By P.K.Anagha And Lakshmi.K.

A
XI-B
 In computing, memory refers to the computer hardware integrated circuits that store
information for immediate use in a computer; it is synonymous with the term "primary
storage". Computer memory operates at a high speed, for example random-access
memory (RAM), as a distinction from storage that provides slow-to-access
information but offers higher capacities. If needed, contents of the computer memory
can be transferred to secondary storage, through a memory management technique
called "virtual memory". An archaic synonym for memory is store.
The term "memory", meaning "primary storage" or "main memory", is often
associated with addressable semiconductor memory, i.e. integrated circuits
consisting of silicon-based transistors, used for example as primary storage but also
other purposes in computers and other digital electronic devices. There are two main
kinds of semiconductor memory, volatile and non-volatile. Examples of non-volatile
memory are flash memory (used as secondary memory) and ROM, PROM, EPROM
and EEPROM memory .Examples of volatile memory are primary storage, which is
typically dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), and fast CPU cache memory,
which is typically static random-access memory (SRAM) that is fast but energy-
consuming, offering lower memory areal density than DRAM.
 Volatile & Non-volatile memory
 Memory can be either volatile and non-volatile memory. Volatile
memory is a memory that loses its contents when the computer
or hardware device loses power. Computer RAM is an example of
a volatile memory and is why if your computer freezes or reboots
when working on a program, you lose anything that hasn't been
saved. Non-volatile memory, sometimes abbreviated as NVRAM,
is a memory that keeps its contents even if the power is lost. ROM
is an example of a non-volatile memory.
 Main memory

