Memory & Processors
Chapter 3
Memory
Memory is used to store instructions. There are 3 types of memory.
1. Random Access Memory (RAM)
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the internal memory of the CPU for storing
data, program, and program result. It is a read/write memory which stores data
until the machine is working. As soon as the machine is switched off, data is
erased.
Access time in RAM is independent of
the address, that is, each storage
location inside the memory is as easy to
reach as other locations and takes the
same amount of time. Data in the RAM
can be accessed randomly but it is very
expensive.
RAM is volatile, i.e. data stored in it is lost when we switch off the computer or if
there is a power failure. Hence, a backup Uninterruptible Power System (UPS) is
often used with computers.
2. Read Only Memory (ROM)
ROM stands for Read Only Memory. The memory from which we can only read
but cannot write on it. This type of memory is non-volatile.
The information is stored permanently in
such memories during manufacture. A ROM
stores such instructions that are required to
start a computer. This operation is referred
to as bootstrap.
Following are the types of the ROM.
(i). ROM
(ii). PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory)
PROM is read-only memory that can be modified only once by a user. The user
buys a blank PROM and enters the desired contents using a PROM program.
1
Inside the PROM chip, there are small fuses which are burnt open during
programming.
(iii). EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)
EPROM can be erased by exposing it to ultra-violet light.
An EPROM (rarely EROM), or erasable programmable read-only memory, is a
type of programmable read-only memory (PROM) chip that retains its data
when its power supply is switched off. Computer memory that can retrieve
stored data after a power supply has been turned off and back on is called non-
volatile.
(iv). EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory)
(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) A rewritable storage
chip that holds its content without power.
EEPROMs are byte addressable but must be erased before being rewritten. In
flash memory, which evolved from EEPROMs and is almost identical in
architecture, an entire block of bytes must first be erased.
3. Flash Memory
Flash memory is a non-volatile memory
chip used for storage and for transfering
data between a personal computer (PC)
and digital devices.
It has the ability to be electronically
reprogrammed and erased.
It is often found in USB flash drives, MP3
players, digital cameras and solid-state
drives.
Firmware is a type of software that controls a hardware device. Draw the table
3.1 (Pg. 61)
2
Processors
A processor is an integrated electronic circuit that performs the calculations
that run a computer. A processor
performs arithmetical, logical,
input/output (I/O) and other basic
instructions that are passed from
an operating system (OS). Most
other processes are dependent on
the operations of a processor.
The terms processor, central processing unit (CPU) and microprocessor are
commonly linked as synonyms. Most people use the word “processor”
interchangeably with the term “CPU” nowadays, it is technically not correct since
the CPU is just one of the processors inside a personal computer (PC).
The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) is another processor, and even some hard
drives are technically capable of performing some processing.
Processor speed is measured in clock cycles
per second. This is measured in hertz (Hz),
kilo hertz (KHz), mega hertz (MHz) or giga
hertz (GHz).
Draw the table 3.2 (Pg. 62)