Storage System

By : Subein
 Introduction
• Modern computer system consist of different
types of memory system for storage
• A basic computer has two types of memory
• Primary Memory and Secondary Memory
• Primary Memory is used for Operations of
programs and applications
• Secondary memory is use as storage
 1) Primary memory
• Program data is stored for use by the programs
• This type of memory is directly accessible by the
processing unit
• Usually of semiconductor type, are fast however
expensive.
• Can be classified as :-
– Random Access Memory
– Read Only Memory
– Cache Memory
– Register
1.1 Random Access Memory (RAM)
• Memory that holds instruction and data used frequently during
processing.
• It is possible to select any location of the memory to store and
retrieve data.
• Common name for Ram is Main Memory
• Any program and its data must be loaded into RAM before the CPU
can use it.
• Data in RAM is temporary, data disappear on power is removed
from the computer
• Further Classified as :
– DRAM
– SRAM
 1.1.1 DRAM
• Dynamic RAM uses capacitor for storage of bits,
• Because of use of capacitor it needs to be
refreshed periodically like thousands of times each
second.
• Cheaper as only one transistor and capacitor is
used per cell (bit).
• Slower than SRAM
• High Data density than SRAM
• Eg: Main memory Used in computer
 1.1.2 SRAM
• Static RAM uses bistable latches for storage of
bits,
• Does not need to be refreshed periodically like
thousands of times each second.
• Expensive as 6 transistors are used per cell (bit).
• Faster than DRAM
• Low Data density than DRAM (2 MB, 8 MB)
• Eg: Cache Memory
 1.2 ROM
• Read Only Memory
• ROMs are also primary memory, storing standard processing
programs, supplied by device manufacturers
• Contents on the ROM can be read by the CPU but cannot be
changed
• Basic Input output program is stored in ROMs
• Non Volatile (non temporary) storage, unlike RAM
• ROM is also a random access memory
• Types :-
– PROM
– EPROM
– EEPROM
 1.2.1 PROM
• Programmable Read Only Memory
• A memory chip that can be written once
• Data remains in the chip forever
• PROM are Blank after manufacturing for developers to
program on, while a ROM is programmed during
manufacturing process of components
• Special PROM programmer is required to write on
PROM, also called PROM burner.
• The method on writing to a PROM is known and PROM
burning or burning the PROM
 1.2.2 EPROM
• Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
• Special type of PROM that can be erased
• Erasing is done by exposing to Ultraviolet Light
• Possible to reprogram the ROM
• Erasing can take place multiple times
 1.2.3 EEPROM
• Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory
• Special type of PROM that can be erased
• Erasing is done by exposing to Electrical Charge
• Possible to reprogram the ROM
• Erasing can take place multiple times
• Data in EEPROM requires erasing of data one
byte at a time
 1.3 Cache Memory
• The speed of primary memory is low compared to the speed of the
CPU (Clock speed)
• Therefore response time from the main memory to the CPU ultimately
decreases
• To ensure this another memory called cache memory is attached
between the Main memory and the CPU.
• The unit is called Cache Memory and can match the speed of the CPU.
• Cache Memory is a SRAM.
• Types:
– L1 Cache - internal cache, built directly onto the CPU.
– L2 Cache – Has a slot in the mother board of the computer, if additional space
is required.
 1.4 Registers
• Known as the fastest memory unit
• Stores data and instructions temporarily
• Used by CPU
• Built into the processing unit chip, This memory unit is the
immediate data storage unit
• Anything that happens in a machine is first stored into register and
processed, once processed another is loaded
• Types:-
– Accumulator
– Data Register
– Address register
– Program Counter
 2. Secondary Memory
• Used for long term (permanent) storage
• Used for large storage
• Are separate of the processing system, or we can
say it is located outside of the computer
• CPU cannot access secondary memory directly
• The data is stored in the main memory first, then is
moved to the secondary memory
• Eg: Magnetic Tapes, hard disks, floppy disk, Zip
drive, flash memory, optical storage, SSD etc.
 Memory Hierarchy
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