MEMORY ORGANIZATION

Memory Hierarchy
Memory is used to store programs and data. One memory unit is not sufficient to store all
programs used in a typical computer. Not all the stored information is needed by the
processor at the same time. Therefore low cost storage devices (auxiliary memories such
as magnetic disks and tapes) are used to store the information that is not currently used by
the CPU. The memory unit that communicates directly with thee CPU is called main
memory. Only programs and data currently needed by the processor are stored in main
memory. All other information is stored in auxiliary memory and transferred to main
memory when needed. Diagram
DIAGRAM
The memory hierarchy system consists of all storage devices form the slow and high-
capacity to fast and small-capacity devices. At the bottom of the hierarchy magnetic tapes
are used to store removable files. Next are the magnetic disks used as backup storage.
Next one is main memory, which can directly communicate with the CPU and can
communicate with the auxiliary memory through an I/O processor. Next one is cache
memory used to compensate for the mismatch in operating speeds between CPU and
main memory. The cache is used to store segments of programs that are frequently
needed in the present calculations. Cache memory is placed between the main memory
and the CPU.
In the memory hierarchy system, as the storage capacity increases, the cost of storage
decreases and the access time of the memory become longer. That is small, expensive
memory has high access speed.

Main memory
The main memory is the central storage unit in a computer system. It is used to store
programs and data during the computer operation. The main memory is made up of RAM
integrated circuit chips, and a portion is made up with ROM chips. RAM chips are used
to store programs and data that can change. ROM is used to store programs and data that
are permanent. The ROM portion of main memory is needed for storing initial program
called a bootstrap loader. Boot strap program is the starting program of the computer.
When the power is on, it starts the computer by loading operating system in to the main
memory.
RAM and ROM are available in different sizes. If the memory needed for the computer is
larger than the capacity of one chip, then no. of chips can be connected to form the
required memory size.
RAM chip: The block diagram of a 128 X 8 RAM chip is shown in the figure. The
capacity of the memory is 128 words of 8 bits for one word.So it requires 7 bit address
and 8 bit data bus. CS1,CS2 signals are used to select the chip. When the chip is selected
a read or write operation is performed. So the data bus is bidirectional.
DIAGRAM FUNCTION TABLE
The function table specifies the operation of a RAM chip. It operates only when CS1=1
and CS2=0. And the memory can be placed in a read mode or write mode. When WR=1,
the memory stores a byte of data from the data bus. When RD=1, the contents of the
selected byte is placed into the data bus.
ROM chip: It can only read, so the data bus can only be in output mode.