1.

Memory Units

A memory unit is a fundamental part of a computer machine that performs a vital function
for storing and retrieving information and instructions.

Memory is divided into cells, and they are stored in the storage space present in the
computer. Every cell has its unique location/address. Memory is very essential for a
computer as this is the way it becomes somewhat more similar to a human brain.

Memories are made up of registers. Each register in the memory is one storage location.
The storage location is also called a memory location. Memory locations are identified
using Address. The total number of bits a memory can store is its capacity. A storage
element is called a Cell. Each register is made up of a storage element in which one bit of
data is stored. The data in a memory are stored and retrieved by the process called writing
and reading respectively.

Memory units have distinct purposes, including primary and secondary memories. Memory
units are the digital brains of a PC or laptop, allowing it to systematize, hold, and consider
facts as desired. They are vital for the functioning of every hardware and software component
of a computer system, making them a vital part of any computing device.

Importance of Memory Units

o Speed: Memory units make it possible to store and retrieve instructions and data
quickly, which reduces processing instances and boosts overall system performance.
This is crucial when handling huge amounts of data or operating complicated
programs.
o Temporary storage: Memory units serve as temporary storage for data and programs
that are currently in use, allowing users to quickly move between programs and files
without waiting for data to be loaded from a storage device.
o Multitasking: Memory units allow computer systems and different digital devices to
do many tasks simultaneously because they can store and retrieve data for multiple
programs simultaneously.
o Reliability: Memory devices are extremely reliable because they're made to resist
normal wear and tear. They are a strong and reliable storage option because they are
less vulnerable to damage from outside forces like shock or vibration.
o Accessibility: Memory units are readily available and can be quickly updated or
changed. This makes increasing a system's memory capacity simple, enabling users to
manage more data and execute demanding programs.
o Energy efficiency: Memory units use less power than standard hard drives, resulting
in lower heat generation and reduced cooling requirements. This makes them more
energy-efficient, specifically crucial for devices like smartphones and laptops with
limited battery life.
Types of memory units

Different kinds of memory units are utilized in computers, and each has its own purpose.
Let's observe some common types:

Measurements of memory units

Memory units are used to measure and represent data. These units, which can be measured in
bits and bytes, offer a technique to estimate the volume of data which can be stored in a
specific device or system. Some of the commonly used memory units are:

Types of Computer Memory

In general, computer memory is of three types:
 Primary memory
 Secondary memory
 Cache memory
Now we discuss each type of memory one by one in detail:
1. Primary Memory
It is also known as the main memory of the computer system. It is used to store data
and programs or instructions during computer operations. It uses semiconductor technology
and hence is commonly called semiconductor memory. Primary memory is of two types:
 RAM (Random Access Memory): It is a volatile memory. Volatile memory stores
information based on the power supply. If the power supply fails/ interrupted/stopped,
all the data and information on this memory will be lost. RAM is used for booting up or
start the computer. It temporarily stores programs/data which has to be executed by
the processor. RAM is of two types:
o S RAM (Static RAM): S RAM uses transistors and the circuits of this
memory are capable of retaining their state as long as the power is applied.
This memory consists of the number of flip flops with each flip flop storing
1 bit. It has less access time and hence, it is faster.
o D RAM (Dynamic RAM): D RAM uses capacitors and transistors and
stores the data as a charge on the capacitors. They contain thousands of
memory cells. It needs refreshing of charge on capacitor after a few
milliseconds. This memory is slower than S RAM.
 ROM (Read Only Memory): It is a non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory stores
information even when there is a power supply failed/ interrupted/stopped. ROM is
used to store information that is used to operate the system. As its name refers to read-
only memory, we can only read the programs and data that is stored on it. 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. ROM is of four types:
o MROM(Masked ROM): Hard-wired devices with a pre-programmed
collection of data or instructions were the first ROMs. Masked ROMs are a
type of low-cost ROM that works in this way.
o PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory): This read-only memory is
modifiable once by the user. The user purchases a blank PROM and uses
a PROM program to put the required contents into the PROM. Its content
can’t be erased once written.
o EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory): EPROM is an
extension to PROM where you can erase the content of ROM by exposing it
to Ultraviolet rays for nearly 40 minutes.
o EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only
Memory): Here the written contents can be erased electrically. You can
delete and reprogramme EEPROM up to 10,000 times. Erasing and
programming take very little time, i.e., nearly 4 -10 ms(milliseconds). Any
area in an EEPROM can be wiped and programmed selectively.
2. Secondary Memory
It is also known as auxiliary memory and backup memory. It is a non-volatile memory and
used to store a large amount of data or information. The data or information stored in
secondary memory is permanent, and it is slower than primary memory. A CPU cannot
access secondary memory directly. The data/information from the auxiliary memory is first
transferred to the main memory, and then the CPU can access it.
Characteristics of Secondary Memory
 It is a slow memory but reusable.
 It is a reliable and non-volatile memory.
 It is cheaper than primary memory.
 The storage capacity of secondary memory is large.
 A computer system can run without secondary memory.
 In secondary memory, data is stored permanently even when the power is off.
Types of Secondary Memory
1. Magnetic Tapes: Magnetic tape is a long, narrow strip of plastic film with a thin,
magnetic coating on it that is used for magnetic recording. Bits are recorded on tape as
magnetic patches called RECORDS that run along many tracks. Typically, 7 or 9 bits are
recorded concurrently. Each track has one read/write head, which allows data to be
recorded and read as a sequence of characters. It can be stopped, started moving forward or
backward, or rewound.
2. Magnetic Disks: A magnetic disk is a circular metal or a plastic plate and these plates
are coated with magnetic material. The disc is used on both sides. Bits are stored in
magnetized surfaces in locations called tracks that run in concentric rings. Sectors are
typically used to break tracks into pieces.

