C lassification of Memory

In computers, memory is the most essential component of the normal functioning of

any system. The computer system categorizes the memory for different purposes and
uses. In this section, we have discussed the classification of memory in detail. Also,
we will discuss types of memory, features of memory, RAM, ROM, SRAM,
DRAM, and its advantages and disadvantages.

What is computer memory?

Computer memory is any physical device, used to store data, information or
instruction temporarily or permanently. It is the collection of storage units that stores
binary information in the form of bits. The memory block is split into a small number
of components, called cells. Each cell has a unique address to store the data in
memory, ranging from zero to memory size minus one. For example, if the size of
computer memory is 64k words, the memory units have 64 * 1024 = 65536 locations
or cells. The address of the memory's cells varies from 0 to 65535.

Why do we need a computer memory?

In the computer system, we need computer memory to store various types of data
like text, images, video, audio, documents, etc. We can retrieve it when the data is
required. For example, when we write and execute any computer program, it is
initially stored in primary memory. If the processor does not need particular items for
a longer time, the program or data is automatically saved into the permanent or
secondary memory. Then the data is called from secondary memory to main memory
and performs the execution of codes.

Features of Memory
Following are the different features of the memory system that includes:

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1. Location: It represents the internal or external location of the memory in a

computer. The internal memory is inbuilt in computer memory. It is also
known as primary memory. the example of primary memory are registers,
cache and main memory. Whereas, external memory is the separate storage
device from the computer, such as disk, tape, USB pen drive.
2. Capacity: It is the most important feature of computer memory. Storage
capacity can vary in external and internal memory. External devices' storage
 capacity is measured in terms of bytes, whereas the internal memory is
measured with bytes or words. The storage word length can vary in bits, such
as 8, 16 or 32 bits.
3. Access Methods: Memory can be accessed through four modes of memory.
o DMA: As the name specifies, Direct Memory Address (DMA) is a
method that allows input/output (I/O) devices to access or retrieve data
directly or from the main memory.
o Sequential Access Method: The sequential access method is used in a
data storage device to read stored data sequentially from the computer
memory. Whereas, the data received from random access memory
(RAM) can be in any order.
o Random Access Method: It is a method used to randomly access data
from memory. This method is the opposite of SAM. For example, to go
from A to Z in random access, we can directly jump to any specified
location. In the Sequential method, we have to follow all intervening
from A to Z to reach at the particular memory location.
o Associative Access Method: It is a special type of memory that
optimizes search performance through defined data to directly access
the stored information based on a memory address.
4. Unit of transfer: As the name suggests, a unit of transfer measures the
transfer rate of bits that can be read or write in or out of the memory devices.
The transfer rate of data can be different in external and internal memory.
o Internal memory: The transfer rate of bits is mostly equal to the word
size.
o External memory: The transfer rate of bit or unit is not equal to the
word length. It is always greater than a word or may be referred to
as blocks.
5. Performance: The performance of memory is majorly divided into three parts.
o Access Time: In random access memory, it represents the total time
taken by memory devices to perform a read or write operation that an
address is sent to memory.
o Memory Cycle Time: Total time required to access memory block and
additional required time before starting second access.
 o Transfer rate: It describes the transfer rate of data used to transmit
memory to or from an external or internal memory device. Bit transfer
can be different for different external and internal devices.
6. Physical types: It defines the physical type of memory used in a computer
such as magnetic, semiconductor, magneto-optical and optical.
7. Organization: It defines the physical structure of the bits used in memory.
8. Physical characteristics: It specifies the physical behavior of the memory like
volatile, non-volatile or non-erasable memory. Volatile memory is known as
RAM, which requires power to retain stored information, and if any power loss
has occurred, stored data will be lost. Non-volatile memory is a permanent
storage memory that is used to obtain any stored information, even when the
power is off. Non-erasable memory is a type of memory that cannot be erased
after the manufactured like ROM because at the time of manufactured ROM
are programmed.

Classification of Memory
The following figure represents the classification of memory:

Primary or Main Memory

Primary memory is also known as the computer system's main memory that
communicates directly within the CPU, Auxiliary memory and the Cache memory.
Main memory is used to kept programs or data when the processor is active to use
them. When a program or data is activated to execute, the processor first loads
instructions or programs from secondary memory into main memory, and then the
processor starts execution. Accessing or executing of data from primary memory is
faster because it has a cache or register memory that provides faster response, and it
is located closer to the CPU. The primary memory is volatile, which means the data in
memory can be lost if it is not saved when a power failure occurs. It is costlier than
secondary memory, and the main memory capacity is limited as compared to
secondary memory.

