Memory Types and CPU

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to memory types, CPU architecture, and memory operations as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is RAM?

Random Access Memory; a memory unit composed of a collection of storage cells used for reading/writing data.

Primary Memory Types

Includes DRAM, SRAM, Flash, and ROM.

Dynamic RAM (DRAM)

Stores binary information in electric charges on capacitors and must be refreshed periodically.

Static RAM (SRAM)

Uses flip-flops to store binary information, faster and more expensive than DRAM.

Memory Capacity Conversion

1 Kilobyte (KB) = 1024 Bytes, 1 Megabyte (MB) = 1024 KB, 1 Gigabyte (GB) = 1024 MB.

Cache Memory

A type of fast memory that stores frequently accessed data to speed up data retrieval.

Control Bus

Carries control signals and commands from the CPU to coordinate and control device operations.

Address Bus

Carries the addresses of data between the processor and memory, but not the data itself.

Data Bus

Carries the actual data between the processor, memory unit, and input/output devices.

Memory Unit Requirement

A memory unit must be addressable and has a unique sequence of binary numbers to identify it.

Read Operation Steps

1. Apply binary address to address lines. 2. Activate the read input to transfer data.

Write Operation Steps

1. Apply binary address to address lines. 2. Apply data bits to be stored. 3. Activate the write input.

Binary Data

Information represented in a binary format that can be read or written in memory.

ROM

Read Only Memory; non-volatile memory that retains information without power.

Fetch-Execute Cycle

The process through which the CPU fetches an instruction from memory, decodes it, executes it, and stores the results.