses electrical pulses for alteration.
◦ Can be re-programmed by keyboards
commands
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RAM
Read/write.
Volatile.
Holds data and program that will be
used by the processor.
Access time (microseconds to
nanosecs).
A single RAM chip can be 1 MB.
Higher capacity RAMs are built by
connecting more than 1 RAM chip
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RAM
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Cache Memory
Used for better performance.
Placed between CPU and RAM.
Its faster than RAM but slower
than CPU.
High speed memory that holds
recently/frequently used data.
Main
CPU Cache Memory
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