Computer Memory

Memory is the electronic storage space where a computer keeps the instructions and data it needs to access quickly. It's the place where information is stored for immediate use. Memory is an important component of a computer, as without it, the system wouldn’t operate correctly. The computer’s operating system (OS), hardware, and software all rely on memory to function properly.

Computer memory functions similarly to the human brain, storing data, information, and instructions. It acts as a storage unit or device where data to be processed and the instructions necessary for processing are kept. Both input and output data can be stored in memory.

How Computer Memory Communicates With the CPU ?

Computer memory communicates with the CPU through a structured system of electronic pathways and controllers, enabling the CPU to fetch and store data rapidly and efficiently. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• System Bus Structure:
  The main channel for communication between the CPU and memory is the system bus, which is a collection of three types of buses:
  • Data Bus: Transfers the actual data between CPU and memory.
  • Address Bus: Carries the memory address that specifies where data should be read from or written to.
  • Control Bus: Sends signals that coordinate and control the activity, such as indicating read or write operations.
• Memory Controller:
  Communication is orchestrated by a memory controller, which manages the flow of data and ensures that signals between the CPU and memory are synchronized. In older systems, this controller was located on the motherboard; in modern computers, it’s typically integrated into the CPU for greater speed and efficiency

Communication Process:

1. When the CPU needs to access data or instructions in memory, it places the address of the required memory location on the address bus.
2. The CPU sends a control signal (read or write command) on the control bus.
3. If reading, the memory controller retrieves the data from the specified address and sends it back to the CPU via the data bus. If writing, the CPU sends data over the data bus to be stored at the designated memory location.
4. This process is repeated billions of times per second during computing operations, forming the backbone of the fetch-decode-execute cycle used to run programs

Types of Computer Memory

In general, computer memory is divided into three types:

• Primary memory
• Secondary memory
• Cache memory

Now we discuss each type of memory one by one in detail:

1. Primary Memory

It is also known as the main memory of the computer system. It is used to store data and programs, or instructions during computer operations. It uses semiconductor technology and hence is commonly called semiconductor memory. Primary memory is of two types:

RAM (Random Access Memory):

It is a volatile memory. Volatile memory stores information based on the power supply. If the power supply fails/ interrupted/stopped, all the data and information on this memory will be lost. RAM is used for booting up or starting the computer. It temporarily stores programs/data which has to be executed by the processor. RAM is of two types:

• S RAM (Static RAM):S RAM uses transistors and the circuits of this memory are capable of retaining their state as long as the power is applied. This memory consists of the number of flip flops with each flip flop storing 1 bit. It has less access time and hence, it is faster.
• D RAM (Dynamic RAM):D RAM uses capacitors and transistors and stores the data as a charge on the capacitors. They contain thousands of memory cells. It needs refreshing of charge on capacitor after a few milliseconds. This memory is slower than S RAM.

ROM (Read Only Memory):

It is a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory stores information even when there is a power supply failed/ interrupted/stopped. ROM is used to store information that is used to operate the system. As its name refers to read-only memory, we can only read the programs and data that are stored on it. It contains some electronic fuses that can be programmed for a piece of specific information. The information is stored in the ROM in binary format. It is also known as permanent memory. ROM is of four types:

• MROM(Masked ROM): Hard-wired devices with a pre-programmed collection of data or instructions were the first ROMs. Masked ROMs are a type of low-cost ROM that works in this way.
• PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This read-only memory is modifiable once by the user. The user purchases a blank PROM and uses a PROM program to put the required contents into the PROM. Its content can't be erased once written.
• EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory):EPROM is an extension to PROM where you can erase the content of ROM by exposing it to Ultraviolet rays for nearly 40 minutes.
• EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): Here the written contents can be erased electrically. You can delete and reprogram EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing and programming take very little time, i.e., nearly  4 -10 ms(milliseconds). Any area in an EEPROM can be wiped and programmed selectively.

