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Computer - Introduction to Memory

The Role of Memory


The term "memory" applies to any electronic component capable of temporarily storing data. There are two main categories of memories: internal memory that temporarily memorises data while programs are running. Internal memory uses microconductors, i.e. fast specialized electronic circuits. Internal memory corresponds to what we call random access memory (RAM). auxiliary memory (also called physical memory or external memory) that stores information over the long term, including after the computer is turned off. Auxiliary memory corresponds to magnetic storage devices such as thehard drive, optical storage devices such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs, as well as read-only memories.

Technical Characteristics
The main characteristics of a memory are: Capacity, representing the global volume of information (in bits) that the memory can store Access time, corresponding to the time interval between the read/write request and the availability of the data Cycle time, representing the minimum time interval between two successive accesses Throughput, which defines the volume of information exchanged per unit of time, expressed in bits per second Non-volatility, which characterises the ability of a memory to store data when it is not being supplied with electricity

The ideal memory has a large capacity with restricted access time and cycle time, a high throughput and is nonvolatile. However, fast memories are also the most expensive. This is why memories that use different technologies are used in a computer, interfaced with each other and organized hierarchically.

The fastest memories are located in small numbers close to the processor. Auxiliary memories, which are not as fast, are used to store information permanently.

Types of Memories

Random Access Memory


Random access memory, generally called RAM is the system's main memory, i.e. it is a space that allows you to temporarily store data when a program is running. Unlike data storage on an auxiliary memory such as a hard drive, RAM is volatile, meaning that it only stores data as long as it supplied with electricity. Thus, each time the computer is turned off, all the data in the memory are irremediably erased.

Read-Only Memory
Read-only memory, called ROM, is a type of memory that allows you to keep the information contained on it even when the memory is no longer receiving electricity. Basically, this type of memory only has read-only access. However, it is possible to save information in some types of ROM memory. Types of ROM: l Programmable Read Only Memory (PROM): A PROM program is used to record information in the PROM

chip. Information once programmed into the PROM chip is permanent and can not be changed or erased. The process of entering the information into the PROM chip is known as burning the PROM. PROM chips are seldom used in modern day computers, but they still find their use in devices where a permanent ROM is required.

Masked Read Only Memory (MROM): In the masked ROM, the masking and metallisation process

permanently records the information. It is not easy to perform this process as a large infrastructure is required, and therefore, it is usually the manufacturers who perform this process. l Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM ): An EPROM is an erasable PROM. An EPROM

can be (re) programmed using an EPROM programmer. Exposing it to high intensity ultraviolet light for 30 minutes (approximately) can erase the contents of an EPROM chip. An ultra-violet source with a wavelength of 2537A (angstrom) is used for this purpose. The process of changing the contents is not convenient, as the chip has to be removed from the board for exposure to the ultra-violet light source. Another disadvantage is that the user cant erase the contents of a single memory location and the entire memory contents have to be erased. The EPROM chip is cheap, reliable and widely available.

Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM): EEPROM is an electrically erasable

PROM. Using electrical signals can alter the information and that is why the chip need not be removed from the board. One major advantage that this chip has over the EPROM is that even single memory can be altered, i.e., the entire memory need not be erased and reprogrammed unless required. The change in the contents of the EEPROM chip is made in milliseconds, which is much less than the erasing time for EPROM. l Non-Volatile RAM: A non-volatile RAM combines a static RAM and EEPROM. Such a device operates as normal RAM but in case the power fails, the entire contents of the RAM are stored in EEPROM. When the power is restored, the data from EEPROM is transferred back to the RAM.

Flash Memory
Flash memory is a compromise between RAM-type memories and ROM memories. Flash memory possesses the non-volatility of ROM memories while providing both read and write access However, the access times of flash memories are longer than the access times of RAM.

Types of Memory packages Memory package is a small circuit board that contains memory chips. SIMM,DIMM,SODIMM, AND RIMM are some of the memory packages. These packages are the form factors of RAM chip. The installation of a memory depends on the form factors of a RAM. A form factor is the size and shape of the memory packages.

Single In-line Memory Module ( SIMM) SIMM is a small circuit board desingned to hold memory chips. It contains pins for accepting data from the control circuit. These circuit boards or modules are known as apckages. There are various SIMM packages available based on the number of pins it contains. For Example there are 30 pin packages and 72 pin packages. The capacities of a 30-pin package SIMM package are 256 Kb, 1 MB, 2 MB, 4MB,8MB,16MB RAM. It contains 2,4,0r 8 chips per module. A 30-pin SIMM package has a data bus width of 9 bits with 9- bit parity . Parity checks the accuracy of the data transmission. An odd parity and an even parity are the two modes of parity checking. A 72-pin SIMM package has 32-bit data width with 36-bit parity . PS/2 is another term used for the 72pin package . The capacities of a 72- pin package are 1 MB, 2MB, 4MB,8MB,16MB,32MB,64,MB,AND 128MB RAM. It contains 2,4,8,or 16 data chips permodule. FPM DRAM uses a 72-pin package.

Dual In-line Memory Module (DIMM)

DIMM package is also a small circuit board that contains the memory chips. The difference between the SIMM and DIMM is that DIMM is a 168-pin package. The data of the DIMM packages are 64-bit ,72-bit, or 80-bit. A 168-pin DIMM package is available in thr SDRAM, EDO or FPM DRAM chips.

Small outline Dual In-Line Memory Module (SODIMM) Laptops and notebook systems uses this package. It is the smallest version of the DIMM. The SODIMM package has a notch at the bottom of the circuit board. This notch helps in inserting the SODIMM package is the memory socket. SODIMM packages are available with 144 and 200 pins. A 144- pin SODIMM package has 64-bit data path. The FPM DRAM and EDO RAM use this package. The 72 pins on both the sides of the package divide a 144-pin package. A 200-pin SODIMM package has 64-bit data path. PC2 100 memory and pc2700 memory use this package. The 100 pins on both sides of the package divide a 200-pin package .

Micro DIMM Micro DIMM stands for MIcro Dual Inline Meory Module. This package is smaller than DIMM and SODIMM packages. The sub-notebook systems use these memory packages. The Micro DIMM package pins connect the memory module with the memory socket. These pins provide two communication lines for the module and the system. This Package does not have the notch at the bottom. Micro DIMM packages are vailable with 144 and 172 pins.

Rambus Inline Memory Module (RIMM) RDRAM chip uses the RIMM memory package . This package is same as the DIMM package. It only differs in the pin configuration. The high bandwidth and the low latency application use this memory package . The RIMM package has a data storage speed of 600 MHz, 711 MHz, 800 MHz and 1066 MHz. It has 184 connecting pins. The distance between each pn in the RIMM package is 1mm. This package starts opearting from 2.5 voltage supply. The RIMM package are available in 16-bit data buses 32-bit data buses, and 64-bit data buses. The memory bandwidth of the RIMm package is up to 9.6 GB per second.

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