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Characteristics of memory
Short answer
Key characteristics include location, capacity, unit of transfer, access method (sequential, direct, random, associative), performance (access time, cycle time, transfer rate), physical type, volatility, and organisation. Speed-cost-capacity trade-offs lead to the memory hierarchy.
Explain the key characteristics of computer memory systems.
The main characteristics used to classify and compare computer memory systems are:
| Characteristic | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Where the memory is: internal (registers, cache, main memory), external (disk, tape) | CPU registers, RAM, HDD |
| Capacity | Size: words or bytes for internal, bytes for external | 8 GB RAM, 1 TB disk |
| Unit of transfer | Data moved in one access: word for internal, block for external | Word, block, record |
| Access method | Sequential (tape), direct (disk), random (RAM), associative (cache tag search) | Tape, disk, RAM, cache |
| Performance | Access time (latency), memory cycle time, transfer rate = 1 / cycle time | DRAM access: tens of ns |
| Physical type | Semiconductor, magnetic, optical, magneto-optical | RAM, HDD, CD |
| Physical characteristics | Volatile or non-volatile; erasable or non-erasable | RAM volatile, ROM non-volatile |
| Organisation | Physical arrangement of bits into words | Interleaved memory banks |
Memory design also involves three trade-offs: faster access time means greater cost per bit; greater capacity means smaller cost per bit; and greater capacity means slower access time. A memory hierarchy is used to balance them.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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