Memory

• Memory has N words of

equal length with address
assigned to each.
• A word of data (specified
by address) can be read
from and written into
memory using read/write
control signals.
• Control signals indicate
whether read/write

. Explain the characteristics of memory . [5M]

 1.Location
◦ Onchip:-Present inside the CPU.E.g.Internal registers of the CPU.
◦ Internal:Present on the motherboard.E.g.Cache and Main memory.
◦ External:Only connectors present on the motherboard.E.g Hard disk,CD ROM
 2.Storage capacity
◦ This indicates the amount of data stored in the memory.
◦ It should be as large as possible.
◦ It is expressed in terms of: m X n
◦ Where m=No of memory locations(no of words)
◦ n=no of bits stored per location(word size)
 Transfer Modes
◦ Word Transfer:-Here only the amount of information required is
transferred.E.g:Main Memory to CPU
◦ Block Transfer:-Here more information than what is required is
transferred.E.g Virtual Memory to Main Memory
 4. Access Modes
◦ Serial Access: Locations are accessed one after the other in a sequential
manner.Time of access depends on the location where the dat is
stored.Eg:Magnetic tapes.
 ◦ Random Access:Locations can be accessed in any order.Since the required
location can be accessed directly,time of access is the same for all locations.
E.g:RAM(Random Access Memory)
 Physical Properties
◦ Non-Volatile:-Contents are retained after the power is switched off.Eg:ROM
◦ Volatile:-Here the contents are lost after the power is switched off.Eg:RAM
◦ Erasable:-Here the contents can be changed.Eg:RAM
◦ Non-Erasable:-Here contents cannot be changed.EgROM
Desirable:Non-Volatile and Erasable E.g:Hard-Disk
 Access time(Performance)
◦ This is the time between a request is made and the information is availble.It
should be as low as possible.
 Reliability:- The ability of a system or component to perform its required functions
under stated conditions for a specified period of time. It should be as high as
possible.
 Cost:-This indicates the cost of the memory.
◦ It should be as small as possible.
◦ It is expressed in terms of :Cost/bit