Computer Memory

Introduction
• Computer memory is any physical device
capable of storing information temporarily or
permanently.
• Electronic components that store instructions,
data, and results
• Consists of one or more chips on motherboard
or other circuit board
• Each byte stored in unique location called an
address, similar to seats in a concert hall
Memory Capacity
CLASSIFICATION OF MEMORY

Memory

Internal
Secondary
Processor Main
Memory
Memory Memory
 Internal Processor Memory
• A small high speed memory inside the
processor.
• Temporary storage of instruction and data.
• Example: Registers, built-in cache.
 Main Memory
•It is relatively large memory placed outside the
processor.
•Data and instruction storage for the operation
of the processor.
•Can be accessed directly and rapidly by the
CPU.
•Example: RAM, ROM
TYPES

MAIN
MEMORY

RAM ROM
 RAM
• A temporary storage that can be read from or
written into by the user.
• Volatile memory.
• Every location can be accessed independently.
• Access time for every location is constant and
independent of it’s position.
• Types
– Dynamic RAM
– Static RAM
 Dynamic RAM
• DRAM stands for Dynamic RAM.
• Relatively slower and low cost memory.
• Used for main memory.
• Contents are constantly refreshed 1000 times
per second
• Access time 60 – 70 nanoseconds
Dynamic RAM Types
 Static RAM
• SRAM stands for static RAM.
• It does not need to be refreshed periodically
• Characterized by high speed and high cost.
• Use six transistors to store data.
• Access time 60 – 70 nanoseconds
• Can accept one command and transfer one
word of data per clock cycle.
• SRAM is faster but more expensive the DRAM
 ROM
• A class of storage used in computer and
other electronic devices.
• Data stored in it cannot be modified
• Non-volatile memory.
• In modern PCs, ROM is used to store the basic
bootstrapping firmware for the main processor, as
well as the various firmware needed to internally
control self-contained devices such as graphics
card, hard disks, DVD drives, etc.
 Types of ROM
• PROM
• EPROM
• EEPROM
 Types of ROM Contd…
• PROM
– Programmable read-only memory
– It is a memory chip on which data can be written only once.
– Once a program has been written onto a PROM, it remains
there forever.
– Unlike RAM, PROMs retain their contents when the computer is
turned off.
– The difference between a PROM and a ROM is that a PROM is
manufactured as blank memory, whereas a ROM is programmed
during the manufacturing process.
– To write data onto a PROM chip, you need a special device
called a PROM programmer or PROM burner.
– The process of programming a PROM is sometimes called
burning the PROM.
 Types of ROM Contd…
• EPROM
– Erasable programmable read-only memory
– EPROM is a special type of memory that retains its
contents until it is exposed to ultraviolet light.
– The ultraviolet light clears its contents, making it
possible to reprogram the memory.
– To write to and erase an EPROM, you need a special
device called a PROM programmer or PROM burner.

•
 Types of ROM Contd…
• EEPROM
– Electrically erasable programmable read-only
memory.
– EEPROM is a special type of PROM that can be
erased by exposing it to an electrical charge.
– Like other types of PROM, EEPROM retains its
contents even when the power is turned off.