Memory Organization & Hierarchy

Organization of Memory Device Modern memory has the same basic configuration as magnetic core memory although the rings have been replaced with electronic memory cells such as the D-Latch. The cells are arranged so that each …

Memory-Processor Interfacing The previous topic presented the input and output lines for a memory device. These lines are shared across all of the devices that communicate with the processor. If you look at the electrical …

Memory Terminology There are many different purposes for memory in the operation of a computer. Some memory is meant to store data and programs only while the computer is turned on while other memory is …

Characteristic of Hard Drive At the bottom of the hierarchy is long-term, high-capacity storage. This type of storage is slow making a poor choice for the processor to use for execution of programs and data …

Cache RAM Even with increases in hard drive performance, it will never be practical to execute programs or access data directly from these mechanical devices. They are far too slow. Therefore, when the processor needs …

Registers At the top of the memory, the hierarchy is a set of memory cells called registers. A register is a group of latches that have been combined in order to perform a special purpose. …