3. Optical Disks: It’s a laser-based storage medium that can be written to and read. It is
reasonably priced and has a long lifespan. The optical disc can be taken out of the computer
by occasional users.
Types of Optical Disks
CD – ROM
 It’s called compact disk. Only read from memory.
 Information is written to the disc by using a controlled laser beam to burn pits on the
disc surface.
 It has a highly reflecting surface, which is usually aluminium.
 The diameter of the disc is 5.25 inches.
 16000 tracks per inch is the track density.
 The capacity of a CD-ROM is 600 MB, with each sector storing 2048 bytes of data.
 The data transfer rate is about 4800KB/sec. & the new access time is around 80
milliseconds.
WORM-(WRITE ONCE READ MANY)
 A user can only write data once.
 The information is written on the disc using a laser beam.
 It is possible to read the written data as many times as desired.
 They keep lasting records of information but access time is high.
 It is possible to rewrite updated or new data to another part of the disc.
 Data that has already been written cannot be changed.
 Usual size – 5.25 inch or 3.5 inch diameter.
 The usual capacity of 5.25 inch disk is 650 MB,5.2GB etc.
DVDs
 The term “DVD” stands for “Digital Versatile/Video Disc,” and there are two sorts of
DVDs:
o DVDR (writable)
o DVDRW (Re-Writable)
 DVD-ROMS (Digital Versatile Discs): These are read-only memory (ROM) discs that
can be used in a variety of ways. When compared to CD-ROMs, they can store a lot
more data. It has a thick polycarbonate plastic layer that serves as a foundation for the
other layers. It’s an optical memory that can read and write data.
 DVD-R: DVD-R is a writable optical disc that can be used just once. It’s a DVD that
can be recorded. It’s a lot like WORM. DVD-ROMs have capacities ranging from 4.7 to
17 GB. The capacity of 3.5 inch disk is 1.3 GB.
3. Cache Memory
It is a type of high-speed semiconductor memory that can help the CPU run faster. Between
the CPU and the main memory, it serves as a buffer. It is used to store the data and
programs that the CPU uses the most frequently.
Advantages of Cache Memory
 It is faster than the main memory.
 When compared to the main memory, it takes less time to access it.
 It keeps the programs that can be run in a short amount of time.
 It stores data in temporary use.
Disadvantages of Cache Memory
 Because of the semiconductors used, it is very expensive.
 The size of the cache (amount of data it can store) is usually small.