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Computer Memory
Class: Pre-Fsc
Computer Memory
Memory characteristics
The important characteristics of any memory device are:
1. Access mode
2. Access time
3. Data transfer rate
4. Capacity
5. Cost
Access mode
Memory has two major access modes, Sequential and Random.
1. Sequential access mode memory can be accessed only in serial
order i.e. if we have to access 4th memory location then we
first would have to move to first three locations and then we
can access the 4th location. It is also called serial access
mode.
2. In Random access mode memory location can be accessed at
random i.e. if we have to access 4th location then we can
directly go to 4th location and access it. It is also called direct
access mode.
Access time
It is the time taken to retrieve data from memory.
Access time in sequential access memory devices is more
than the random access memory devices.
Data transfer rate
It is the time taken to transfer data from one memory
device to the other.
For example time taken to transfer data for Hard disk to
the main memory (RAM).
Capacity
The memory capacity is the amount of space that a
memory device has to store data or the amount of
memory required for a program to run.
Cost
It is the price that computer users have to pay as per
capacity of the memory
Memory Terminology
1. Bit
The smallest unit of memory in digital computer is a bit,
which stands for binary digit O or 1.
The memory of a computer consists of millions of memory
(or electronic) cells.
Each cell contains one bit of information.
The memory cell has two states, ON and OFF.
The ON state represents a binary 1 and OFF state binary 0
2. Byte
A group of 8 bits is known as one byte.
Byte is the basic unit of computer memory and it is the
minimum piece of data to be processed by a computer.
One byte of memory is required to store one character in the
computer, for example 'A', 'a', 'b', etc.
Computer memory is measured in terms of bytes.
The higher units are Kilobyte (KB), Megabyte (MB), Gigabyte
(GB) and Terabyte (T B). In future, memories will also be
available in Petabyte (PB) and Exabyte (EB).
Memory word
In computing, the smallest chunk or size of data that a
computer can process is called memory word
The number of bits in a word is called the word size.
Word size in modern computers typically 16 to 64 bits,
depending on the size of the computer.
A computer that has a bigger word size can transfer more bits
into the microprocessor at a time for processing.
Memory word improves the processing speed of the computer.
The main indication of the word size is how much memory the
processor can address.
32-bit processor is limited to 232 memory addresses
Memory Built-up and Retention power
All types of computer memories, as for as their built-up or
manufacturing are divided into Chip memory, Magnetic
memory and Optical memory.
According to their retention power, these memories are
divided into Volatile memory and Non-Volatile memory.
Chip Memory
Chip is a small piece of semi-conducting material ( usually silicon).
A small circuit called IC (Integrated circuit) is embedded on it.
A typical chip contains millions of electronic components
(transistors).
Chip memories are very fast as compared to other memories.
chips rely on electric current.
Examples:
Main memory (RAM, ROM and Cache), Flash memory drives,
memory cards and registers.
Chip Memory
Magnetic Memory
One of the most widely used types of digital data storage is
magnetic memory.
This refers to any type of data storage using a magnetized medium.
Magnetic tapes and disks are examples of magnetic memory
devices.
A thin layer of magnetic material is coated on the surface of
magnetic tape and magnetic disks.
Binary information is stored in the form of tiny magnetized and
non- magnetized spots on the surface of magnetic tape or disk.
A magnetized spot represents a binary 1 and a non-magnetized spot
a binary 0.
Magnetic Memory
Magnetic storage is widely used because it is relatively
cheap in comparison with other storage technologies.
The storage capacity is also very large, making it
attractive for storing very large amounts of data.
The major limitation of magnetic storage is that accessing
the data can be quite slow.
Hard disk is the common example of magnetic memory.
Magnetic Memory
Optical Memory
In optical-storage technology, a laser beam encodes
digital data onto an optical disk in the form of tiny pits
and lands arranged in tracks on the disk's surface.
A laser beam is used to "read" data or information from
these pits and lands, and converts it to digital form.
Optical storage provides cheaper and greater memory
capacity than magnetic storage
An entire set of encyclopedias, can be stored on a
standard 12-centimeter (4.72-inch) optical disk.
Optical Memory
Volatile Memory
Volatile memory is computer memory that requires power
(electricity) to maintain stored information.
Volatile memory retains the information as long as power and
processor is on.
when power supply is off or interrupted the stored memory is
lost.
It is also known temporary memory.
Examples of such memory are RAM, Cache Memory And
Registers.
Non-volatile memory
Non-volatile memory is a permanent memory that can
retain the stored information even when not powered.
Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM (Read-only
memory), flash memory, magnetic storage devices (e.g.
hard disks and magnetic tape) and optical disks (CD, DVD,
Blue-ray).
Non-volatile memory is typically used as secondary storage
for long-term or future use.
Types Of Computer Memory
There are two types of computer memory
1. Primary Memory ( RAM, ROM, Cache Memory & Registers)
2. Secondary Memory (Magnetic disk, Magnetic tape, Optical
Disk & USB flash drive)
Main Memory
Memory is the most essential element of a computing
system because without it computer can’t perform simple
tasks.
Main memory is also called primary memory.
It is used to store data that is used by system at startup
and run various types of programs.
Types of main memory are RAM, ROM, Cache Memory &
Registers.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
Random Access Memory (RAM) is primary-volatile memory
It is also called as read write memory
The programs and data that the CPU requires during execution of a
program are stored in this memory.
It is used in computers for the storage of active programs and data.
It is a volatile memory as the data loses when the power is turned
off.
Large RAM size provides larger amount of information to a
computer for processing and hence increases the processing speed
RAM is further classified into two types- SRAM (Static Random
Access Memory) and DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).
RAM (Random Access Memory)
DRAM
1. Constructed of tiny capacitors.
2. Requires a recharge every few milliseconds to maintain its
data.
3.Less expensive.
4. Slower than SRAM.
5. Can store many bits per chip.
6. Uses less power.
7.Generates less heat.
8. Used for main memory.
SRAM
1.Constructed of circuits similar to D flip-flops.
2.Holds its contents as long as power is available.
3.Expensive.
4. Faster than DRAM.
5. Can not store many bits per chip.
6.Uses more power.
7.Generates more heat.
8. Used for cache memory.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Stores essential information to operate the system, like
the program essential to boot the computer.
It is not volatile.
Always retains its data.
Used in embedded systems or where the programming
needs no change.
Used in calculators and peripheral devices.
ROM is further classified into 3 types PROM, EPROM,
and EEPROM.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
Types of ROM
1. PROM (Programmable read-only memory) – It can be programmed by user.
Once programmed, the data and instructions in it cannot be changed.
2. EPROM (Erasable Programmable read only memory) – It can be
reprogrammed. To erase data from it, expose it to ultra violet light. To
reprogram it, erase all the previous data.
3. EEPROM (Electrically erasable programmable read only memory) – The
data can be erased by applying electric field, no need of ultra violet light.
We can erase only portions of the chip.
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