Computer Memory

What is Memory?
Computer memory is just like the human brain. It is used to store data/information
and instructions. It is a data storage unit or a data storage device where data is to be
processed and instructions required for processing are stored. It can store both the
input and output can be stored here.
Characteristics of Main Memory:
• It is faster computer memory as compare to secondary memory.
• It is semiconductor memories.
• It is usually a volatile memory.
• It is the main memory of the computer.
• A computer system cannot run without primary memory.
In general, memory is of 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:

(i) 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 & information on this memory will be lost. RAM is
used for booting up or start the computer. It temporarily stores programs/ data which
has to be executed by the processor. RAM is of two types:

• S RAM (Static RAM): It 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): It 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.
(ii) 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 is stored on
it. It contains some electronic fuses that can be programmed for a piece of specific
information. The information 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): It 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
reprogramme 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:
(i) 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 backward, or rewound.
(ii) Magnetic Disks: A magnetic disc 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.
(iii) 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 :
(a) CD – ROM:
• It’s called 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 aluminum.
• 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.
(b) 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 5.25 inch disk is 650 MB,5.2GB etc.
(c) DVDs:
• The term “DVD” stands for “Digital Versatile/Video Disc,” and there are two
sorts of DVDs: (i)DVDR (writable) and (ii) 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: It 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 in 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.