Memory System Design I
Mostafa Abd‐El‐Barr, Hesham El‐Rewini · 2004
In this chapter, we study the computer memory system. A computer memory is organized in a hierarchy. In such hierarchy, larger and slower memories are used to supplement smaller and faster ones. This observation has since then proven essential in constructing a computer memory. A typical memory hierarchy starts with a small, expensive, and relatively fast unit, called the cache. The cache is followed in the hierarchy by a larger, less expensive, and relatively slow main memory unit. Cache and main memory are built using solid-state semiconductor material. They are followed in the hierarchy by a far larger, less expensive, and much slower magnetic memories that consist typically of the (hard) disk and the tape. Our deliberation in this chapter starts by discussing the characteristics and factors influencing the success of a memory hierarchy of a computer. We then direct our attention to the design and analysis of cache memory. Discussion on the (main) memory unit is conducted in chapter 7. Also discussed in chapter 7 are the issues related to virtual memory design. A brief coverage of the different read-only memory (ROM) implementations is also provided in chapter 7.