Module 5 : Memory

Organisation
Classification of Memory
Register
• Registers are present inside the processor.
• They are basically set of flipflop.
• They store data and addresses, and can directly take part in
arithmetic and logic operations.
• They are very small in size, typically just a few bytes.
Primary Memory
• It is the original form of memory also called as 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.
• Accessing or executing of data from primary memory is
faster because it has a cache or register memory that
provides faster response, and it is located closer to
the CPU.
Primary Memory
• It comprises of RAM and ROM both are semiconductor memories.
• ROM is Non-volatile. It is used for storing permanent information like
the BIOS program. It is typically of 2MB-4MB in size
• RAM is read and write memory. It is volatile memory. Hence it is used
for day to day operation. Every file access from secondary memory
loaded into RAM. Typically size 4GB- 8GB.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
It is one of the faster types of main memory accessed
directly by the CPU.
It is the hardware in a computer device to 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.
• There are two types of RAM
• SRAM
• DRAM
DRAM DRAM Dynamic Random-Access Memory)
It is a type of RAM that is used for the dynamic storage of data in
RAM.
In DRAM, each cell carries one-bit information.
The cell is made up of two parts: a capacitor and a transistor.
The size of the capacitor and the transistor is so small, requiring
millions of them to store on a single chip.
Hence, a DRAM chip can hold more data than an SRAM chip of the
same size.
However, the capacitor needs to be continuously refreshed to
retain information because DRAM is volatile.
If the power is switched off, the data store in memory is lost.
 Characteristics of DRAM
1. It requires continuously refreshed to retain the data.
2. It is slower than SRAM
3. It holds a large amount of data
4. It is the combination of capacitor and transistor
5. It is less expensive as compared to SRAM
6. Less power consumption
 • SRAM SRAM Static Random-Access Memory)
It is a type of RAM used to store static data in the memory.
It means to store data in SRAM remains active as long as the
computer system has a power supply.
However, data is lost in SRAM when power failures have
occurred.
 Characteristics of Static RAM
1. It does not require to refresh.
2. It is faster than DRAM
3. It is expensive.
4. High power consumption
5. Longer life
6. Large size
7. Uses as a cache memory
SRAM DRAM
It is a Static Random-Access Memory. It is a Dynamic Random Access Memory.

The access time of SRAM is slow. The access time of DRAM is high.
It uses flip-flops to store each bit of It uses a capacitor to store each bit of
information. information.
It does not require periodic refreshing to It requires periodically refreshing to
preserve the information. preserve the information.

It uses in cache memory. It is used in the main memory.

The cost of SRAM is expensive. The cost of DRAM is less expensive.
It has a complex structure. Its structure is simple.
It requires low power consumption. It requires more power consumption.
Advantages of RAM

• It is a faster type of memory in a computer.

• It requires less power to operate.
• Program loads much faster
• More RAM increases the performance of a system and can
multitask.
• Perform read and write operations.
• The processor can read information faster than a hard disc,
floppy, USB, etc.
Disadvantages of RAM
• Less RAM reduces the speed and performance of a
computer.
• Due to volatile, it requires electricity to preserve the data.
• It is expensive than ROM
• It is unreliable as compared to ROM
• The Size of RAM is limited.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
• ROM is a memory device or storage medium that is 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.
• A ROM contains some important instructions or program
data that are required to start or boot a computer.
• It is a non-volatile memory; it means that the stored
information cannot be lost even when the power is turned
off or the system is shut down.
Types of ROM
1. MROM Masked Read Only Memory):
MROM is the oldest type of read-only memory whose
program or data is pre-configured by the integrated circuit
manufacture at the time of manufacturing.
Therefore, a program or instruction stored within the MROM
chip cannot be changed by the user.
2) Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM):
PROM is a blank version of ROM.
It is manufactured as blank memory and programmed after
manufacturing.
We can say that it is kept blank at the time of manufacturing.
To write data onto a PROM chip; a device called PROM
programmer or PROM burner is used.
The process or programming a PROM is known as burning the
PROM.
Once it is programmed, the data cannot be modified later, so it is
also called as one-time programmable device.

