ICT

LECTURE NOTES
TYPES OF MEMORY

There are two fundamental types of memory

 Primary memory
 Secondary memory

Primary Memory:
Primary memory is also known as main memory or may also refer to “Internal memory.” and
primary storage. Primary memory is a segment of computer memory that can be accessed
Characteristics of Main Memory:
 These are semiconductor memories.
 It is known as the main memory.
 Usually volatile memory.
 Data is lost in case power is switched off.
 It is the working memory of the computer.
 Faster than secondary memories.
 A computer cannot run without the primary me.
Types of Primary Memory:
Fundamentally, Main memory is classified in to three types.
 Internal Processor Memory
 RAM (Random Access Memory
 ROM (Read Only Memory)

 Internal Processor Memory

These are directly accessible to the CPU and are extremely fast. The following are the two main
types of internal processor memory.
 Cache Memory
 Registers
  Cache Memory:
Cache memory is a high-speed memory, which is small but faster than the main memory (RAM).
The CPU can access it more quickly than the primary memory. So, it is used to synchronize with
high-speed CPU and to improve its performance.
CPU can only access cache memory. It can be a reserved part of the main memory or a storage
device outside the CPU. It holds the data and programs, which are frequently used by the CPU.
So, it makes sure that the data is instantly available for CPU whenever the CPU needs this data.
In other words, if the CPU finds the required data or instructions in the cache memory, it does
not need to access the primary memory (RAM). Thus, by acting as a buffer between RAM and
CPU, it speeds up the system performance

 Registers:
Registers are high-speed temporary storage location use to hold an instruction , , a storage
address, or any kind of data such as a bit sequence or individual characters.
For example: Accumulator register, Program counter, Instruction register, Address register, etc.

 RAM(Random Access Memory):

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the best-known form of Computer Memory. The Read and
write (R/W) memory of a computer is called RAM. The User can write information to it and read
information from it.With Ram any location can be reached in a fixed (and short) amount of time
after specifying its address.
The RAM is a volatile memory; it means information written to it can be accessed as long as
power is on. As soon as the power is off, it cannot be accessed. Therefore, this mean RAM
computer memory essentially empty. RAM holds data and processing instructions temporarily
until the CPU needs it.
Types of RAM:
There are two types of RAM

 SRAM (Static Ram):

SRAM is a type of semiconductor memory where the word “Static” indicated that does not need
to be periodically refreshed to retain its data. The SRAM memories consist of circuits capable of
retaining the stored information as long as the power is applied. That means this type of memory
requires constant power. SRAM memories are used to build Cache Memory.

 DRAM (Dynamic RAM):

DRAM stores the binary information in the form of electric charges applied to capacitors. The
stored information on the capacitors tends to lose over a period and thus the capacitors must be
periodically recharged to retain their usage. The main memory is generally made up of DRAM
chips.
  ROM(Read only Memory):
ROM stands for Read-Only Memory. It is a non-volatile memory that is used to stores important
information, which is used to operate the system. As its name refers to read-only memory, we
can only read the programs and data stored on it. It is also a primary memory unit of the
computer system. 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.
Types of Read-Only Memory (ROM):
 PROM(Programmable Read only Memory):
It is a type of ROM, which can be programmed once and then can never be changed. PROM
manufactured blank and then it is programmed just once by blowing its fuses. This process is
irreversible. it is used in low-level programs such as firmware.

 EPROM (Erasable programmable read-only memory):

EPROM also called EROM is a type of PROM but it can be reprogrammed. The data stored in
EPROM can be erased and reprogrammed again by ultraviolet light. Reprogrammed of it is
limited.

 EEPROM (Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory):

As its name refers, it can be programmed and erased electrically. The data and program of this
ROM can be erased and programmed about ten thousand times. The duration of erasing and
programming of the EEPROM is near about 4ms to 10ms. Flash drive is a special type of
EEPROM.

Lecturer Izazullah
GPGC Charsadda