Random-Access Memory Issues - Coursework Example

Random Access Memory Name Number Course Tutor Date INTRODUCTION Memory is an electronic component that that has the ability of keeping data for some time. There are those that are classified as internal and others are external memory. The internal memory stores data while when the computer program is running for example random access memory. This is an electronic chip that has short term ability to memorize data. The external memory or auxiliary memory is able to keep the information and data for quite a long time. Example of this type of memory is computer hard drive CD-ROM and DVD-ROM. Random access memory (RAM) is the data storage device that stores the data that is used at the moment when the computer is on and the programs such as operating system, application programs and the data that is processed at that particular time. So that the computer processor can access it at a very short time possible. The reason as to why random access memory is used for this purpose is because the processor can read from it very fast. The only disadvantage with the data stored in the RAM is once the power is off, the stored data is erased. This means that the data is actually stored in the other memory like hard disk so that when you boot the computer, the operating system is first loaded into the RAM then any application program that you open is also loaded then lastly the data that need to be processed. The principle that the RAM uses is that used by short memory in the human brain. When the RAM space is full, the computer uses certain algorithm to replace the data that has been in the RAM for a very long time. This depends on the frequency of that data being accessed by the processor. Unlike the other types of memory which when they are completely full can accept any data that is saved on it, RAM never lack space because of the overlay mechanism of creating space. Comparing the space that a single random access memory has to that of a hard disk, it is far much smaller. RAM is made up of discrete microchips that are grouped to form a module that is fixed on the motherboard of the computer. The advantage of having bigger size of RAM in the computer is that the frequency of the processor reading from the hard disk is reduced. This is a process that takes a very long time delaying the processing seed of the computer. History of RAM Random access memory has undergone three stages in its evolution time. The initial computer memory was stared by John Atenasoff and Clifford Berry between 1939 and 1942 used double rotating drums that were charged. This was replaces by a magnetic core that contained wires made of metals that were interweaved across magnetic rings. It stored the information using the positive and the negative polarity. The latest technology that is still used up to date is the semiconductor technology which uses semiconductor material property of allowing the electricity to pass through. The Intel came up with this type of memory and it was very economical. They started with 64-bit RAM and now they have advanced to even the 800 GB RAM used by the servers (Beyzaei, 2009 Types of RAM and their uses There major types of Random access memory are: Static RAM (SRAM)- This is a type of RAM that is made of a range of 4 to 6 transistors in each memory cell used mainly for cache. It does not have a capacitor. Dynamic random access memory has both transistor and capacitor in every cell. They are designed in pairs FPM RAM is a form of dynamic RAM that provides higher rate of access to data that are read from the same page. It does not require the address of the row any time it reads from but instead it just traces the previous row then move to the succeeding rows. Another type of dynamic RAM is extended data out dynamic RAM (EDO DRAM) that high speed compared to the initial DRAM. The main feature of this type of DRAM is the ability to pick the succeeding block of memory and send the another to the microprocessor concurrently BEDO DRAM (burst EDO RAM) is a EDO DRAM that has the ability of synchronizing the processing of four memory address in one burst. The only weakness of this type of DRAM is its inability accommodates the CPU character of attaining more than 66 MHz Rambus dynamic random access memory is small RAM that has the ability of transmitting data at a speed of 1.6 billion bytes per second. It is a sub-system that is made up of a RAM, RAM controller, and connecting path that links it to the processor and other computer devices such as hard disk. It is applied n building latest multimedia devices like streaming multimedia, 3-D and other appealing multimedia such as interactive games. Recent types DRDRAM or direct Rambus dynamic ram is the recent type of RAM that gives 16 bit bus that connects it to other computer devices. Its speed span up to 800 mhz. its mode of data transfer is pipelining. This type of RAM is standardized such that one can replace the previous RAM in the motherboard by fitting in the motherboard slot that was used by the other. Synchronous dynamic RAM is an improved RAM type that applies the burst mode idea to provide high performance. It has a very high clock speed and it works by combining itself with the buss hat are use by the CPU. It is capable of transferring data at the speed of 133 MHZ. Another type of recent RAM is credit card memory which has all features of DRAM. It can also be a adaptable flash memory that is mounted on the computer. It is called credit card memory because it resembles a credit card in shape (Booker, 2010) Conclusion With the rate at which the RAM evolves, there some new types of random access memory that is able to boot the computer within a very short time. It makes the desktop computers to load the settings instantly when the power is supplied. This is a development that is underway and will soon be functional. The NC state researchers and those of the Silicon Valley are working tirelessly to make sure that this type of memory is availed soon so that the weakness of the desktop in terms of not being able to maintain data when there is an instant power outage. The idea of this invention is using the hard drive and the SD cards or USB stick. As the computer is running the data is stored in the lather memory since they are non-volatile and you are assured of getting them when the power comes back. Though this method is relatively slower, it can be a savior in case of any risk of losing crucial data. Ideally, the device that is invented uses the type of memory that can store data like the volatile memories but can still maintain data in case of power outage. This is because the computer needs not to load the data into the memory again but just restore when you boot and hence reduce the booting time b eliminating the time spend by the computer loading the settings of the operating system and other application programs that you need to process data. Another important factor about this innovation is power saving. Since it can store the data being processed, the computer can take a break from using continuous power supply (Tansberry, 2010) References Beyzaei, M 2009, Computer memory, California State University, Fresno. Booker, L 2010, Computer memory: computer data storage, byte, non-uniform memory access, dynamicr random access memory, static random access memory, General Books LLC. Tansberry, M 2010, Computer memory: important trends and directions, Business Communications Company. Read More