COMPUTER MEMORY PREPARED BY ICT TUTOR
OBJECTIVES
Definition of computer memory
Classification of computer memory
Functions of the main memory
Classifications of main memory
Special purpose memory
types of special purpose memory
COMPUTER MEMORY
It is part/location in the computer system that stores
data/information and instruction for immediate/later use in the
computer.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER MEMORY
Computer memory is divided into two.
Main memory (primary memory).
Secondary memory (backing/Auxiliary storage).
MAIN MEMORY
This type of memory is found within/inside the computer itself.
It is used to hold data, programs and instructions required immediately
by the processor.
It can also be described as the:-
primary storage,
internal memory,
immediate access storage,
core memory.
Main memory is directly accessible to the processor
FEATURES/CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAIN MEMORY
The main memory store programs and data temporarily.
It is of low/limited storage capacity.
It is volatile-(it loses its content immediately the power is switched off)
It is very expensive due to the technology involved in making it.
The speed of the processor depends on the main memory.
Data must be transferred to the main storage before it can be acted
on by the processor.
Its operations are wholly electronic and therefore, very fast, accurate
and reliable.
It provides direct data access i.e. data is instantly accessible from the
main memory and the processor can act directly on the data.
FUNCTIONS OF THE MAIN MEMORY
It stores data awaiting processing.
It stores instructions waiting to be obeyed.
It holds the program /instructions and data currently being processed.
It stores intermediate results of processing awaiting transfer to the
output devices.
The size of the main memory affects the speed, power and capability
of the computer.
All input and output are transmitted through the main memory.
CLASSIFICATION OF MAIN MEMORY
The main memory can be classified into three different sections:-
Random Access Memory(RAM)
Read-only Memory(ROM)
Special purpose memory
RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
It is a type of main memory which is used by the computer to store data
and programs temporarily.
The term “Random Access “means that data in any area of the RAM
can be reached or accessed at any time of need.
RAM provides “read and write “facilities i.e. it allows instruction to be
written and read out and also to be changed at will.
Read-refers to retrieving (recovering) of information from memory.
Write-refers to the storing of information in memory.
RAM is a volatile memory i.e. The content of the RAM is usually lost
when the power supply or the computer is switched off.
USES/FUNCTIONS OF RAM
It stores data and instructions awaiting processing.
The RAM store application programs such as word processor or spreadsheet.
It also stores data to be manipulated by the computer using the user input
application program.
It also stores the instruction, which are being obeyed or partly obeyed by the
computer.
Stores the intermediate results.
TYPES OF RAM MEMORY
Static RAM(SRAM)
Dynamic RAM(DRAM)
STATIC RAM(SRAM)
A static RAM is able to maintain its data as long as power is provided to the
memory chip.
It does not need to be re-written periodically.
SRAM is very fast and is currently being used in the main processor as a small
amount of high-speed memory called cache memory.
DYNAMIC RAM (DRAM)
Dynamic RAM uses capacitors to store information.
The information is stored in the capacitors in form of a charge.
DRAM always undergo the refresh process.
DRAM is re-written continually in order for it to maintain its data.
DRAM is used widely for most computers memories because it is cheap.
(A capacitor is a two-terminal electrical device that can store energy in the form
of an electric charge)
READ-ONLY MEMORY (ROM)
This is a memory that can only be read but cannot be written to (the user can only
read the information in it)
ROM provides permanent storage of data i.e. the content in ROM cannot be
changed at will.
ROM is a non-volatile memory-its content is retained when power is switched off.
It is used to store vital data and programs.
ROM memory is used where the data or instruction must be stored permanently.
ROM forms a small proportion of the main storage-it contributes to about 3% of
internal memory.
READ ONLY MEMORY
THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF ROM ARE: -
It stores bootstrap programs i.e. the essential programs that the computer uses when
booting(starting)up.
It stores the system data & instructions that are necessary for normal functioning of the
computer hardware (like operating system programs)
It stores translation programs (code converters) used for converting a user’s program
into machine language
It stores character generators for printers and video displays
It stores special functions (facilities) peculiar to a given machine.
TYPES OF ROM MEMORY
Masked ROM
PROM (programmable read only memory)
EPROM (Erasable programmable read only memory
CONT.
Masked ROM
Mask ROM (Mask Read-Only Memory) is a type of read-only memory (ROM) in which the
data is programmed during the manufacturing process and cannot be reprogrammed by the end
user
Programmable ROM (PROM)
This is a ROM that can be programmed or “customized” directly by the user
using a special PROM programmer to suit the needs of a particular task.
Customizing is the process by which a standard product is adapted for use in a
particular situation.
CONT
Erasable programmable ROM(EPROM).
This is a ROM that can be reprogrammed a number of times.
There are two main types of EPROM
The UV-erasable programmable ROM.
Electricity Erasable programmable rom(EEPROM)
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN ROM AND RAM
ROM and RAM are both types of main/primary memory.
They both store information in binary form.
Both types of memory is accessed by computer when need be
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAM & ROM
RAM ROM
RAM stand for Random Access memory ROM stand for read-only memory
Random access memory(RAM) is expensive when compared to ROM is cheaper when compared to RAM
ROM.
Random Access Memory(RAM) has a higher capacity when ROM has a lower capacity compared to ROM.
compared to ROM
Data in RAM can be modified, erased or read Data in ROM can only be read,it cannot be modified or
erased
The data stored in RAM is used by the central processing The data stored in ROM is used to bootstrap/start the
unit(CPU) to process current instructions computer.
Data in Ram is volatile, it will exist as long as there is no Data in read-only-memory is non-volatile,it is permanent
interruption in power. ,data will remain unchanged even when there is a
disruption in power supply.
Types of random access memory. Types of read only memory
Static Ram(SRAM) MROM(masked read-only memory)
Dynamic RAM(DRAM) PROM(programmable read only memory)
EPROM(Erasable programmable read only memory)
EEPROM(Electrically erasable programmable read
only memory)
SPECIAL PURPOSE MEMORIES
These are type of memories that are included inside a microprocessor or
input/output devices, in order to enhance its performance.
TYPES OF SPECIAL PURPOSE MEMORY -
Cache memory
Buffers
Registers
CACHE MEMORY
Cache memory-is a type of special purpose memory used by the
central processing unit(CPU) of a computer to reduce the average time
to access memory.
It acts as a temporary storage area that the computer's processor can
retrieve data from easily
TYPES OF CACHE MEMORY
There are three types of cache memory namely: -
Level 1: also known as primary cache located inside the processor.
Level 2: also known as external cache is always mounted on the
motherboard.
Level 3:is the latest type of cache that works with L2 cache to
optimize system performance.
BUFFER
Buffers are special memories that are found in input/output devices.
Input data is held in the input buffer while processed output is held in output
buffer.
Since the CPU is very fast compared to I/O devices, buffers provide temporary storage so
that the CPU is set free to do other duties instead of waiting for data to be output.
For example:
computer printers have buffers where they can store massive documents sent by
the CPU for printing hence freeing the CPU to perform other urgent tasks as the
printer continues to print in the background.
REGISTER.
Registers are temporary storage locations within the CPU that holds one piece
of data at a time.
Example of registers are: -
Accumulator: this temporarily holds the results of the last processing
step of the arithmetic logic unit(ALU)
Instruction register: this temporarily holds an instruction just before it
is interpreted into a form that CPU can understand.
Address register: this temporarily holds the next piece of data
waiting to be processed.
Storage register: this temporarily holds a piece of data that is on its
way to and from the CPU and the main memory.
END