The primary memory is further divided into two parts:

1. RAM (Random Access Memory)

2. ROM (Read Only Memory)

Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the faster types of main memory accessed
directly by the CPU. It is the hardware in a computer device to temporarily store data,
programs or program results. It is used to read/write data in memory until the
machine is working. It is volatile, which means if a power failure occurs or the
computer is turned off, the information stored in RAM will be lost. All data stored in
computer memory can be read or accessed randomly at any time.
There are two types of RAM:

o SRAM
o DRAM

DRAM: DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) is a type of RAM that is used

for the dynamic storage of data in RAM. In DRAM, each cell carries one-bit
information. The cell is made up of two parts: a capacitor and a transistor. The size
of the capacitor and the transistor is so small, requiring millions of them to store on a
single chip. Hence, a DRAM chip can hold more data than an SRAM chip of the same
size. However, the capacitor needs to be continuously refreshed to retain information
because DRAM is volatile. If the power is switched off, the data store in memory is
lost.

Characteristics of DRAM

1. It requires continuously refreshed to retain the data.

2. It is slower than SRAM
3. It holds a large amount of data
4. It is the combination of capacitor and transistor
5. It is less expensive as compared to SRAM
6. Less power consumption
SRAM: SRMA (Static Random-Access Memory) is a type of RAM used to store
static data in the memory. It means to store data in SRAM remains active as long as
the computer system has a power supply. However, data is lost in SRAM when power
failures have occurred.

Characteristics of Static Ram

1. It does not require to refresh.

2. It is faster than DRAM
3. It is expensive.
4. High power consumption
5. Longer life
6. Large size
7. Uses as a cache memory

SRAM Vs. DRAM

SRAM DRAM

It is a Static Random-Access Memory. It is a Dynamic Random Access Memory.

The access time of SRAM is slow. The access time of DRAM is high.

It uses flip-flops to store each bit of information. It uses a capacitor to store each bi
information.

It does not require periodic refreshing to preserve It requires periodically refreshing to pres
the information. the information.

It uses in cache memory. It is used in the main memory.

The cost of SRAM is expensive. The cost of DRAM is less expensive.

It has a complex structure. Its structure is simple.

It requires low power consumption. It requires more power consumption.

Advantages of RAM

o It is a faster type of memory in a computer.

o It requires less power to operate.
 o Program loads much faster
o More RAM increases the performance of a system and can multitask.
o Perform read and write operations.
o The processor can read information faster than a hard disc, floppy, USB, etc.

Disadvantages of RAM

o Less RAM reduces the speed and performance of a computer.

o Due to volatile, it requires electricity to preserve the data.
o It is expensive than ROM
o It is unreliable as compared to ROM
o The Size of RAM is limited.

Read-Only Memory (ROM)

ROM is a memory device or storage medium that is used to permanently store
information inside a chip. It is a read-only memory that can only read stored
information, data or programs, but we cannot write or modify anything. A ROM
contains some important instructions or program data that are required to start or
boot a computer. It is a non-volatile memory; it means that the stored information
cannot be lost even when the power is turned off or the system is shut down.

Types of ROM
There are five types of Read Only Memory:

1. MROM (Masked Read Only Memory):

MROM is the oldest type of read-only memory whose program or data is pre-
configured by the integrated circuit manufacture at the time of manufacturing.
Therefore, a program or instruction stored within the MROM chip cannot be
changed by the user.
2. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory):
It is a type of digital read-only memory, in which the user can write any type
of information or program only once. It means it is the empty PROM chip in
which the user can write the desired content or program only once using the
special PROM programmer or PROM burner device; after that, the data or
instruction cannot be changed or erased.
3. EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory):
It is the type of read only memory in which stored data can be erased and re-
programmed only once in the EPROM memory. It is a non-volatile memory
chip that holds data when there is no power supply and can also store data for
a minimum of 10 to 20 years. In EPROM, if we want to erase any stored data
and re-programmed it, first, we need to pass the ultraviolet light for 40
minutes to erase the data; after that, the data is re-created in EPROM.
4. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory):
The EEROM is an electrically erasable and programmable read only memory
used to erase stored data using a high voltage electrical charge and re-
programmed it. It is also a non-volatile memory whose data cannot be erased
or lost; even the power is turned off. In EEPROM, the stored data can be
erased and reprogrammed up to 10 thousand times, and the data erase one
byte at a time.
5. Flash ROM:
Flash memory is a non-volatile storage memory chip that can be written or
programmed in small units called Block or Sector. Flash Memory is an
EEPROM form of computer memory, and the contents or data cannot be lost
when the power source is turned off. It is also used to transfer data between
the computer and digital devices.

