chapter three: memory and
processors
Memory
Memory is used to store instructions so that the processor can quickly fetch,
decode and execute them.
There are three types of memory:
RAM (Read Only Memory)
ROM (Random Access Memory)
Flash Memory
1.6.1 Know that RAM stands for Random Access Memory and
that ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
1.6.2 Be able to describe the characteristics of RAM and
ROM, the differences between them and the impact on the
user of the size of ROM/RAM.
RAM (Random Access Memory
RAM stores current instructions and programs in use.
RAM is volatile – meaning that when power is lost, all the data stored on it is
also lost.
Impact on user experience: Larger RAM means more opened files without
using virtual memory.
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Virtual Memory – This is created when the RAM is full. An area of
secondary storage is used to store data instead of RAM. This means the
processor needs to fetch data from the secondary storage rather than
the RAM which massively impacts the suer experience by slowing down
the device’s performance.
If files that are not in use however are closed, space is emptied up in the RAM
and data is moved back there.
ROM (Read Only Memory)
ROM is non-volatile: Data is retained even when power is off.
ROM can be used for two main purposes:
Store data for single use computers such as calculators and digital watches
In PCs to store information needed to boot the system
Computers cannot swap in and out instructions from ROM
However, the contents of the ROM can be adjusted in a few types of ROM:
PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) – Data can be written, however
only once.
EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) – Data can be erased
and re-written with exposure to UV Light.
EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) – Data
can be erased an re-written if a high voltage is applied to a certain pin in
the ROM
EEPROM eventually developed to form flash memory.
Remember, ROM stores permanent data and cannot be upgraded, while RAM
stores temporary data and can be upgraded.
Differences between ROM and RAM
ROM is non-volatile, while RAM is volatile
ROM is read-only, while RAM is read-write
ROM stores essential instructions, while RAM stores data and instructions
currently in use
ROM writes slow, RAM is fast
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RAM can be upgraded to increase the size and improve user experience.
ROM is permanent and cannot be upgraded, storing fixed data.
1.6.3 Be able to describe the characteristics and uses of
flash memory
Flash Memory is a type of EEPROM.
It has no moving parts. Therefore, it is portable and has a low power
consumption.
Due to that it is used in devices with SDs such as laptops.
Processors
A processor Is made up of the Central Processing Unit of a device (CPU)
Central Processing Unit (CPU) or multiple CPUs (cores) in a device.
Processor cycle involves fetching, decoding, and executing instructions
In some cases, there is more than one CPU, by which we then call each one
a core. For example, a quad-core has 4 CPUs.
Multiple CPUs (cores) in a single processor (e.g., quad-core has 4 CPUs). It
enhances processing capability and performance.
There are advantages of Multi-processors:
Allows parallel processing
Improving efficiency and multitasking capabilities
Enhances system performance for handling multiple tasks
simultaneously.
Processor cycle – The cycle by which a processor fetches from memory,
decodes and executes instructions.
Processor speed is measured in clock cycles per second.
A clock cycle per second – The number of times in one second that a processor
can carry out on or more instructions
(In simple terms, the number of processor cycles carried out per second).
They are measured in Hertz (Hz)
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Influenced by the number of instructions taken per cycle and the clock
speed.
The number of instructions taken per cycle also accounts for the speed
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