1. Memory System
The chapter covers the fundamentals of memory systems, detailing classifications, performance parameters, and types of memory including volatile and non-volatile options. It explains the hierarchical organization of memory, which includes registers, cache, and primary storage. Key concepts like access time, unit of transfer, and various memory technologies are also introduced, alongside characteristics that influence the choice of memory types for different applications.
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What we have learnt
- Memory can be classified into inboard and outboard memory with varied accessibility and speeds.
- Access time and transfer rates are critical parameters that influence memory performance and selection.
- Different memory technologies, like SRAM and DRAM, exhibit distinct trade-offs between speed and cost.
Key Concepts
- -- Access Time
- The time it takes for a memory system to retrieve data after a request.
- -- Transfer Rate
- The speed at which data can be read from or written to memory, measured in bits per second.
- -- Volatile Memory
- Memory that loses stored information when the power is turned off, such as RAM.
- -- Nonvolatile Memory
- Memory that retains stored information even when not powered, such as ROM and flash memory.
- -- Unit of Transfer
- The amount of data (measured in bits) that can be transferred between memory and the CPU in a single operation.
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