UNIT - 4: Memory Organization (SEM1_MCA_MAKAUT) - ShortNotes

Completed by: SURYENDU PAN (8617717649 / 7872974443 )

Basic Concepts:
● Memory: A fundamental component in
a computer system used for storing

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data and instructions.
● Address: A unique identifier assigned

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to each memory location.
● Bit: The fundamental unit of
information, represented by 0 or 1.
● Byte: A group of 8 bits, typically used

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to store characters.
● Word: A collection of bytes treated
as a single unit by the processor,

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ranging in size depending on the
architecture.
● Data: Information stored in memory.
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Access Time: The time it takes to retrieve data from or store data into memory.
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Semiconductor RAM Memories:
● Random Access Memory (RAM): Volatile memory used for temporary storage of data and program
instructions.
● Dynamic RAM (DRAM): Requires periodic refreshing to maintain data integrity.
● Static RAM (SRAM): Faster and more expensive than DRAM, doesn't require refreshing.
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● Types: DDR (Double Data

Rate), SDRAM (Synchronous
DRAM), etc.
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Read-only Memories:
● ROM: Non-volatile memory
used for storing firmware and
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permanent data.
● PROM: Programmable ROM,
One-time programmable, often
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used for configuration settings.

● EPROM: Erasable
Programmable ROM, can be
reprogrammed after being
erased with UV light.
● EEPROM: Electrically
Erasable Programmable ROM, can be reprogrammed electrically.
● Flash Memory: A popular type of EEPROM used in USB drives and solid-state storage.
Direct Memory Access (DMA):
● Concept: is a technique that allows certain hardware devices to transfer data directly to or from the
main memory of a computer, bypassing the central
processing unit (CPU). This significantly improves
the overall system performance, especially for tasks
involving large data transfers.
● DMA Controller: Hardware component that allows
devices to access memory directly without involving

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the CPU.
● Improves Performance: Reduces CPU overhead

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and allows for faster data transfers between devices
and memory.

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Memory Hierarchy:
● Registers: Fastest and smallest
type of memory located inside
the CPU.

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● Cache Memory: High-speed
memory located between the
CPU and main memory, used to
store frequently accessed data.
● Main Memory (RAM): Slower
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than cache but larger in size.
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● Secondary Storage: Slower
and larger than main memory,
used for long-term storage (e.g.,
hard drives, SSDs).
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Cache Memories:
● Cache Levels: L1, L2, L3, indicating proximity to the CPU (L1 being closest).
● Cache Coherency: Ensures that data stored in multiple caches remains consistent.
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● Cache Replacement Policies: Determines which data to evict from the cache when it becomes full
(e.g., LRU - Least Recently Used).
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Performance Considerations:
● Latency vs. Throughput: Latency refers to the time taken to access a single piece of data, while
throughput refers to the rate of data transfer.
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● Memory Bandwidth: Maximum rate of data transfer between the memory and other components.

Virtual Memory:
● Concept: Allows for the illusion of having more memory than physically available. Uses a combination
of RAM and secondary storage.
● Page Tables: Used to map virtual addresses to physical addresses.
● Paging: Divides the process's virtual address space and physical memory into fixed-size blocks called
pages.
● Segmentation: Divides the process's virtual address space into logical segments based on data type
or function (code, data, stack). Segments can be of varying sizes.
Memory Management Requirements:
● Memory Allocation: Assigning memory blocks to processes as needed.
● Memory Protection: Preventing unauthorized access to memory locations.
● Memory Sharing: Allowing multiple processes to access the same memory region.

Secondary Storage:
● Hard Disk Drives (HDD): Traditional magnetic storage devices with rotating platters.

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● Solid State Drives (SSD): Faster and more durable than HDDs, use flash memory for storage.
● Optical Drives: CD, DVD, and Blu-ray drives used for long-term data storage.

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