Classification of Memory

In computers, memory is the most essential component of the

normal functioning of any system. The computer system
categorizes the memory for different purposes and uses. In this
section, we have discussed the classification of memory in
detail. Also, we will discuss types of memory, features of
memory, RAM, ROM, SRAM, DRAM, and its advantages and
disadvantages.
What is computer memory?
Computer memory
is any physical device, used to store data, information or
instruction temporarily or permanently. It is the collection of
storage units that stores binary information in the form of bits.
The memory block is split into a small number of components,
called cells. Each cell has a unique address to store the data in
memory, ranging from zero to memory size minus one. For
example, if the size of computer memory is 64k words, the
memory units have 64 * 1024 = 65536 locations or cells. The
address of the memory's cells varies from 0 to 65535.
Why do we need a computer memory?
In the computer system, we need computer memory to store
various types of data like text, images, video, audio, documents,
etc. We can retrieve it when the data is required. For example,
when we write and execute any computer program, it is initially
stored in primary memory. If the processor does not need
particular items for a longer time, the program or data is
automatically saved into the permanent or secondary memory.
Then the data is called from secondary memory to main memory
and performs the execution of codes.
Features of Memory
Following are the different features of the memory system that
includes:
1
1. Location: It represents the internal or external location of
the memory in a computer. The internal memory is inbuilt
in computer memory. It is also known as primary memory.
the example of primary memory are registers, cache and
main memory. Whereas, external memory is the separate
storage device from the computer, such as disk, tape, USB
pen drive.
2. Capacity: It is the most important feature of computer
memory. Storage capacity can vary in external and internal
memory. External devices' storage capacity is measured in
terms of bytes, whereas the internal memory is measured
with bytes or words. The storage word length can vary in
bits, such as 8, 16 or 32 bits.
3. Access Methods: Memory can be accessed through four
modes of memory.
o DMA: As the name specifies, Direct Memory Address

(DMA) is a method that allows input/output (I/O)

devices to access or retrieve data directly or from the
main memory.
 o Sequential Access Method: The sequential access
method is used in a data storage device to read stored
data sequentially from the computer memory.
Whereas, the data received from random access
memory (RAM) can be in any order.
o Random Access Method: It is a method used to

randomly access data from memory. This method is

the opposite of SAM. For example, to go from A to Z
in random access, we can directly jump to any
specified location. In the Sequential method, we have
to follow all intervening from A to Z to reach at the
particular memory location.
o Associative Access Method: It is a special type of

memory that optimizes search performance through

defined data to directly access the stored information
based on a memory address.
4. Unit of transfer: As the name suggests, a unit of transfer
measures the transfer rate of bits that can be read or write in
or out of the memory devices. The transfer rate of data can
be different in external and internal memory.
o Internal memory: The transfer rate of bits is mostly

equal to the word size.

o External memory: The transfer rate of bit or unit is

not equal to the word length. It is always greater than a

word or may be referred to as blocks.
5. Performance: The performance of memory is majorly
divided into three parts.
 o Access Time: In random access memory, it represents
the total time taken by memory devices to perform a
read or write operation that an address is sent to
memory.
o Memory Cycle Time: Total time required to access

memory block and additional required time before

starting second access.
o Transfer rate: It describes the transfer rate of data

used to transmit memory to or from an external or

internal memory device. Bit transfer can be different
for different external and internal devices.
6. Physical types: It defines the physical type of memory
used in a computer such as magnetic, semiconductor,
magneto-optical and optical.
7. Organization: It defines the physical structure of the bits
used in memory.
8. Physical characteristics: It specifies the physical behavior
of the memory like volatile, non-volatile or non-erasable
memory. Volatile memory is known as RAM, which
requires power to retain stored information, and if any
power loss has occurred, stored data will be lost. Non-
volatile memory is a permanent storage memory that is
used to obtain any stored information, even when the power
is off. Non-erasable memory is a type of memory that
cannot be erased after the manufactured like ROM because
at the time of manufactured ROM are programmed.
Classification of Memory
The following figure represents the classification of memory:

Primary or Main Memory

Primary memory is also known as the computer system's main
memory that communicates directly within the CPU
, Auxiliary memory and the Cache memory. Main memory is
used to kept programs or data when the processor is active to use
them. When a program or data is activated to execute, the
processor first loads instructions or programs from secondary
memory into main memory, and then the processor starts
execution. Accessing or executing of data from primary memory
is faster because it has a cache or register memory that provides
faster response, and it is located closer to the CPU
. The primary memory is volatile, which means the data in
memory can be lost if it is not saved when a power failure
occurs. It is costlier than secondary memory, and the main
memory capacity is limited as compared to secondary memory.