Advantages of ROM
 1. It is a non-volatile memory in which stored information can be lost even
power is turned off.
2. It is static, so it does not require refreshing the content every time.
3. Data can be stored permanently.
4. It is easy to test and store large data as compared to RAM.
5. These cannot be changed accidently
6. It is cheaper than RAM.
7. It is simple and reliable as compared to RAM.
8. It helps to start the computer and loads the OS.

Disadvantages of ROM

1. Store data cannot be updated or modify except to read the existing data.
2. It is a slower memory than RAM to access the stored data.
3. It takes around 40 minutes to destroy the existing data using the high charge
of ultraviolet light.

RAM Vs. ROM

RAM ROM

It is a Random-Access Memory. It is a Read Only Memory.

Read and write operations can be performed. Only Read operation can be performed.

Data can be lost in volatile memory when the Data cannot be lost in non-volatile memory w
power supply is turned off. the power supply is turned off.

It is a faster and expensive memory. It is a slower and less expensive memory.

Storage data requires to be refreshed in RAM. Storage data does not need to be refreshed in RO

The size of the chip is bigger than the ROM The size of the chip is smaller than the RAM chi
chip to store the data. store the same amount of data.

Types of RAM: DRAM and SRAM Types of ROM: MROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM

Secondary Memory
Secondary memory is a permanent storage space to hold a large amount of data.
Secondary memory is also known as external memory that representing the various
storage media (hard drives, USB, CDs, flash drives and DVDs) on which the computer
data and program can be saved on a long term basis. However, it is cheaper and
slower than the main memory. Unlike primary memory, secondary memory cannot
be accessed directly by the CPU. Instead of that, secondary memory data is first
loaded into the RAM (Random Access Memory) and then sent to the processor to
read and update the data. Secondary memory devices also include magnetic disks
like hard disk and floppy disks, an optical disk such as CDs and CDROMs, and
magnetic tapes.

Features of Secondary Memory

o Its speed is slower than the primary/ main memory.

o Store data cannot be lost due to non-volatile nature.
o It can store large collections of different types, such as audio, video, pictures,
text, software, etc.
o All the stored data in a secondary memory cannot be lost because it is a
permanent storage area; even the power is turned off.
o It has various optical and magnetic memories to store data.

Types of Secondary Memory

The following are the types of secondary memory devices:

Hard Disk

A hard disk is a computer's permanent storage device. It is a non-volatile disk that

permanently stores data, programs, and files, and cannot lose store data when the
computer's power source is switched off. Typically, it is located internally on
computer's motherboard that stores and retrieves data using one or more rigid fast
rotating disk platters inside an air-sealed casing. It is a large storage device, found on
every computer or laptop for permanently storing installed software, music, text
documentation, videos, operating system, and data until the user did not delete.
Floppy Disk

A floppy disk is a secondary storage system that consisting of thin, flexible magnetic
coating disks for holding electronic data such as computer files. It is also known as
Floppy Diskette that comes in three sizes like 8 inches, 5.5 inches and 3.5 inches. The
stored data of a floppy disk can be accessed through the floppy disk drive.
Furthermore, it is the only way through a new program installed on a computer or
backup of the information. However, it is the oldest type of portable storage device,
which can store data up to 1.44 MB. Since most programs were larger, that required
multiple floppy diskettes to store large amounts of data. Therefore, it is not used due
to very low memory storage.
CD (Compact Disc)

A CD is an optical disk storage device, stands for Compact Disc. It is a storage device
used to store various data types like audio, videos, files, OS, Back-Up file, and any
other information useful to a computer. The CD has a width of 1.2 mm and 12 cm in
height, which can store approximately 783 MB of data size. It uses laser light to read
and write data from the CDs.
Types of CDs

1. CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory): It is mainly used for bulk size
mass like audio CDs, software and computer games at the time of
manufacture. Users can only read data, text, music, videos from the disc, but
they cannot modify or burnt it.
2. CD-R (Compact Disc Recordable): The type of Compact Disc used to write
once by the user; after that, it cannot be modified or erased.
3. CD-RW (Compact Disc Rewritable): It is a rewritable CD disc, often used to
write or delete the stored data.

