Inside the Memory

Computer Memory comes in two basic types : RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory).

In memory, each types of memory has number of cells (storage location) and each cell has unique address. The lowest address is typically '0' and highest address is determined by processor. This range of address is known as machine address space. When computer wants to read/write a location in memory it needs to do 2 things :

1. Specify an address
2. Read or write an address location

 This is done by placing the address on address bus where it is carried to memory/processor. Processor also specifies whether it wants to read/write on specified location. If the processor specifies writes or read operation, then the processor places information on the data bus, address on the address bus and copies the data to the specified location. This mechanism supports JVIV architecture.