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memeories

Memory in computers is the electronic storage for instructions and data, distinct from storage which holds larger amounts of data. It includes cache memory, primary memory (RAM and ROM), and secondary memory, each with unique characteristics and functions. Cache memory is fast but limited in capacity, primary memory is volatile and essential for current operations, while secondary memory is non-volatile and used for permanent data storage.

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8 views

memeories

Memory in computers is the electronic storage for instructions and data, distinct from storage which holds larger amounts of data. It includes cache memory, primary memory (RAM and ROM), and secondary memory, each with unique characteristics and functions. Cache memory is fast but limited in capacity, primary memory is volatile and essential for current operations, while secondary memory is non-volatile and used for permanent data storage.

Uploaded by

Song Benard
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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TOPIC 6: MEMORIES

Definition & Characteristics of Memory


Memory is the electronic holding place for instructions and data that your computer's microprocessor
can reach quickly. When your computer is in normal operation, its memory usually contains the main
parts of the operating system and some or all of the application programs and related data that are
being used.

Memory is sometimes distinguished from storage, or the physical medium that holds the much larger
amounts of data that won't fit into RAM and may not be immediately needed there.

Characteristics of Computer Memory

1. Electrical Characteristics - The voltage and current requirements depend on the manufacturing
technology of the device. The voltage level is not of major concern because most of the semiconductor
memory devices operate at TTL voltage levels.

2. Speed - There is a finite time delay between the application of address and the availability of stable
and accurate data on the data lines. This memory delay depends on the manufacturing technology and
other factors such as size.

3. Capacity representing the global volume of information (in bits) that the memory can store. Memory
is small in size and hence its storage is relatively low

Types of Memories

Memory is primarily of

Cache Memory
Primary Memory/Main Memory
Secondary Memory

Cache Memory
Cache memory is a very high speed semiconductor memory which
can speed up the CPU. It acts as a buffer between the CPU and the
main memory. It is used to hold those parts of data and program
which are most frequently used by the CPU. The parts of data and
programs are transferred from the disk to cache memory by the
operating system, from where the CPU can access them.

Advantages
The advantages of cache memory are as follows

Cache memory is faster than main memory.


It consumes less access time as compared to main memory.
It stores the program that can be executed within a short period of time.
It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages
The disadvantages of cache memory

Cache memory has limited capacity.


It is very expensive.

Primary Memory (Main Memory)


Primary memory holds only those data and instructions on which
the computer is currently working. It has a limited capacity and
data is lost when power is switched off. It is generally made up of
semiconductor device. These memories are not as fast as registers.
The data and instruction required to be processed resides in the
main memory. It is divided into two subcategories RAM and
ROM.

Characteristics of Main Memory


These are semiconductor memories.
It is known as the main memory.
Usually volatile memory.
Data is lost in case power is switched off.
It is the working memory of the computer.
Faster than secondary memories.
A computer cannot run without the primary memory.

Secondary Memory
This type of memory is also known as external memory or non-
volatile. It is slower than the main memory. These are used for
storing data/information permanently. CPU directly does not
access these memories, instead they are accessed via input-output
routines. The contents of secondary memories are first transferred
to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it. For
example, disk, CD-ROM, DVD, etc.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory


These are magnetic and optical memories.
It is known as the backup memory.
It is a non-volatile memory.
Data is permanently stored even if power is switched off.
It is used for storage of data in a computer.
Computer may run without the secondary memory.
Slower than primary memories.

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