Various types of Memory

Introduction

Computer memory is a generic term for all of the different types of data storage technology that a computer may use, including RAM, ROM, and flash memory. Some types of computer memory are designed to be very fast, meaning that the central processing unit (CPU) can access data stored there very quickly.

Here in this blog, we will discuss the various type of memory in computers.

Getting Started

In computing, memory refers to a device that is used to store information for immediate use in a computer or related computer hardware device. It typically refers to semiconductor memory, specifically metal–oxide–semiconductor memory, where data is stored within MOS memory cells on a silicon integrated circuit chip.

The computer memory can be divided into distinct parts as below.

Registers

Registers are a type of computer memory used to quickly accept, store, and transfer data and instructions that are being used immediately by the CPU. The registers used by the CPU are often termed as Processor registers.

The registers are locations within the microprocessor where data stored temporarily during processing. Some registers are accessible by users through instructions. Others are reserved for the use of the CPU to perform its activities.

Internal cache

A cache is a small high-speed memory that contains frequently used data. The use of cache avoids repeated reading of data from the slower main memory. The internal cache is located within the microprocessor.

External cache

An external cache is any cache memory that is not built into a CPU chip. The external cache is designed to provide high-speed data storage and processing services to the computer processor, it’s primary/native cache, and the main memory. An external cache is also known as a secondary cache.

The external cache is used to supplement the internal cache, it is used when an internal cache is not present. It is placed between the CPU and the main memory.

Main memory

Main memory stores the data and instructions required by the microprocessor. The main memory is also called RAM. microprocessor instructions can directly access main memory locations. The main memory is fast but expensive. It is volatile so the contents stored will be lost when the power supply is cut off.

Secondary memory

Secondary memory refers to storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives. It may also refer to removable storage media, such as USB flash drives, CDs, and DVDs. Unlike primary memory, secondary memory is not accessed directly by the CPU.

All the data and programs required by the computer cannot be stored in the main memory because it is small in size and volatile. Secondary memory is needed to store data which is not currently required by the microprocessor. It is slower and less expensive than the main memory but non-volatile and larger in size.

Summary

Though various types of memory are there in computer based on the use, peromarmance and requirement the microprocessor can access various types of memory hierarchy up to the main memory. I hope you have enjoyed it a lot

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