What is Memory?
Memory devices are digital systems that store data either temporarily or for a long term. Digital computers to hard disks have built-in memory devices that can store the data of users or manufacturers. The data either be in the form of control programs or programs that boot the system. Hence, to store such a huge amount of data the memory devices must have enormous capacity. The challenge is to build memory devices that have large capacities but are cost-effective. The memory devices must be capable of storing both permanent data and instantaneous data.
Memories are made up of registers. Each register in the memory is one storage location. The storage location is also called a memory location. Memory locations are identified using Address. The total number of bits a memory can store is its capacity. A storage element is called a Cell. Each register is made up of a storage element in which one bit of data is stored. The data in a memory are stored and retrieved by the process called writing and reading respectively.
A word is a group of bits where a memory unit stores binary information. A word with a group of 8 bits is called a byte.
A memory unit consists of data lines, address selection lines, and control lines that specify the direction of transfer.
The block diagram of a memory unit is shown below:
Data lines provide the information to be stored in memory. The control inputs specify the direct transfer. The k-address lines specify the word chosen.
When there are k address lines, 2k memory words can be accessed.
Introduction to memory and memory units
In order to save data and instructions, memory is required. Memory is divided into cells, and they are stored in the storage space present in the computer. Every cell has its unique location/address. Memory is very essential for a computer as this is the way it becomes somewhat more similar to a human brain.