Uses: It is used in cell phones, video game consoles, medical

devices, RFID tags, and more.
3) Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM):
EPROM is a type of ROM that can be reprogramed and erased many
times.
The method to erase the data is very different; it comes with a quartz
window through which a specific frequency of ultraviolet light is
passed for around 40 minutes to erase the data.
So, it retains its content until it is exposed to the ultraviolet light.
You need a special device called a PROM programmer or PROM
burner to reprogram the EPROM.
•
Uses: It is used in some micro-controllers to store program, e.g.,
some versions of Intel 8048 and the Freescale 68HC11.
4) Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM):
ROM is a type of read only memory that can be erased and reprogrammed
repeatedly, up to 10000 times.
It is also known as Flash EEPROM as it is similar to flash memory. It is
erased and reprogrammed electrically without using ultraviolet light.
Access time is between 45 and 200 nanoseconds.

The data in this memory is written or erased one byte at a time; byte per
byte, whereas, in flash memory data is written and erased in blocks.
So, it is faster than EEPROM. It is used for storing a small amount of data in
computer and electronic systems and devices such as circuit boards.

Uses: The BIOS of a computer is stored in this memory.

5) FLASH ROM:
It is an advanced version of EEPROM.
It stores information in an arrangement or array of memory cells made from
floating-gate transistors.
The advantage of using this memory is that you can delete or write blocks of data
around 512 bytes at a particular time.
Whereas, in EEPROM, you can delete or write only 1 byte of data at a time. So, this
memory is faster than EEPROM.
It can be reprogrammed without removing it from the computer.
Its access time is very high, around 45 to 90 nanoseconds.
It is also highly durable as it can bear high temperature and intense pressure.

Uses: It is used for storage and transferring data between a personal

computer and digital devices. It is used in USB flash drives, MP3 players,
digital cameras, modems and solid-state drives SSDs. The BIOS of
many modern computers are stored on a flash memory chip, called flash
BIOS.
 • Advantages of ROM
1. It is a non-volatile memory in which stored information can be
lost even power is turned off.
2. It is static, so it does not require refreshing the content every
time.
3. Data can be stored permanently.
4. It is easy to test and store large data as compared to RAM.
5. These cannot be changed accidently
6. It is cheaper than RAM.
7. It is simple and reliable as compared to RAM.
8. It helps to start the computer and loads the OS.
Disadvantages of ROM

