Chapter 9
Memory and storage
Outline
Basics of semiconductor Memory
Random access memory (RAM‘s)
Read only memory (ROM‘s)
Programmable ROMs (PROM, EEPROM)
Flash memories
Introduction
Computer memory
is any physical device used to store data, information or instruction
temporarily or permanently.
It is the collection of storage units that stores binary information in
the form of bits.
The memory block is split into a small number of components,
called cells.
Introduction…
◦ Each cell has a unique address to store the data in memory,
ranging from zero to memory size minus one.
◦ For example,
◦ if the size of computer memory is 64k words,
◦ the memory units have 64 * 1024 = 65536 locations or
cells.
◦ The address of the memory's cells varies from 0 to 65535.
Classification of Memory
The following figure represents the classification of memory:
Primary or Main Memory
Communicates directly within the CPU, Auxiliary memory and the
Cache memory.
Main memory is used to kept programs or data when the processor is
active to use them.
When a program or data is activated to execute,
• the processor first loads instructions or programs from secondary
memory into main memory,
• and then the processor starts execution.
Primary or Main Memory
The primary memory is further divided into two parts:
◦ RAM (Random Access Memory)
◦ ROM (Read Only Memory)
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Temporarily store data, programs or program results.
It is used to read/write data in memory until the machine is working.
It is volatile, which means if a power failure occurs or the computer
is turned off, the information stored in RAM will be lost.
All data stored in computer memory can be read or accessed
randomly at any time
Two types of technologies can be used to built RAM:
◦ Static RAM (SRAM)
◦ Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
◦.
RAM (Random Access Memory)…
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
◦ It is the combination of capacitor and transistor
◦ Bits stored as charge in capacitors
◦ Charges leak
Less power consumption
◦ Need refreshing even when powered
◦ Simpler construction and Smaller per bit (dense)
◦ Less expensive
◦ Slower
◦ Used for main memory
RAM (Random Access Memory)…
Dynamic RAM Structure
RAM (Random Access Memory)…
Static RAM
◦ Bits stored using flip flops, on/off switches
◦ No charges to leak
◦ No refreshing needed when powered
◦ More complex construction
◦ Larger per bit
◦ More expensive
◦ Faster
◦ Used for cache memory
RAM (Random Access Memory)…
Static RAM Structure
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Used to permanently store information inside a chip.
It is a read-only memory that can only read stored information, data
or programs,
But we cannot write or modify anything.
◦ Non-volatile
◦ Read but cannot write
◦ Used for
Microprogramming , Library subroutines – for frequently used functions,
system programs (BIOS), function tables
◦ Written during fabrication
Types of ROM
Programmable ROM (PROM)
◦ Programmed only once
◦ The data stored in it are permanently stored and can not be changed or
erasable.
◦ It can be programmed by the user.
Read “mostly” memory
◦ Erasable Programmable (EPROM)
Cells erased by using UV radiation before programming
It can be reprogrammed.
To reprogram it, erase all the previous data.
◦ Electrically Erasable (EEPROM)
Cells don’t need to be erased before programming
The data can be erased by applying an electric field, with no need for
ultraviolet light.
◦ Flash memory
Can erase selected block rather than the entire memory
Erase whole memory electrically
Flash memory
Flash memory is a non-volatile computer storage technology that is
rapidly permeating our daily lives.
This flash memory works on the principle of EEPROM.
Flash Memory can be erased multiple times and update the data or
program integrated into it.
They are commonly found in a range of portable devices, like USB
flash drives, smartphones, digital cameras, video games, tablet
computers, flash memory cards and SD cards.
How flash memory works?
Flash memory stores data in flash memory cells that are based on floating-gate
transistors.
The computer memory cells of flash memory chips are made up of transistors,
which serve as routing switches for the electrical current passing through that
flash memory cell.
Flash memory chips are arranged in grids, almost like city blocks.
The memory cells are distributed in rows, with these rows being known as bit
lines.
These chips contain intersections, and each intersection features a transistor.
In turn, these transistors each have two gates.
the control gate and the floating gate,
Features of Flash Memory
Non-volatile: There is no loss of date when there is no electricity supply.
Solid-state: It is SS technology so it is faster than HDD type storage.
Fast access times
Large storage capacity:
Low power consumption:
Flexibility towards Erase and write operations:
The End