The primary memory is further divided into two parts:

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

2. ROM (Read Only Memory)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
is one of the faster types of main memory accessed directly by
the CPU. It is the hardware in a computer device to temporarily
store data, programs or program results. It is used to read/write
data in memory until the machine is working. It is volatile,
which means if a power failure occurs or the computer is turned
off, the information stored in RAM
will be lost. All data stored in computer memory can be read or
accessed randomly at any time.
There are two types of RAM:

o SRAM
o DRAM
DRAM: DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is a
type of RAM that is used for the dynamic storage of data in
RAM. In DRAM, each cell carries one-bit information. The cell
is made up of two parts: a capacitor and a transistor. The size
of the capacitor and the transistor is so small, requiring millions
of them to store on a single chip. Hence, a DRAM chip can hold
more data than an SRAM chip of the same size. However, the
capacitor needs to be continuously refreshed to retain
information because DRAM is volatile. If the power is switched
off, the data store in memory is lost.
Characteristics of DRAM
 1. It requires continuously refreshed to retain the data.
2. It is slower than SRAM
3. It holds a large amount of data
4. It is the combination of capacitor and transistor
5. It is less expensive as compared to SRAM
6. Less power consumption
SRAM: SRMA (Static Random-Access Memory) is a type of
RAM used to store static data in the memory. It means to store
data in SRAM remains active as long as the computer system
has a power supply. However, data is lost in SRAM when power
failures have occurred.
Characteristics of Static Ram

1. It does not require to refresh.

2. It is faster than DRAM
3. It is expensive.
4. High power consumption
5. Longer life
6. Large size
7. Uses as a cache memory
SRAM Vs. DRAM

SRAM DRAM

It is a Static Random-Access It is a Dynamic Random

Memory. Access Memory.
The access time of SRAM is The access time of DRAM is
slow. high.

It uses flip-flops to store each It uses a capacitor to store

bit of information. each bit of information.

It does not require periodic It requires periodically

refreshing to preserve the refreshing to preserve the
information. information.

It uses in cache memory. It is used in the main memory.

The cost of SRAM is expensive. The cost of DRAM is less

expensive.

It has a complex structure. Its structure is simple.

It requires low power It requires more power

consumption. consumption.

Advantages of RAM

o It is a faster type of memory in a computer.

o It requires less power to operate.
o Program loads much faster
o More RAM increases the performance of a system and can
multitask.
o Perform read and write operations.
 o The processor can read information faster than a hard disc,
floppy, USB, etc.
Disadvantages of RAM

o Less RAM reduces the speed and performance of a

computer.
o Due to volatile, it requires electricity to preserve the data.
o It is expensive than ROM
o It is unreliable as compared to ROM
o The Size of RAM is limited.
Read-Only Memory (ROM)
ROM
is a memory device or storage medium that is used
to permanently store information inside a chip. It is a read-only
memory that can only read stored information, data or programs,
but we cannot write or modify anything. A ROM contains some
important instructions or program data that are required to start
or boot a computer. It is a non-volatile memory; it means that
the stored information cannot be lost even when the power is
turned off or the system is shut down.
Types of ROM
There are five types of Read Only Memory:

1. MROM (Masked Read Only Memory):

MROM is the oldest type of read-only memory whose
program or data is pre-configured by the integrated circuit
manufacture at the time of manufacturing. Therefore, a
program or instruction stored within the MROM chip
cannot be changed by the user.
2. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory):
It is a type of digital read-only memory, in which the user
can write any type of information or program only once. It
means it is the empty PROM chip in which the user can
write the desired content or program only once using the
 special PROM programmer or PROM burner device; after
that, the data or instruction cannot be changed or erased.
3. EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only
Memory):
It is the type of read only memory in which stored data can
be erased and re-programmed only once in the EPROM
memory. It is a non-volatile memory chip that holds data
when there is no power supply and can also store data for a
minimum of 10 to 20 years. In EPROM, if we want to erase
any stored data and re-programmed it, first, we need to pass
the ultraviolet light for 40 minutes to erase the data; after
that, the data is re-created in EPROM.
4. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable
Read Only Memory):
The EEROM is an electrically erasable and programmable
read only memory used to erase stored data using a high
voltage electrical charge and re-programmed it. It is also a
non-volatile memory whose data cannot be erased or lost;
even the power is turned off. In EEPROM, the stored data
can be erased and reprogrammed up to 10 thousand times,
and the data erase one byte at a time.
5. Flash ROM:
Flash memory is a non-volatile storage memory chip that
can be written or programmed in small units called Block
or Sector. Flash Memory is an EEPROM form of computer
memory, and the contents or data cannot be lost when the
 power source is turned off. It is also used to transfer data
between the computer and digital devices.
Advantages of ROM