DVD Drive/Disc

DVD is an optical disc storage device, stands for Digital Video Display or Digital
Versatile Disc. It has the same size as a CD but can store a larger amount of data
than a compact disc. It was developed in 1995 by Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba and
Philips four electronics companies. DVD drives are divided into three types, such as
DVD ROM (Read Only Memory), DVD R (Recordable) and DVD RW (Rewritable or
Erasable). It can store multiple data formats like audio, videos, images, software,
operating system, etc. The storing capacity of data in DVD is 4.7 GB to 17 GB.
Blu Ray Disc (BD)

Blu Ray is an Optical disc storage device used to store a large amount of data or high
definition of video recording and playing other media files. It uses laser technology
to read the stored data of the Blu-ray Disk. It can store more data at a greater density
as compared to CD/ DVD. For example, compact discs allow us to store 700 MB of
data, and in DVDs, it provides up to 8 GB of storage capacity, while Blu-ray Discs
provide 28 GB of space to store data.

Pen Drive

A pen drive is a portable device used to permanently store data and is also known as
a USB flash drive. It is commonly used to store and transfer the data connected to a
computer using a USB port. It does not have any moveable part to store the data; it
uses an integrated circuit chip that stores the data. It allows the users to store and
transfer data like audio, videos, images, etc. from one computer to any USB pen
drive. The storing capacity of pen drives from 64 MB to 128 GB or more.
Cache Memory

It is a small-sized chip-based computer memory that lies between the CPU and the
main memory. It is a faster, high performance and temporary memory to enhance
the performance of the CPU. It stores all the data and instructions that are often used
by computer CPUs. It also reduces the access time of data from the main memory. It
is faster than the main memory, and sometimes, it is also called CPU memory
because it is very close to the CPU chip. The following are the levels of cache
memory.
 1. L1 Cache: The L1 cache is also known as the onboard, internal, or primary
cache. It is built with the help of the CPU. Its speed is very high, and the size of
the L1 cache varies from 8 KB to 128 KB.
2. L2 Cache: It is also known as external or secondary cache, which requires fast
access time to store temporary data. It is built into a separate chip in a
motherboard, not built into the CPU like the L1 level. The size of the L2 cache
may be 128 KB to 1 MB.
3. L3 Cache: L3 cache levels are generally used with high performance and
capacity of the computer. It is built into a motherboard. Its speed is very slow,
and the maximum size up to 8 MB.

Advantages of Cache Memory

1. Cache memory is the faster memory as compared to the main memory.

2. It stores all data and instructions that are repeatedly used by the CPU for
improving the performance of a computer.
3. The access time of data is less than the main memory.

Disadvantage of Cache Memory

1. It is very costly as compared to the Main memory and the Secondary memory.
2. It has limited storage capacity.

Register Memory
The register memory is a temporary storage area for storing and transferring the
data and the instructions to a computer. It is the smallest and fastest memory of a
computer. It is a part of computer memory located in the CPU as the form of
registers. The register memory is 16, 32 and 64 bits in size. It temporarily stores data
instructions and the address of the memory that is repeatedly used to provide faster
response to the CPU.

Primary Vs. Secondary Memory

Primary Memory Secondary Memory

It is also known as temporary memory. It is also known as a permanent memory.

Data can be access directly by the processor or Data cannot be accessed directly by the
CPU. processor or CPU.

Stored data can be a volatile or non-volatile The nature of secondary memory is always n
memory. volatile.

It is more costly than secondary memory. It is less costly than primary memory.

It is a faster memory. It is a slower memory.

It has limited storage capacity. It has a large storage capacity.

It required the power to retain the data in It does not require power to retain the dat
primary memory. secondary memory.

Examples of primary memory are RAM, ROM, Examples of secondary memory are CD, DVD, H
Registers, EPROM, PROM and cache memory. magnetic tapes, flash disks, pen drive, etc.