Main Memory

This area of the organisation stores information and instructions. The information or data is stored in binary. This is a number system that is used throughout the Percy Processor organisation.

The main memory area contains many different memory locations. Each location, or place, can store 8 binary digits (bits ) of data. Memory is measured in bytes and 1 byte is equal to 8 bits. A binary digit can only be 1 or 0.

Addressing -------------- -----

Main memory has many different locations where information can be stored. Each location has an unique address so that it can easily be found. The principle is similar to houses in a street where each house is given a decimal number to identify it.

The address of any location in memory is given here in binary, although hexadecimal, another number system can sometimes be used. The data contained in each location will also be a binary number. The size of memory is measured in bytes - the more bytes it can store - the bigger the memory size.

You should now be able to convert from binary to decimal and vice-versa. Try the exercise - address1

Extension - investigate memory addressing on the internet by using suitable searches to find out about the following terms :- addressing, location, types of data, kilobyte, megabyte, gigbyte, terabyte, exabyte.

Use table template - click here--- Use mind map template - click here

You should now move on to the Control Unit site.