DATA STORAGE
PRIMARY STORAGE SECONDARY
STORAGE
ROM CACHE RAM OPTICAL
SSD MAGNETIC
PROM EPROM EEPROM DRAM SRAM
PRIMARY STORAGE
DEFINITION OF RAM:
It temporarily stores data that your computer needs to a
ccess quickly, helping it run applications smoothly. Mor e
RAM equals better multitasking and faster performance .
FEATURES OF RAM:
● Speed: Helps your computer access data super quic kl
y.
● Temporary Storage: Keeps data currently in use but doesn’t save it permanently.
● Multitasking: More RAM means your computer can handle more tasks at once without
slowing down
● Volatile Memory: Loses all stored data when the computer is turned off.
● Capacity: Measured in gigabytes (GB), higher capacity = better performance.
TYPES OF RAM:
⮚ DRAM:
Function:
● Storage Cells: DRAM is made up of tiny storage cells, each containing a capacitor and
a transistor.
● Charging and Discharging: The capacitor holds a small electric charge to represent
data (a bit), either as 1 (charged) or 0 (discharged).
● Refreshing: Because capacitors leak charge over time, DRAM needs to be refreshed
thousands of times per second to maintain the data. This is like constantly refilling a
leaky bucket.
● Accessing Data: When the computer needs to read or write data, it sends electrical
signals to the transistors, which control whether the capacitors are charged or
discharged.
Advantages:
● Cost-
Effective: Cheaper to produce than SRAM, makin g
it suitable for large memory requirements.
● High Capacity: Can store a significant amount of d
ata, making it ideal for main system memory.
● Simple Design: Uses fewer components per cell, allowing for greater density and scal
ability.
● Widely Used: Its versatility makes it the standard choice for most computing devices.
Disadvantages:
● Power Consumption: Needs constant refreshing, which consumes more power.
● Speed: Slower compared to SRAM because of its need for refreshing.
● Volatility: Loses all data when the power is turned off.
● Complexity: Requires a more complicated control circuit to handle the constant refre
shing.
⮚ SRAM:
Function:
● SRAM uses flipflop circuits to store each bit. These circuits
stay in the same state (either 0 or 1) until they are changed.
● Unlike DRAM, SRAM doesn't need constant refreshing to
retain data, making it faster.
● When data is needed, SRAM can provide it almost instantly because there's no delay
from refreshing.
Advantages:
● Speed: Super fast access times, perfect for quick data retrieval.
● No Refreshing: Doesn’t need constant refreshing,
making it more efficient.
● Stability: More reliable because it holds data witho
ut frequent updates.
● Lower Power Usage: Uses less power when idle, sa
ving on energy.
● Durability: Less prone to data corruption compare
d to DRAM.
DEFINITION OF ROM:
ROM stands for ReadOnly Memory. It's a type of computer memory that stores importa
nt data
permanently. Unlike RAM, which is temporary, ROM retains its data even when the com
puter is
turned off. It’s used to store firmware- the software that is closely tied to the hardware
and is rarely changed.
DEFINITION OF CACHE:
It temporarily stores frequently accessed data and instructions so that computer’s proc
essor can
retrieve them quickly without having to go back to the slower main memory (RAM) or st
orage (like a harddrive). Essentially, cache memory speeds up the data retrieval process
, enhancing overall performance.
SECONDARY STORAGE
HARD DISK DRIVE(MAGNETIC STORAGE):
Construction:
● Platter: The hard disk has spinning disks called platters
where data is stored.
● Spindle: The platters are mounted on a spindle which
spins them at high speeds.
● Read/Write Head: Moves across the platter to read data
(like a tiny needle on a record player) and write data onto it.
● Actuator Arm: Moves the read/write head to the correct
position over the platter.
● Data Tracks: Circular paths on the platter where data is stored.
● Sectors: Small sections within each track that hold data.
● Magnetic Coating: The platter is coated with a magnetic material to store data as 0
s and 1s.
● Controller: Manages data flow to and from the computer.
Working:
● The platters in the hard drive spin at high speeds.