2. Secondary Memory

It is also known as auxiliary memory and backup memory. It is a non-volatile memory and used to store a large amount of data or information. The data or information stored in secondary memory is permanent, and it is slower than primary memory. A CPU cannot access secondary memory directly. The data/information from the auxiliary memory is first transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it.

Characteristics of Secondary Memory

• It is a slow memory but reusable.
• It is a reliable and non-volatile memory.
• It is cheaper than primary memory.
• The storage capacity of secondary memory is large.
• A computer system can run without secondary memory.
• In secondary memory, data is stored permanently even when the power is off.

Types of Secondary Memory

1. Magnetic Tapes: Magnetic tape is a long, narrow strip of plastic film with a thin, magnetic coating on it that is used for magnetic recording. Bits are recorded on tape as magnetic patches called RECORDS that run along many tracks. Typically, 7 or 9 bits are recorded concurrently. Each track has one read/write head, which allows data to be recorded and read as a sequence of characters. It can be stopped, started moving forward or backwards or rewound.

2. Magnetic Disks: A magnetic disk is a circular metal or a plastic plate and these plates are coated with magnetic material. The disc is used on both sides. Bits are stored in magnetized surfaces in locations called tracks that run in concentric rings. Sectors are typically used to break tracks into pieces.

Hard discs are discs that are permanently attached and cannot be removed by a single user.

3. Optical Disks: It's a laser-based storage medium that can be written to and read. It is reasonably priced and has a long lifespan. The optical disc can be taken out of the computer by occasional users.

Types of Optical Disks

CD - ROM

• It's called a compact disk. Only read from memory.
• Information is written to the disc by using a controlled laser beam to burn pits on the disc surface.
• It has a highly reflecting surface, which is usually aluminium.
• The diameter of the disc is 5.25 inches.
• 16000 tracks per inch is the track density.
• The capacity of a CD-ROM is 600 MB, with each sector storing 2048 bytes of data.
• The data transfer rate is about 4800KB/sec. & the new access time is around 80 milliseconds.

WORM-(WRITE ONCE READ MANY)

• A user can only write data once.
• The information is written on the disc using a laser beam.
• It is possible to read the written data as many times as desired.
• They keep lasting records of information but access time is high.
• It is possible to rewrite updated or new data to another part of the disc.
• Data that has already been written cannot be changed.
• Usual size - 5.25 inch or 3.5 inch diameter.
• The usual capacity of a 5.25-inch disk is 650 MB,5.2GB etc.

DVDs

The term "DVD" stands for "Digital Versatile/Video Disc," and there are two sorts of DVDs:

• DVDR (writable)
• DVDRW (Re-Writable)
• DVD-ROMS (Digital Versatile Discs): These are read-only memory (ROM) discs that can be used in a variety of ways. When compared to CD-ROMs, they can store a lot more data. It has a thick polycarbonate plastic layer that serves as a foundation for the other layers. It's an optical memory that can read and write data.
• DVD-R: DVD-R is a writable optical disc that can be used just once. It's a DVD that can be recorded. It's a lot like WORM. DVD-ROMs have capacities ranging from 4.7 to 17 GB. The capacity of 3.5 inch disk is 1.3 GB.

3. Cache Memory

It is a type of high-speed semiconductor memory that can help the CPU run faster. Between the CPU and the main memory, it serves as a buffer. It is used to store the data and programs that the CPU uses the most frequently.

Advantages of Cache Memory

• It is faster than the main memory.
• When compared to the main memory, it takes less time to access it.
• It keeps the programs that can be run in a short amount of time.
• It stores data for temporary use.

Disadvantages of Cache Memory

• Because of the semiconductors used, it is very expensive.
• The size of the cache (amount of data it can store) is usually small.

Computer memory is important for storing and processing data in a computer. Data is stored in the form of bits and bytes. As the amount of data grows, it's important to understand how larger units like kilobytes, megabytes, and gigabytes are used to store and manage bigger files. Understanding file sizes makes it easier to organize and manage data.