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Lecture-5 Cache Memory _ Virtual Memory

Cache memory is a faster, smaller type of memory located between the processor and RAM, designed to reduce the speed mismatch between them by storing frequently accessed data. It consists of multiple levels (L1, L2, and possibly L3) that enhance data retrieval efficiency for the CPU. Virtual memory, on the other hand, is a memory management technique that allows a computer to use hard disk space to simulate additional RAM, enabling the execution of larger programs than the physical RAM can accommodate, though it can slow down performance due to the slower speed of hard disk access.

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4 views

Lecture-5 Cache Memory _ Virtual Memory

Cache memory is a faster, smaller type of memory located between the processor and RAM, designed to reduce the speed mismatch between them by storing frequently accessed data. It consists of multiple levels (L1, L2, and possibly L3) that enhance data retrieval efficiency for the CPU. Virtual memory, on the other hand, is a memory management technique that allows a computer to use hard disk space to simulate additional RAM, enabling the execution of larger programs than the physical RAM can accommodate, though it can slow down performance due to the slower speed of hard disk access.

Uploaded by

watchoutguy765
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cache Memory

Definition of cache memory


A cache memory is a physical memory like RAM. It is smaller in capacity but faster in
operation than RAM. It is positioned in between processor and RAM.
There are two types of cache memory, such as L1 type cache memory and L2 type
cache memory. L1 type cache memory is built-in into the processor and L2 type cache
memory is built-in outside the processor but inside the motherboard. In modern multi-
core processors; there may be 3 types of cache (L1, L2, L3) where each L1 cache is
attached to each core, L2 cache is located just after the L1 cache. Every core has it’s
separate L1, L2 caches but all the cores may share a common cache located outside
the cores which is the L3 cache memory.
Importance of cache memory in a computer system
There is an unbelievable speed mismatch in between the operation of a processor and
RAM. Processor is the fastest unit in a computer system, but RAM is not as fast as
processor. So, there is always a speed mismatch problem in between them when they
work together. To overcome this speed mismatch problem, a faster (but smaller)
memory is used in between processor and RAM. This faster memory is called cache
memory. Cache memory stores frequently accessed data from RAM, so that CPU can
easily get them whenever needed.
Question: Discuss the function of a cache memory.
Answer:
Function of a Cache Memory

When processor needs any data/instruction, at first it goes to search that in


cache memory. If the required data/instruction is available in cache memory,
processor then takes it from cache. Otherwise, it goes to RAM to bring that
required data/instruction. Processor brings that required data/instruction from
RAM and a block of next data/instruction of same program is stored in cache
memory from RAM for future use.

Cache Memory RAM


Processor

Figure: Block diagram of the function of a cache memory.


Virtual Memory
:
Definition of virtual memory
A virtual memory is not a physical memory like RAM or cache. It is simply a
memory management technique adopted by an operating system when the
size of a program is larger than the size of RAM. This technique enables a
computer to be able to compensate shortages of physical memory by
transferring blocks of data from random access memory to hard disk storage.
(in HDD)Program=8GB

Page-1
Swap in
RAM=5GB Page-2
Frame-1 Page-3
Frame-2 Page-4
Frame-3 Page-5
Frame-4 Page-6
Frame-5 Swap out Page-7
Page-8

Figure: Block diagram of implementation of virtual memory technique.


Implementation of Virtual Memory

The virtual memory technique is taken place in between RAM and hard disk.
In this technique, the entire program is not loaded into the RAM at a time.
Instead of that, the program is divided into some equal size which are called
pages. The RAM is also divided into some equal size which are called
frames. Here the page size is equal to frame size. A page is loaded into a
frame which is called swap in. When a page is no more essential, it is back
to its previous location which is called swap out, This swap in and swap out
technique is called swapping. It is also called demand paging technique.
Using demand paging technique virtual memory is implemented.
Why Is Virtual Memory Important?

 Useful when RAM capacity is lower than a program size. Possible to


run programs that are larger than size of primary storage without
adding more RAM.
 Can be useful for multi-tasking.
 Increases program flexibility.
 Ensures protection so that one process cannot access another
process’s data.

 Disadvantage of Virtual Memory


Since hard disk storage is much slower than RAM, computer works
slower than usual when virtual memory is implemented. That’s why
adding more physical RAM is a better solution.

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