1. It is a non-volatile memory in which stored information can

be lost even power is turned off.
2. It is static, so it does not require refreshing the content
every time.
3. Data can be stored permanently.
4. It is easy to test and store large data as compared to RAM.
5. These cannot be changed accidently
6. It is cheaper than RAM.
7. It is simple and reliable as compared to RAM.
8. It helps to start the computer and loads the OS.
Disadvantages of ROM

1. Store data cannot be updated or modify except to read the

existing data.
2. It is a slower memory than RAM to access the stored data.
3. It takes around 40 minutes to destroy the existing data
using the high charge of ultraviolet light.
RAM Vs. ROM

RAM ROM

It is a Random-Access It is a Read Only Memory.

Memory.
Read and write operations can Only Read operation can be
be performed. performed.

Data can be lost in volatile Data cannot be lost in non-volatile

memory when the power memory when the power supply is
supply is turned off. turned off.

It is a faster and expensive It is a slower and less expensive

memory. memory.

Storage data requires to be Storage data does not need to be

refreshed in RAM. refreshed in ROM.

The size of the chip is bigger The size of the chip is smaller than
than the ROM chip to store the the RAM chip to store the same
data. amount of data.

Types of RAM: DRAM and Types of ROM: MROM, PROM,

SRAM EPROM, EEPROM

Secondary Memory
Secondary memory
is a permanent storage space to hold a large amount of data.
Secondary memory is also known as external memory that
representing the various storage media (hard drives, USB, CDs,
flash drives and DVDs) on which the computer data and
program can be saved on a long term basis. However, it is
cheaper and slower than the main memory. Unlike primary
memory, secondary memory cannot be accessed directly by the
CPU. Instead of that, secondary memory data is first loaded into
the RAM (Random Access Memory) and then sent to the
processor to read and update the data. Secondary memory
devices also include magnetic disks like hard disk and floppy
disks, an optical disk such as CDs and CDROMs, and magnetic
tapes.
Features of Secondary Memory
o Its speed is slower than the primary/ main memory.

o Store data cannot be lost due to non-volatile nature.

o It can store large collections of different types, such as

audio, video, pictures, text, software, etc.

o All the stored data in a secondary memory cannot be lost

because it is a permanent storage area; even the power is

turned off.
o It has various optical and magnetic memories to store data.

Types of Secondary Memory

The following are the types of secondary memory devices:
Hard Disk
A hard disk is a computer's permanent storage device. It is a
non-volatile disk that permanently stores data, programs, and
files, and cannot lose store data when the computer's power
source is switched off. Typically, it is located internally on
computer's motherboard that stores and retrieves data using one
or more rigid fast rotating disk platters inside an air-sealed
casing. It is a large storage device, found on every computer or
laptop for permanently storing installed software, music, text
documentation, videos, operating system, and data until the user
did not delete.

Floppy Disk
A floppy disk is a secondary storage system that consisting of
thin, flexible magnetic coating disks for holding electronic data
such as computer files. It is also known as Floppy Diskette that
comes in three sizes like 8 inches, 5.5 inches and 3.5 inches. The
stored data of a floppy disk can be accessed through the floppy
disk drive. Furthermore, it is the only way through a new
program installed on a computer or backup of the information.
However, it is the oldest type of portable storage device, which
can store data up to 1.44 MB. Since most programs were larger,
that required multiple floppy diskettes to store large amounts of
data. Therefore, it is not used due to very low memory storage.

