CIM101 : Introduction to computer

Lecture 3
Memory
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.

 refer to 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.

Current semiconductor volatile memory

technology is usually either static RAM
(see SRAM) or dynamic RAM (see
DRAM).
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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 01/04/22 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 that can be
transferred every second. (bits/sec)
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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.

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 Memory Hierarchies
Microprocessor Cost per bit

Register
Built in cache

External Cache

Main Memory
Secondary Memory

Capacity
Access time
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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).
MOS and bipolar are used for RAM.
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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Classification
Static
◦ Does not require refreshing.
◦ High speed, costly, less complexity, used for
cache.
Dynamic
◦ Needs periodical refreshing.
◦ Slower, low cost, main memory, high
complexity.

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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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