UNIT 1 DIGITAL DEVICES
MEMORY AND PROCESSORS
Memory is used to store instructions. The processor executes those instructions. Both of these parts
of the computer system have a big impact on the performance of the system. Specifically, they affect
the speed at which software can be loaded and the speed at which software tasks can be completed
MEMORY
Memory can be accessed faster than secondary storage. Memory is used to store instructions so that
the processor can fetch the instructions quickly in order to process them.
There are three types of memory that you need to know about:
1. Random Access Memory (RAM)
2. Read Only Memory (ROM)
3. Flash memory.
HINT
Two examples of secondary storage are hard disks and SSDs
Memory is often called main memory or primary storage, and storage is often called secondary
storage.
1. RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (RAM)
Software is loaded into RAM from a computer's secondary storage. The processor then
fetches software instructions from memory and executes them.
RAM is volatile, meaning that it cannot store data when it has no power. This means that,
if you turn off your computer's power, any data held in RAM will be lost.
Impact of RAM Size on the User
The size of RAM affects how many programs and files a user can run at the same
time. With more RAM, more applications can be stored in memory and the
computer runs faster and more smoothly.
If there is not enough RAM, the operating system uses virtual memory from
secondary storage, which is much slower and causes a noticeable decrease in
performance. Although SSDs are faster than hard disks, frequent swapping
between RAM and storage still reduces system performance.
Adding more RAM improves performance, especially when multitasking or using
newer software that requires more memory.
2. READ ONLY MEMORY (ROM)
ROM stores data permanently and is non-volatile, meaning data is not lost when power
is turned off. It is used in single-purpose computers (e.g. calculators, digital watches,
washing machines) to store one program. General-purpose computers (PCs, laptops) use
ROM to boot the system and load the operating system from secondary storage.
Mask Programmed ROM is ROM that cannot be changed after manufacture.
PROM (Programmable ROM) can be written to once only.
HINT: ROM is non-volatile memory that stores permanent data, and PROM is a type
of ROM that can be programmed once.
Some ROM types can be updated:
EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) – erased using ultraviolet (UV) light.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) – erased using an electrical
voltage, without removing the chip.
EEPROM developed into flash memory.
EPROM and EEPROM are used to update firmware by erasing and rewriting
stored data.
FLASH MEMORY
Flash memory is a type of EEPROM. Like other types of ROM, it is non-volatile. It
does not have any moving parts, so it has a fast access time and low power
consumption. Because of its low power consumption, flash memory is used in the
SSDs that are used in portable devices, such as laptop computers, as these devices
often rely on internal batteries for their power. Flash memory is often used as
removable storage in USB drives and SD cards.
PROCESSORS
A processor is made up of one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs). These carry out software
instructions. In processors that are made up of more than one CPU, each CPU is referred to as a core.
Processor Speed
Multi-core processors (e.g., quad-core) can do more work per cycle than single-core
processors.
Processor speed is measured in clock cycles per second (Hz, kHz, MHz, GHz).
Clock speed shows how fast a processor works, but the amount of work per cycle also
affects overall performance.
Different CPUs can execute different numbers of instructions per core per cycle, so higher
clock speed doesn’t always mean faster performance.
DEFINITION
1. Firmware a type of software that controls a hardware device
2. processor cycle the process of fetching a program instruction from memory,
3. decoding the actions required by the instruction and then executing those actions
4. clock cycles per second used to measure processor speed; the number of times per second
the processor can carry out one or more instructions