MEMORY
HIERARCHY
OBJECTIVE
• Study about the various types of memory according to size, cost and speed
MEMORY HIERARCHY
• The memory unit is an essential component in any digital computer since it is needed for storing
program and data
• Not all accumulated information is needed by the CPU at the same time.
• Therefore, it is more economical to use low-cost storage devices to serve as a backup for storing the
information i.e. not currently used by CPU.
MEMORY HIERARCHY
Computer memory hierarchy is a pyramid structure i.e. commonly used to
illustrate the significant differences among memory types.
The memory unit that directly communicates with CPU is called Main
Memory.
Devices that provide backup storage are called Auxiliary Memory
The memory hierarchy system consists of all storage devices employed in a
computer system from the slow by high capacity auxiliary memory to
relatively faster main memory, to even smaller and faster cache memory.
MAIN MEMORY
Most of the main memory in a general-purpose computer is made up of RAM
integrated circuits chips, but a portion of the memory may be constructed with
ROM chips
RAM – Random Access Memory
• Integrated RAM is available in two possible operating modes, static and
dynamic.
• ROM – Read Only Memory
RAM
A RAM chip is better suited for communication with the CPU if it has one or
more control inputs that select the chip when needed.
Read/Write Memory, which initially does not contain any data.
It loses its data once the power is gone off the data is erased.
It is a volatile memory.
RAM Fig.
TYPES OF RAM
Static Ram (SRAM)
Each cell stores bit with a six-transistor (diode) circuit.
Retain value indefinitely, as long as it is kept powered.
Faster and more expensive than DRAM
Dynamic RAM (DRAM)
Each cell stores bit with a capacitor and transistor
Value must be refreshed every 10-100 ms.
Sensitive to disturbances
Slower and cheaper than SRAM
SRAM DRAM
ROM
ROM is used for storing a program that is permanently resident in the
computer and for tables of constants that do not change in value once the
production of the computer is completed.
The ROM portion of main memory is needed for storing an initial program
called bootstrap loader, which is to start the computer software operating when
power is turned off.
ROM Fig.
TYPES OF ROM
PROM- Programmable ROM- by the user using a standard PROM
programmer, by burning some special types of fuses. Once programmed will
not be possible to program it again.
Masked ROM- programmed with its data when the chip is fabricated
EPROM- Erasable ROM, the chip can be erased and chip reprogrammed,
programming process consists in charging some internal capacitors, the UV
light makes that capacitor to leek their charge, thus resetting the chip.
EEPROM- Electrically Erasable PROM, it is possible to modify individual
locations of the memory, leaving others unchanged, one common use of the
EEPROM is in the BIOS of the personal computer.
The main memory construction is costly. Therefore it has to be limited in size.
The main memory is used to store only those instructions and data which are
to be used immediately. However, a computer has to store a large amount of
information. The bulk of the information is stored in the auxiliary memory.
This is also called backing storage and secondary storage. They include hard
disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, USB flash drives, etc.
AUXILIARY MEMORY
Auxillary
Memory
Devices
CACHE MEMORY
If the active portions of the program and data are placed in fast small memory,
the average memory access time can be reduced.
Thus, reducing the total execution time of the program.
Such a fast small memory is referred to as cache memory.
The cache is the fast component in the memory hierarchy and approaches the
speed of the CPU
When CPU needs to access memory, the cache is examined.
L1CACHE MEMORY
L1 cache(2kb- 64KB)
L1 cache is also known as primary cache or level cache. It is the topmost
cache in the hierarchy cache level of a CPU. It is the fastest cache in the
hierarchy
It has a smaller size and a smaller delay because it is usually built in the chip.
SRAM is used for the implementation of the L1.
L2,L3 CACHE MEMORY
L2 Cache (256KB-512KB)
L2 cache is also known as secondary cache or level 2 cache,
It is next to L1 in the cache hierarchy
The data looking for is not found in L1.
L2 is typically implemented using a DRAM.
Most times, L2 is soldered onto the motherboard very close to the chip, but some
processors like Pentium pro deviated from its standard.
L3 Cache (1MB-8MB)
This is the largest among all cache, even though it is slower, it’s still faster then the RAM
VIRTUAL MEMORY
Virtual Memory is imaginary memory. It gives the illusion of the memory
arrangement that is not physically there.
Thank-You
By Akshay Kumar
Roll No.- 06