 Main memory is where programs and data are kept when the
processor is actively using them. When programs and data
become active, they are copied from secondary memory into
main memory where the processor can interact with them. A
copy remains in secondary memory
 Main memory is intimately connected to the processor, so
moving instructions and data into and out of the processor is
very fast.
TYPES OF COMUTER MEMORY
STORAGE
 1.PRIMARY STORAGE
Primary storage, also known as main
storage or primary memory, is the area in
a computer in which data is stored for
quick access by the computer's processor
.RAM and ROM both make up the primary
memory.
 RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY
In the RAM , the memory cells can be accessed for information transfer
from any desired random location. That is , the process of locating a word in
memory is the same and requires an equal amount of memory, thus the
name “random access”.
The main drawback of RAM memory is that it is a volatile memory . That is ,
when the power goes off, the contents of the RAM get erased.
The RAM chips in a computer can be of two basic types:
 Dynamic RAM
 Static RAM
In addition to these two there is one more Synchronous Dynamic RAM
Dynamic RAM
 Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) is a type of
storage that is widely used as the main memory for a
computer system. Dynamic random-access memory is a
type of random-access memory that stores each bit of data
in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. The
capacitor can be either charged or discharged; these two
states are taken to represent the two values of a bit,
conventionally called 0 and 1. A DRAM storage cell is
dynamic in that it needs to be refreshed or given a new
electronic charge every few milliseconds to compensate for
charge leaks from the capacitor.
Static RAM
SRAM (static RAM) is random access
memory (RAM) that retains data bits in its
memory as long as power is being
supplied. Unlike dynamic RAM (DRAM),
which stores bits in cells consisting of a
capacitor and a transistor, SRAM does not
have to be periodically refreshed.
Synchronous Dynamic RAM
Synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM) is
dynamic random access memory (DRAM) that is
synchronized with the system bus. It is a generic name for
various kinds of dynamic random access memory (DRAM)
that are synchronized with the clock speed that the
microprocessor is optimized for. Short for Synchronous
DRAM, a type of DRAM that can run at much higher clock
speeds than conventional memory. SDRAM actually
synchronizes itself with the CPU's bus and is capable of
running at 133 MHz, about three times faster than
conventional FPM RAM, and about twice as fast EDO
DRAM and BEDO DRAM. SDRAM is replacing EDO DRAM
in many newer computers.
 CACHE MEMORY
 Cache memory, also called CPU memory, is high-speed static random access
memory (SRAM) that a computer microprocessor can access more quickly
than it can access regular random access memory (RAM). This memory is
typically integrated directly into the CPU chip or placed on a separate chip
that has a separate bus interconnect with the CPU. The purpose of cache
memory is to store program instructions and data that are used repeatedly in
the operation of programs or information that the CPU is likely to need next.
The computer processor can access this information quickly from the cache
rather than having to get it from computer's main memory. Fast access to
these instructions increases the overall speed of the program.
 Types of cache
 Level 1 (L1) cache or Primary Cache
 L1 is the primary type cache memory. The Size of the L1 cache very small
comparison to others that is between 2KB to 64KB, it depend on computer
processor. It is a embedded register in the computer
microprocessor(CPU).The Instructions that are required by the CPU that
are firstly searched in L1 Cache. Example of registers are accumulator,
address register, Program counter etc.
 Level 2 (L2) cache or Secondary Cache
 L2 is secondary type cache memory. The Size of the L2 cache is more
capacious than L1 that is between 256KB to 512KB. L2 cache is Located
on computer microprocessor. After searching the Instructions in L1 Cache,
if not found then it searched into L2 cache by computer microprocessor.
The high-speed system bus interconnecting the cache to the
microprocessor.
 Level 3 (L3) cache or Main Memory
 The L3 cache is larger in size but also slower in speed than L1 and L2,it's
size is between 1MB to 8MB.In Multicore processors, each core may have
separate L1 and L2,but all core share a common L3 cache. L3 cache
double speed than the RAM.
 READ-ONLY MEMORY
 Read only memory is a type of memory unit that performs the read
operation only. It is a non-volatile memory.
 2.Secondary storage
 Secondary memory is where programs and data are
kept on a long-term basis. Common secondary
storage devices are the hard disk and optical disks.
 HARD DRIVE
 A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive or fixed disk[b] is an
electromechanical data storage device that uses magnetic storage
to store and retrieve digital information using one or more rigid
rapidly rotating disks (platters) coated with magnetic material. The
platters are paired with magnetic heads, usually arranged on a
moving actuator arm, which read and write data to the platter
surfaces. Data is accessed in a random-access manner, meaning
that individual blocks of data can be stored or retrieved in any order
and not only sequentially. HDDs are a type of non-volatile storage,
retaining stored data even when powered off.
 OPTICAL DISK
 An optical disk is primarily used as a portable and secondary storage
device. It can store more data than the previous generation of
magnetic storage media, and has a relatively longer lifespan. Compact
disks (CD), digital versatile/video disks (DVD) and Blu-ray disks are
currently the most commonly used forms of optical disks. These disks
are generally used to:
o Distribute software to customers
o Store large amounts of data such as music, images and videos
o Transfer data to different computers or devices
o Back up data from a local machine
 3.OFF-LINE STORAGE
• USB DRIVE

A USB flash drive, also variously known as a thumb drive , pen drive ,
gig stick, memory stick or USB memory is a data storage device that
includes flash memory with an USB interface. It is typically removable ,
rewritable and much smaller than an optical disc . Most weigh less
than 30 g . Pen drives with 8 GB to256 GB memory are sold
frequently.
• CD DRIVE
 CD-RW (Compact Disc-ReWritable) is a digital optical disc storage format. A
CD-RW disc is a compact disc that can be written, read arbitrarily many times,
erased, and written again. The technology was introduced in 1997. CD-RW
discs (CD-RWs) require readers that have more sensitive laser optics than are
required to read plain CDs. Consequently, CD-RWs cannot be read in many
CD readers built prior to the introduction of CD-RW. CD-ROM drives that
bear a "MultiRead" certification claim compatibility.
 PRIMARY MEMORY SECONDARY MEMORY
 Fast  Slow

 Expensive  Cheap

 Low capacity  Large capacity

 Works directly with the processor  Not connected directly to the processor
QUESTIONS
1.What is computer memory?
 A device that is used to store information temporarily or permanently.
2.Memory can be either____ or ___
 Volatile or non volatile.
3._____is where programs and datas are kept.
 Main memory
4.RAM is an example of____ storage
 Primary storage.
5. Two examples of offline storage
 CD Drive and Pen drive
6.____ is not directly connected with the processor
 Secondary memory
7. ____ and ____ are the two main types of RAM
 SRAM and DRAM
8. ___ is also called as CPU memory
 Cache memory