Store data cannot be updated or modify except to read the

existing data.
It is a slower memory than RAM to access the stored data.
It takes around 40 minutes to destroy the existing data using
the high charge of ultraviolet light.
RAM ROM
It is a Random-Access Memory. It is a Read Only Memory.
Read and write operations can be Only Read operation can be
performed. performed.
Data can be lost in volatile memory Data cannot be lost in non-volatile
when the power supply is turned off. memory when the power supply is
turned off.
It is a faster and expensive memory. It is a slower and less expensive
memory.
Storage data requires to be refreshed Storage data does not need to be
in RAM. refreshed in ROM.
The size of the chip is bigger than the The size of the chip is smaller than the
ROM chip to store the data. RAM chip to store the same amount of
data.
Types of RAM DRAM and SRAM Types of ROM MROM, PROM,
Secondary Memory
• The main purpose of secondary memory is to increase storage
capacity, at low cost.
• Its biggest component is the hard disk.
• It is read and write memory as well as non-volatile.
• Typical size of HD is 1 TB.
Types of Secondary Memory
Hard Disk
• A hard disk is a computer's permanent storage device.
• It is a non-volatile disk that permanently stores data,
programs, and files.
• It cannot lose store data when the computer's power source
is switched off.
Floppy Disk
It is the oldest type of portable storage
device, which can store data up to 1.44
MB.
A floppy disk is a secondary storage
system that consisting of thin, flexible
magnetic coating disks for holding
electronic data such as computer files.
It is also known as Floppy Diskette that
comes in three sizes like 8 inches, 5.5
inches and 3.5 inches.
The stored data of a floppy disk can be
accessed through the floppy disk drive.
CD Compact Disc)
It is an optical disk storage device, stands for Compact Disc.
It is a storage device used to store various data types like
audio, videos, files, OS, Back-Up file, and any other
information useful to a computer.
The CD has a width of 1.2 mm and 12 cm in height, which can
store approximately 783 MB of data size.
It uses laser light to read and write data from the CDs.
Types of CDs
• CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)
• CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable)
• CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable)
DVD Drive/Disc
DVD is an optical disc storage device, stands
for Digital Video Display or Digital Versatile
Disc.
It has the same size as a CD but can store a
larger amount of data than a compact disc.
It was developed in 1995 by Sony, Panasonic,
Toshiba and Philips four electronics
companies.
DVD drives are divided into three types, such
as DVD ROM Read Only Memory), DVD
R Recordable) and DVD RW Rewritable or
Erasable).
It can store multiple data formats like audio,
videos, images, software, operating system,
etc. The storing capacity of data in DVD is 4.7
GB to 17 GB.
Pen Drive
A pen drive is a portable device used to permanently store
data and is also known as a USB flash drive.
It is commonly used to store and transfer the data connected
to a computer using a USB port.
It does not have any moveable part to store the data; it uses
an integrated circuit chip that stores the data.
It allows the users to store and transfer data like audio,
videos, images, etc. from one computer to any USB pen
drive.
The storing capacity of pen drives from 64 MB to 128 GB or
more.
Cache Memory
It is a small-sized chip-based computer memory that lies
between the CPU and the main memory.
It is a faster, high performance and temporary memory to
enhance the performance of the CPU.
It is uses Static RAM SRAM.
It stores all the data and instructions that are often used by
computer CPUs.
It also reduces the access time of data from the main
memory.
It is faster than the main memory, and sometimes, it is also
called CPU memory because it is very close to the CPU chip.
 • Depending upon the location of cache, it is of types of three
types:
L1 cache: The L1 cache is also known as the onboard, internal, or
primary cache.
It is type of spilt cache.
It is built with the help of the CPU.
Its speed is very high, and the size of the L1 cache varies from 8
KB to 128 KB.
L2 cache:
It is also known as external or secondary cache, which requires
fast access time to store temporary data.
It is built into a separate chip in a motherboard, not built into the
CPU like the L1 level.
The size of the L2 cache may be 128 KB to 1 MB.
It is type of unified cache.
L3 cache:
L3 cache levels are generally used with high performance
and capacity of the computer.
It is built into a motherboard. Its speed is very slow, and the
maximum size up to 8 MB.
 • Advantages of Cache Memory
1. Cache memory is the faster memory as compared to the
main memory.
2. It stores all data and instructions that are repeatedly used
by the CPU for improving the performance of a computer.
3. The access time of data is less than the main memory.
• Disadvantage of Cache Memory
1. It is very costly as compared to the Main memory and the
Secondary memory.
2. It has limited storage capacity.
Primary Memory Secondary Memory
It is also known as temporary memory. It is also known as a permanent memory.

Data can be access directly by the processor or CPU. Data cannot be accessed directly by the I/O
processor or CPU.
Stored data can be a volatile or non-volatile memory. The nature of secondary memory is always
non-volatile.
It is more costly than secondary memory. It is less costly than primary memory.

It is a faster memory. It is a slower memory.

It has limited storage capacity. It has a large storage capacity.
It required the power to retain the data in primary memory. It does not require power to retain the data in
secondary memory.
Examples of primary memory are RAM, ROM, Registers, Examples of secondary memory are CD, DVD,
EPROM, PROM and cache memory. HDD, magnetic tapes, flash disks, pen drive, etc.