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Memory Devices
18 questions By Tony R. Kuphaldt
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Question 4 of 18
Determine whether the following recording devices are random access or sequential access, and discuss the advantage(s) of one type of access over the other:
- DVD (disk)
- Audio tape cassette
- CD-ROM (disk)
- ROM memory chip
- Vinyl phonograph record
- Video tape cassette
- Magnetic “hard” drive
- Magnetic bubble memory
- Paper tape (a long strip of tape with holes punched in it)
- RAM memory chip
Reveal answer- DVD (disk) - random access
- Audio tape cassette - sequential access
- CD-ROM (disk) - random access
- ROM memory chip - random access
- Vinyl phonograph record - random access
- Video tape cassette - sequential access
- Magnetic “hard” drive - random access
- Magnetic bubble memory - sequential access
- Paper tape (a long strip of tape with holes punched in it) - sequential access
- RAM memory chip - random access
Be prepared to discuss how each of these recording technologies works, and why each one is either random or sequential access.
Notes:One of the purposes of this question is to get students to realize that “RAM” memory (solid-state, volatile memory “chips” in a computer) is not the only type of data storage device capable of randomly accessing its contents, and that the term “RAM” as it is commonly used is something of a misnomer.
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Question 5 of 18
Define the following acronyms:
- ROM:
- PROM:
- EPROM:
- EEPROM:
- UVEPROM:
Be prepared to explain a few things about each of these memory technologies: how they work, what applications they might be found in, advantages and disadvantages of each.
Reveal answer- ROM: Read-Only Memory
- PROM: Programmable Read-Only Memory
- EPROM: Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
- EEPROM: Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
- UVEPROM: UltraViolet Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
Notes:ROM designations are another set of misnomers that have crept into the electronics lexicon. I mean really, how can anything be both erasable and programmable, but still be read-only?
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Question 6 of 18
Explain the difference between static RAM (“SRAM”) and dynamic RAM (“DRAM”) memory technologies. Which type of memory technology provides faster access of data, and why? Which type of memory technology provides the greatest storage density, and why?
Reveal answerStatic RAM provides the fastest access, while dynamic RAM provides the greatest amount of memory per physical volume (storage density).
Follow-up question: how is refreshing provided for dynamic RAM chips? Is this something taken care of internal to the chip, or must the circuit designer provide external circuitry to refresh the dynamic RAM chip’s memory cells?
Notes:Ask your students where they obtained their information on static versus dynamic RAM technologies. Extra credit for consulting datasheets!
