RAM AND ROM
PRESENTED BY:
J. S. D
EMAIL ID : [email protected]
BRIEF CONTENTS
MEMORY RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY(RAM)
TYPES OF RAM
READ ONLY MEMORY(ROM)
TYPES OF ROM
Semiconductor
Memory types Non-volatile
Volatile
RAM
ROM
SRAM
DRAM
PROM
EPROM
Memory
Main memory consists of a number of storage locations, each of which is identified by a unique address. The ability of the CPU to identify each location is known as its addressability. Each location stores a word i.e. the number of bits that can be processed by the CPU in a single operation. Word length may be typically 16, 24, 32 or as many as 64 bits. A large word length improves system performance, though may be less efficient on occasions when the full word length is not used.
TYPES OF MEMORY
There are two types of main memory, Random Access Memory (RAM) and Read Only Memory (ROM)
Random Access Memory (RAM)
holds its data as long as the computer is switched on All data in RAM is lost when the computer is switched off Described as being volatile
It is direct access as it can be both written to or read from in any order
Its purpose is to temporarily hold programs and data for processing. In modern computers it also holds the operating system
TYPES OF RAM
Static RAM (SRAM)
Each cell stores bit with a six-transistor circuit. Retains value indefinitely, as long as it is kept powered. Relatively insensitive to disturbances such as electrical noise. Faster and more expensive than DRAM.
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Each cell stores bit with a capacitor and transistor. Value must be refreshed every 10-100 ms. Sensitive to disturbances. Slower and cheaper than SRAM.
SRAM V/S DRAM
Tran. per bit SRAM DRAM 6 1 Access time Persist? Sensitive? 1X 10X Yes No No Yes Cost 100x 1X Applications cache memories Main memories, frame buffers
Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) Contents are constantly refreshed 1000 times per second
Access time 60 70 nanoseconds
Note: a nanosecond is one billionth of a second
Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM)
Quicker than DRAM
Direct Rambus Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRDRAM) New type of RAM architecture
Cache memory
Small amount of memory typically 256 or 512 kilobytes
Temporary store for often used instructions
Video Random Access memory
Holds data to be displayed on computer screen Has two data paths allowing READ and WRITE to occur at the same
time
A systems amount of VRAM relates to the number of colours and resolution
Virtual memory
A cheap method of running large or many programs on a computer system Cost is speed: the CPU can access RAM in nanoseconds but hard-disk in milliseconds
(Note: a millisecond is a thousandth of a second)
Virtual memory is much slower than RAM
Read only memory (ROM)
ROM holds programs and data permanently even when computer is switched off Data can be read by the CPU in any order so ROM is also direct access The contents of ROM are fixed at the time of manufacture
Stores a program called the bootstrap loader that helps start up the computer
Access time of between 10 and 50 nanoseconds
Types of ROM
1. Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM)
Empty of data when manufactured May be permanently programmed by the user
2. Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)
Can be programmed, erased and reprogrammed The EPROM chip has a small window on top allowing it to be erased by shining ultra-violet light on it
After reprogramming the window is covered to prevent new contents being erased
Access time is around 45 90 nanoseconds 3. Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) EEPROM is similar to flash memory (sometimes called flash EEPROM). EEPROM is user-modifiable read-only memory (ROM) that can be erased and reprogrammed (written to) repeatedly through the application of higher than normal electrical voltage.