CD (Compact Disc)
A CD
is an optical disk storage device, stands for Compact Disc. It is a
storage device used to store various data types like audio,
videos, files, OS, Back-Up file, and any other information useful
to a computer. The CD has a width of 1.2 mm and 12 cm in
height, which can store approximately 783 MB of data size. It
uses laser light to read and write data from the CDs.
Types of CDs

1. CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory): It is

mainly used for bulk size mass like audio CDs, software
and computer games at the time of manufacture. Users can
only read data, text, music, videos from the disc, but they
cannot modify or burnt it.
2. CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable): The type of Compact
Disc used to write once by the user; after that, it cannot be
modified or erased.
3. CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable): It is a rewritable
CD disc, often used to write or delete the stored data.
DVD Drive/Disc
DVD is an optical disc storage device, stands for Digital Video
Display or Digital Versatile Disc. It has the same size as a CD
but can store a larger amount of data than a compact disc. It was
developed in 1995 by Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba and Philips four
electronics companies. DVD drives are divided into three types,
such as DVD ROM (Read Only Memory), DVD R (Recordable)
and DVD RW (Rewritable or Erasable). It can store multiple
data formats like audio, videos, images, software, operating
system, etc. The storing capacity of data in DVD is 4.7 GB to 17
GB.

Blu Ray Disc (BD)

Blu Ray is an Optical disc storage device used to store a large
amount of data or high definition of video recording and playing
other media files. It uses laser technology to read the stored data
of the Blu-ray Disk. It can store more data at a greater density as
compared to CD/ DVD. For example, compact discs allow us to
store 700 MB of data, and in DVDs, it provides up to 8 GB of
storage capacity, while Blu-ray Discs provide 28 GB of space to
store data.
Pen Drive
A pen drive is a portable device used to permanently store data
and is also known as a USB flash drive. It is commonly used to
store and transfer the data connected to a computer using a USB
port. It does not have any moveable part to store the data; it uses
an integrated circuit chip that stores the data. It allows the users
to store and transfer data like audio, videos, images, etc. from
one computer to any USB pen drive. The storing capacity of pen
drives from 64 MB to 128 GB or more.
Cache Memory
It is a small-sized chip-based computer memory that lies
between the CPU and the main memory. It is a faster, high
performance and temporary memory to enhance the
performance of the CPU. It stores all the data and instructions
that are often used by computer CPUs. It also reduces the access
time of data from the main memory. It is faster than the main
memory, and sometimes, it is also called CPU memory because
it is very close to the CPU chip. The following are the levels of
cache memory.
 1. L1 Cache: The L1 cache is also known as the onboard,
internal, or primary cache. It is built with the help of the
CPU. Its speed is very high, and the size of the L1 cache
varies from 8 KB to 128 KB.
2. L2 Cache: It is also known as external or secondary cache,
which requires fast access time to store temporary data. It is
built into a separate chip in a motherboard, not built into
the CPU like the L1 level. The size of the L2 cache may be
128 KB to 1 MB.
3. L3 Cache: L3 cache levels are generally used with high
performance and capacity of the computer. It is built into a
motherboard. Its speed is very slow, and the maximum size
up to 8 MB.
Advantages of Cache Memory
 1. Cache memory is the faster memory as compared to the
main memory.
2. It stores all data and instructions that are repeatedly used by
the CPU for improving the performance of a computer.
3. The access time of data is less than the main memory.
Disadvantage of Cache Memory

1. It is very costly as compared to the Main memory and the

Secondary memory.
2. It has limited storage capacity.
Register Memory
The register memory is a temporary storage area for storing and
transferring the data and the instructions to a computer. It is the
smallest and fastest memory of a computer. It is a part of
computer memory located in the CPU as the form of registers.
The register memory is 16, 32 and 64 bits in size. It temporarily
stores data instructions and the address of the memory that is
repeatedly used to provide faster response to the CPU.
Primary Vs. Secondary Memory

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

It is also known as temporary It is also known as a permanent

memory. memory.

Data can be access directly by Data cannot be accessed directly

the processor or CPU. by the I/O processor or CPU.
Stored data can be a volatile or The nature of secondary memory
non-volatile memory. is always non-volatile.

It is more costly than It is less costly than primary

secondary memory. memory.

It is a faster memory. It is a slower memory.

It has limited storage capacity. It has a large storage capacity.

It required the power to retain It does not require power to

the data in primary memory. retain the data in secondary
memory.

Examples of primary memory Examples of secondary memory

are RAM, ROM, Registers, are CD, DVD, HDD, magnetic
EPROM, PROM and cache tapes, flash disks, pen drive, etc.
memory.