Storage Devices

Types:
1. Temporary storage
- stores data temporarily while its in use
Ex. RAM, ROM
Read-Only Memory(ROM)
- data cannot be changed, as its name implies
- it is non-volatile( which means that it can keep
its contents even without power source)
- ideal for storing the PCs startup instructions and
system BIOS

Types of ROM:
1. PROM (programmable read-only
memory)
- this type of ROM chip is programmed
using a special type of programming
device called a PROM burner which
permanently stores machine
language code on the PROM chip.

2. EPROM(Erasable Programmable
read-only memory)
- type of ROM that can be
programmed and reused
- has a quartz window on the face of
the chip that exposes the chips
interior circuit. When ultraviolet(UV)
light is shined through this window,
it causes a chemical reaction that
erases the EPROM

ROM with BIOS

BIOS: Basic Input/Output System

3. EEPROM(Electronically erasable
programmable read-only memory)
- can be programmed like the EPROM
but it doesnt need to be removed
from the PC, can be reprogrammed,
a process called flashing, using a
specialized software that runs on
your PC.
- also referred to as flash ROM

b. RAM(Random Access Memory)

- is used in the PC for its primary memory
- where all active programs and data are stored
so that they are readily available and easily
accessed by the CPU and other components of
the PC.
- a volatile form, when it loses its power, it loses
its contents.
- much faster than a hard disk(8 to 16
milliseconds to access data)
- RAM(50 to 80 nanoseconds)
Random Access refers to the ability to access a
single storage location in RAM without touching
the locations that neighbor it.

Random Access Memory

UNIT of Measure
Unit
Size
Bit
One binary digit

Byte
Word
Kilobyte(KB)

Description
stores either binary 0 or 1

Eight bits
16 to 64 bits

one character
numeric values and addresses

1 thousand bytes

Megabytes(MB) 1 million bytes

Gigabyte(GB)

1 billion bytes

Terabyte(TB)

1 trillion bytes

Petabyte(PB)

1 quadrillion bytes

about one page of

double-spaced text
about the size of a short
book
1,000 short books
an entire library
just about all libraries
in the US

RAM Operations :
CPU

1. CPU requests data from RAM

CPU
REGISTERS
3. Data moves to CPU registers

RAM
2. RAM locates data and is ready to transfer

RAM Types :
1. Static RAM
- faster than DRAM, but is much more
expensive and requires a much larger
physical space to store the same amount of
data as DRAM.
- most commonly used for cache memory
(located between the processor and RAM,
holds data and instructions that it gets
from RAM to provide high-speed access by
the processor)

2. DRAM (Dynamic RAM)

- is inexpensive and stores the largest
number of bits in the smallest
amount of physical space.
- has a cell, which stores one bit and
made up of capacitor(stores either
positive or negative voltage value
that is used to represent 1 or 0
values)

Types of DRAM :
DIP Packaging
- mounted into
individual sockets
directly on the
motherboard in banks
of four or more chips.
- found in older
systems(386DX)

SIMM(Single Inline
Memory Module)
- earliest type of
memory module
- consists of DRAM
chips soldered to a
small circuit board
with either a 30 or 72
pin connector
- storage capacity that
ranges from 1 MB to
128MB

DIMM(Dual Inline
Memory Modules)
- 168-pin module
includes DRAM
memory on both sides
of the module and
supports larger
amounts of memory
capacity.

2. Secondary storage
- stores data permanently
Ex. Hard disk, floppy disk
Hard disk
Major Components
1. Disk plattersprimary unit of a hard
disk
- its disks are the storage media for the disk
drive and it is on them that the data is
actually recorded
- materials used are aluminum and alloys
and glass

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

2. Spindle Motor
- is a brushless and sensorless DC motor that is
attached directly to the disk spindle
- motor that rotates the spindle and the disks
mounted to it.
Two types of spindle motor :
1. in-hub motors
- placed inside the HAD
2. bottom-mount motors
- attached to the spindle outside the HAD

3. Storage media
- the magnetic material that holds on
the platters
- thin layer of magnetic substance in
which electromagnetic data is stored.
4. Read/Write Heads
- are connected to the same actuator
mechanism, which moves the heads
in unison in and out, from the spindle
to the edge of the platter.

5. Head Actuators
- used to move3 the read/write heads
of the hard disk
- used to extend and retract the heads
so that data can be read from or
written to the disk platters.
Example : stepper motor actuator
voice coil actuators

7. Air filters
- sealed permanently inside the HAD and never to
be changed
- designed to last the life of the drive
Two filters :
Recirculating filter
- is to trap any particles of media that may
scraped off the disks by the read/write heads or
any small particles that may have been trapped
in the HDA during manufacturing.
Barometric or breather filter
- a vent that allows to equalize the air pressure.

8. Connectors and jumpers

Three types :
1. data connector or interface connector
- carries both the data and command
signals from the controller and CPU to and
from the disk drive.
2. power connector
- is the standard power connector available
from the PCs power supply that supplies
the disk
3. jumpers
- are used to configure the drive as a
master or slave on a shared interface, as
well as other configuration settings.

COMPACT DISC-READ-ONLY-MEMORY (CDROM)

Holds 640 million bytes of data

The most common method of software
distribution and data storage

DIGITAL VERSATILE/VIDEO DISC

(DVD)
Can store the equivalent of 17
gigabytes (GB) or about 25 times
more than the CD-ROM
Can store hours of high quality audio
visual content such as the full-length
movie
Drives are able to read CD formatting
Uses a read mechanism that includes
dual focus pick-up to read the disc

EXPANSION CARDS
Used to improve video performance,
add or improve the sound system,
additional or new ports or
connectors, provide a network
connection.
Improve or add capabilities of a PC

Expansion Buses
ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
- 16 bit card
EISA(Extended ISA) 32 bits card
VESA local bus (Video Electronics Standards
Association) for 486 processors
PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- common on PCs today
AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
- developed to improve 3D graphics

COMPUTER HARDWARE
DIAGRAM