There are two kinds of computer memory: primary and secondary. Primary memory is an integral part of the computer system and is accessible directly by the processing unit. RAM is an example of primary memory. As soon as the computer is switched off the contents of the primary memory is lost. The primary memory is much faster in speed than the secondary memory. Secondary memory such as floppy disks, magnetic disk, etc., is located external to the computer. Primary memory is more expensive than secondary memory. Because of this, the size of primary memory is less than that of secondary memory. We will discuss about secondary memory in later lesson.
Computer memory is used to store two things: I) instructions to
execute a program and ii) data. When the computer is doing any job, the data that have to be processed are stored in the primary memory. This data may come from an input device like keyboard or from a secondary storage device like a floppy disk.
As program or the set of instructions is kept in primary memory, the computer is able to follow instantly the set of instructions. For example, when you book ticket from railway reservation counter, the computer has to follow the same steps: take the request, check the availability of seats, calculate fare, wait for money to be paid, store the reservation and get the ticket printed out. The program containing these sequential steps is kept in memory of the computer and is followed for each request.
But inside the computer, the steps followed are quite complex than what we actually see on the monitor or screen. In computer’s memory both programs and data are stored in the binary form. You have already been introduced with decimal number system, that is the numbers 1 to 9 and 0. The binary system has only two values 0 and 1. These are called bits. As human beings, we all understand decimal system but the computer can only understand binary system. It is because a large number of integrated circuits inside the computer can be considered as switches, which can be made ON or OFF. If a switch is ON it is considered 1 and if it is OFF it is 0. A number of switches in different states will give you a message like this: 110101…10. So the computer takes input in the form of 0 and 1 and gives output in the form 0 and 1 only. Is it not absurd if the computer gives outputs as 0’s & 1’s only? But you do not have to worry about. Every number in binary system can be converted to decimal system and vice versa; for example, 1010 meaning decimal 10. Therefore it is the computer that takes information or data in decimal form from you, convert it into binary form, process it producing output in binary form and again convert the output to decimal form to make it understandable.
The primary memory in the computer is in the form of IC’s (Integrated Circuits). These circuits are called Random Access Memory (RAM). Each of RAM’s locations stores one byte of information. (One byte is equal to 8 bits). A bit is an acronym for binary digit, which stands for one binary piece of information. This primary or internal storage section is made up of several small storage locations (ICs) called cells. Each of these cells can store a fixed number of bits called word length.
Each cell has a unique number assigned to it called the address of
the cell and it is used to identify the cells. The address starts at 0 and goes up to (N-1). You should know that the memory is like a large cabinet containing as many drawers as there are addresses on memory. Each drawer contains a word and the address is written on outside of the drawer.
(a) Capacity of Primary Memory
You know that each cell of memory contains one character or one byte of data. So the memory capacity is defined in terms of byte or words. The relation is: 1 kilobyte (KB) =1024 bytes. Thus 64 kilobyte (KB) memory is capable of storing 64x1024 = 32,768 bytes. The memory size ranges from few kilobytes in small systems to several thousand kilobytes in large mainframe and super computers. In your personal computer you will find memory capacity in the range of 32 MB, 64 MB and even 128 MB (MB = Million bytes and 1 MB = 1024 KB).
The following terms related to memory of a computer are discussed below:
Random Access Memory (RAM): The primary storage is referred to as random access memory (RAM) because it is possible to randomly select and use any location of the memory directly for storing and retrieving data. It takes same time to reach any address of the memory whether it is in the beginning or in the last. It is also called read/write memory. The storage of data and instructions inside the primary storage is temporary. It disappears from RAM as soon as the power to the computer is switched off. The memory, which loose its contents on failure of power supply, are known as volatile memories. So now we can say that RAM is volatile memory.
Read Only Memory (ROM): There is another memory in computer, which is called Read Only Memory (ROM). Again it is the ICs inside the PC that form the ROM. The storage of program in the ROM is permanent. The ROM stores some standard processing programs supplied by the manufacturer to operate the personal computer. The ROM can only be read by the CPU but it cannot be changed. The basic input/output program, which is required to start and initialize equipment attached to the PC, is stored in the ROM. The memories, which do not loose their contents on failure of power supply, are known as non-volatile memories. ROM is a non-volatile memory.
PROM: There is another type of primary memory in computer, which is called Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM). You know that it is not possible to modify or erase programs stored in ROM, but it is possible for you to store your program in PROM chip. Once the programs are written it cannot be changed and remain intact even if power is switched off. Therefore, programs or instructions written in PROM or ROM cannot be erased or changed.
EPROM: This stands for Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory, which overcomes the limitations of PROM & ROM. EPROM chip can be programmed time and again by erasing the information stored earlier in it. Exposing the chip for some time to ultraviolet light erases information stored in EPROM. The chip can be reprogrammed using a special programming facility. When the EPROM is in use, information can only be read
Cache Memory: The speed of CPU is extremely high compared to the access time of main memory. Therefore the performance of CPU decreases due to the slow speed of main memory. To minimize the mismatch in operating speed, a small memory chip is attached between CPU and Main memory whose access time is very close to the processing speed of CPU. It is called CACHE memory. CACHE memories are accessed much faster than conventional RAM. It is used to store programs or data currently being executed or temporary data frequently used by the CPU. So cache memory makes main memory to work faster and larger than it really is. It is also very expensive to have bigger size of cache memory and therefore it is available in limited capacity generally KiloBytes.
Registers: The CPU processes data and instructions with high speed. There is also movement of data between various units of computer. It is necessary to transfer the processed data with high speed. So the computer uses a number of special memory units called registers. These are not part of the main memory but they store data or information temporarily and pass it on as directed by the control unit.
INTEXT QUESTIONS
4. Distinguish between bit and byte.
5. Define volatile and non-volatile memory
Write True or False:
(a) There are two kinds of computer memory–primary and secondary.
(b) The computer takes inputs in the form of 0 and 1.
(c) The storage of program and data in the RAM is permanent.
(d) PROM is a secondary memory.
(e) The memories, which do not loose their content on failure of power supply, are known as non-volatile memories.