Hierarchy of Memory

Hierarchy of Memory

Memory hierarchy Main Memory: memory unit that communicates directly with the CPU (RAM). Hierarchy of Memory


Auxiliary Memory: device that provide backup storage (Disk Drives) Example of auxiliary memory: magnetic disks and tapes.  They are used for storing system programs, large data files, and other backup information  Only program programs and data currently needed by the processor reside in main memory.  All other information is stored in auxiliary memory and transferred to main memory when needed.

Memory hierarchy system consists of all storage devices from the slow but high-capacity auxiliary memory to relatively faster main memory, to an even smaller and faster cache memory.

Magnetic tapes used to store removable files and disks used as backup storage.  CPU communicates with auxiliary memory through I/O processor. 

Cache Memory: special very-high-speed memory to increase the processing speed (Cache RAM)

It is used to compensate the speed differential between main memory access time and processor logic.

CPU logic is faster than main memory access.

So small cache employed between CPU and main memory whose access time is close to processor logic clock cycle.

So it is possible to increase the performance rate of the computer.

As the storage capacity of the memory increases, the cost per bit for storing binary information decreases and the access time of the memory becomes longer.

Example

Auxiliary memory has a large storage capacity, is relatively inexpensive, but has low access speed compared to main memory.

The cache memory is very small, relatively expensive, and has very high access speed.

Goal of memory hierarchy

To obtain the highest-possible average access speed while minimizing the total cost.

Ratio

Access time ratio between cache and main memory is about 1 to 7.

For Example

Cache memory may have an access time of 100ns, while main memory access time may be 700ns.

Auxiliary memory average access time is usually 1000 times that of main memory.

Block Size

Block size in auxiliary memory typically ranges from 256 to 2048 words, while cache block size is typically from 1 to 16 words.

Multiprogramming

Multiprogramming refers to the existence of two or more programs in different parts of the memory hierarchy at the same time.

For example, when one program is waiting for input or output transfer, there is another program ready to utilize the CPU.

Memory management

A program with its data normally resides in auxiliary memory. When the program or a segment of the program is to be executed, it is transferred to main memory to be executed by the CPU.  It is the task of the operating system to maintain in main memory a portion of this information that is currently active.
3.  The part of the computer system that supervises the flow of information between auxiliary memory and main memory is called the memory management system.

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