● The write head moves to the correct position over the spinning platter.
● An electric current passes through the write head, creating a magnetic field.
● This magnetic field changes the magnetization of the tiny areas on the platter's surf
ace, representing data as 0s and 1s.
● These 0s and 1s are encoded into data that the computer can understand.
Advantages:
● Cost-Effective: Cheaper compared to other storage types.
● High Capacity: Can store large amounts of data.
● Reliability: Good for long-term storage when kept in proper conditions.
● Ease of Access: Allows direct access to data, which is faster than sequential access
like tapes.
Disadvantages:
● Mechanical Parts: Prone to wear and tear over time.
● Slower Speed: Slower data access compared to SSDs.
● Power Consumption: Consumes more power due to the mechanical parts.
● Physical Fragility: Susceptible to damage from physical shocks and magnetic fields
CDs, DVDs, BLU-Rays(OPTICAL STORAGE):
Construction and working:
Optical storage devices use light (usually lasers) to read and write data. Disc: Usuall
y made of polycarbonate plastic, coated with a reflective layer.
● Includes multiple layers for data storage, sometime
s with
a dye layer (like in CDs or DVDs).
● Data is stored as tiny indentations (pits) and flat area
s
(lands) on the reflective surface.
● Used to read (and sometimes write) data. The laser r
eflects
off the lands and is scattered by the pits, which the device
interprets as binary data.
● Spins the disc and moves the laser assembly to access data.
Advantages:
● Durability: Less susceptible to environmental conditions like humidity and magnetic
fields.
● Portability: Easy to carry around due to their small size and lightweight.
● Longevity: Can store data for long periods if properly cared for.
● Cost: Generally inexpensive for the amount of data they can hold.
● Compatibility: Widely compatible with various devices, like DVD players and game
consoles.
Disadvantages:
● Storage Capacity: Limited compared to modern storage sol ut
ions like hard drives and SSDs.
● Speed: Slower read/write speeds than hard drives and SSDs.
● Susceptibility to Damage: Can be easily scratched or dam a
ged if not handled carefully.
● Decreasing Relevance: With the rise of digital downloads a n
d cloud storage, their use has declined.
SOLID STATE STORAGE:
Construction and Working:
● Data Storage: Data is stored in cells within the NAND flash memory,
which retains data even when the power is off.
● Data Access: The controller accesses the data directly from the flash
memory cells, which is much faster than the mechanical movement
in hard drives.
● Wear Leveling: The controller ensures that data writes are evenly
distributed across the memory cells to extend the SSD's lifespan.
● Floating Gate: This is where the magic happens. It’s a tiny conductive gate trapped
in an insulating
layer within the flash memory cell. It holds the electrical charge that represents the
stored data—either a 1 or a 0.
● Control Gate: The control gate sits above the floating gate. It helps to manage the c
harge on the floating gate by controlling the flow of electrons during read and write o
perations.
Here’s how they work together:
● Writing Data: When data is written, a high voltage is applied to the control gate, all
owing electrons to flow to or from the floating gate. This changes the charge on the fl
oating gate, representing the data.
● Reading Data: During a read operation, a lower voltage is applied to the control gat
e. This voltage checks the charge on the floating gate, determining whether it’s stori
ng a 1 or a 0.
● Erasing Data: To erase data, a high negative voltage is applied, which removes the
electrons from the floating gate.
Advantages:
● Speed: SSDs are significantly faster than traditional hard drives, making boot times
and data access lightning quick.
● Durability: No moving parts, so they're less prone to physical damage.
● Power Efficiency: Use less power, leading to longer battery life in laptops.
● Quiet Operation: Silent since they don’t rely on mechanical parts.
● Longevity: Longer lifespan due to wear-leveling techniques that distribute write and
erase cycles evenly across memory cells.
Disadvantages:
● Cost: More expensive per gigabyte compared to traditional hard drives.
● Capacity: Typically offer less storage space than traditional hard drives for the same
price.
● Limited Write Cycles: NAND flash memory can wear out after many write/erase cyc
les, though this is improving with newer technologies.
