COMPUTER MEMORY
Memory is the hardware part of the computer that is used to store data or programs (sequences of
instructions) on a temporary or permanent basis for use in an electronic digital computer.
Computers represent information in binary code, written as sequences of 0s and 1s.
Characteristics of Memory in Computer
The following are the characteristics of memory in computer:
1. The storage capacity varies for different types of memories in computers. The storage
capacity of external devices is measured in bytes, while internal memory is measured either
in words or bytes. Storage word length may vary in 8, 16, or 32 bits.
2. Unit of transfer measures the transfer rate of bits that can be either read or written in and
out of memory devices. This data transfer rate is different in internal and external devices.
For internal memory, it is usually equal to word size and for external memory, it is greater
than a word.
3. The internal memory in a computer is inbuilt within it, whereas external memory is present
as a separate storage device such as USB or disk.
4. There are four methods to access memory, including DMA, Associative Access Method,
Sequential Access Method, and Random Access Method.
5. Memory in computers has different physical behavior, such as volatile, non-erasable, and
non-volatile memory.
6. The performance of the memory depends on access time, memory cycle time and transfer
rate. Access time is the total time taken by memory devices to perform read and write
operations.
7. Memory cycle time is the total time needed to access the memory block and the additional
time needed before starting the second access.
Types of Memory in Computer
1. Primary Memory
Also known as main memory in computer, it communicates directly with the CPU, Cache and
Auxiliary memory. This type of computer memory keeps data and programs when the process is
active to use them.
When a program or the data is activated for execution, the processor loads instructions from the
secondary memory into the main memory and then starts execution. It is a volatile memory due
to which any unsaved data is lost when a power cut occurs. Primary memory is of two types:
RAM and ROM.
1.1 RAM
RAM is hardware that temporarily stores data and programs. It is the faster part of the main
memory which can be directly accessed by the CPU. It reads and writes programs until the
computer is switched on. RAM is of two types: DRAM and SRAM.
DRAM full form is Dynamic Random-Access Memory. It is a type of RAM that is used for
dynamic data storage. Every cell in DRAM consists of one-bit information. A cell is composed
of a transistor and a capacitor. This capacitor and transistor are extremely small in size. The
capacitor needs a continuous refresh to retain information since it is volatile.
SRAM full form is Static Random-Access Memory. This type of RAM stores static data in
memory which remains active until there is a power supply. Same sized SRAM chip holds less
data than DRAM. Unlike DRAM, it does not require a continuous refresh.
1.2 ROM
Read-Only Memory (ROM) is a permanent storage type. This is a type of read-only memory that
only reads the stored information, but it does not have the capability to modify or write. Since it
is a non-volatile type of memory in computer, the information stays even after a power cut or
when the system has been shut down. ROM is of the following five types:
MROM: It is the oldest ROM whose data is pre-configured via integrated circuit manufacture
during the time of manufacturing. Due to this pre-configuration, the user cannot change the
instruction stored within the MROM chip.
PROM: It is a digital ROM which only once allows writing any information or program. This
is done using a special PROM programmer or burner device.
Flash ROM: This type of ROM can be programmed or written in smaller units called sector or
block. It is used for transferring data between computer and digital devices.
EPROM: In this type of ROM, data can be erased as well as reprogrammed only once. It can
store data for a minimum of 10-20 years. To erase and reprogram EPROM, the user needs to
pass UV light for 40 minutes. Post this, the data can be recreated.
EEPROM: The full form of EEPROM is Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only
Memory. It is an electrically erasable and programmable ROM. This allows data to be erased
using a high-voltage electrical charge. After this, it can be reprogrammed up to thousands of
times.
2. Secondary Memory
It is a permanent type of memory in computer that holds a large amount of data. This is
an external memory that represents different storage media on which data and programs can be
saved for long term. It is not directly accessible by the CPU and is available as external devices
such as CDs, DVDs and USBs. They are cheaper than primary memory but slower than primary
memory.
Hard disk: It is a type of permanent computer memory that stores programs, files and data. It
is stored on the motherboard of the computer that does not lose data even when there is a
power outage or when the system has been switched off.
Compact Disc (CD): It is an optical disk storage device that stores different types of data,
such as audio, video, files, and other information. CD uses light to read and write data from
CDs.
Pen Drive: This portable device is a type of secondary memory in computer that is used for
permanently storing data. It is also known as a USB flash drive that stores and transfers.
3. Cache Memory
This small-sized chip-based memory in computer lies between the main memory and CPU. It is
very close to the chip of CPU. The aim of this type of computer memory is to enhance the
performance of the CPU. It is a high-performance and temporary type of memory that reduces
the access time of data from main memory. Every instruction and data that is often used by the
CPU is stored within Cache memory. Cache memory is of three types: L1, L2, and L3 cache.
MEMORY REPRESENTATION
The computer memory stores different kinds of data like input data, output data, intermediate
results, etc., and the instructions. Binary digit or bit is the basic unit of memory. A bit is a single
binary digit, i.e., 0 or 1. A bit is the smallest unit of representation of data in a computer.
However, the data is handled by the computer as a combination of bits. A group of 8 bits form a
byte. One byte is the smallest unit of data that is handled by the computer. One byte (8 bit) can
store 2 8 = 256 different combinations of bits, and thus can be used to represent 256 different
symbols. In a byte, the different combinations of bits fall in the range 00000000 to 11111111. A
group of bytes can be further combined to form a word. A word can be a group of 2, 4 or 8 bytes.
MEMORY UNITS
1 bit = 0 or 1
1 Byte (B) = 8 bits
1 Kilobyte (KB) = 210 = 1024 bytes
1 Megabyte (MB) = 220 = 1024KB
1 Gigabyte (GB) = 230 = 1024 MB = 1024 *1024 KB
1 Terabyte (TB) = 240= 1024 GB = 1024 * 1024 *1024 KB
