What is typical storage hierarchy, Computer Engineering

Assignment Help:

Q. What is typical storage hierarchy?

A typical storage hierarchy is displayed in Figure above. Though Figure shows only block diagram however it includes storage hierarchy:   

Register

Cache memory

Main memory

Secondary Storage and 

Mass Storage. 

As we move up hierarchy we encounter storage elements which have faster access time and higher cost per bit stored as well as slower access time as a result of moving down hierarchy. So cache memory normally has the fastest access time and the smallest storage capacity as well as the highest cost per bit stored. Primary memory (main memory) falls next in storage hierarchy list. On-line, direct-access secondary storage devices like magnetic hard disks make up level of hierarchy just below main memory. Off-line, direct-access and sequential access secondary storage devices like magnetic tape, ZIP disk, Floppy disk and WORM disk etc. fall next in storage hierarchy. Mass storage devices generally referred to as archival storage are at the bottom of storage hierarchy. They are cost-effective for storage of very large quantities of data when fast access time is not essential.

Please note two significant points here: 

  • Size of memory increases as we move down hierarchy.
  • Quantum of data which is transferred between two consecutive memory layers at a time also increases as we go from a higher to lower side. For illustration from main memory to Cache transfer one or a few memory words are accessed at a time while in a hard disk to main memory transfer, a block of about 1 Megabyte is transferred in a single access.

 


Related Discussions:- What is typical storage hierarchy

What are interrupts, What are interrupts?  Interrupt: An interrupt i...

What are interrupts?  Interrupt: An interrupt is a hardware mechanism which enables an external device, classically input/output devices, to send a signal to the CPU. An int

Function wallsintact, We also need to know, given a cell, which of its neig...

We also need to know, given a cell, which of its neighbours has all of its walls intact. Write the function wallsintact that accepts the grid and a list of neighbouring cells and r

Do we require an x server to run in batch mode for gimp, Yes, you have to h...

Yes, you have to have some form of X server (unless you're running Windows, of course). It requires an X server for image processing, and for font manipulation. Though, if you wish

RISC performance using optimizing compilers, Q. RISC Performance using opti...

Q. RISC Performance using optimizing compilers? Performance using optimizing compilers: As instructions are simple compilers can be developed for efficient code organization a

What are the advantages offered by data mining, What are the advantages off...

What are the advantages offered by data mining? Advantages offered through Data Mining are given below: a) Facilitates discovery of knowledge through massive, large data set

Example of shared programming using library routines, Q. Example of shared ...

Q. Example of shared programming using library routines? Think about subsequent set of statements  Process A                                  Process B                  :

What is the use of system.data.dlinq.dll, System.Data.DLinq.dll gives funct...

System.Data.DLinq.dll gives functionality to work with LINQ to SQL.

Database, what are the Database designs to avoid?

what are the Database designs to avoid?

Define entry section and exit section, Define entry section and exit sectio...

Define entry section and exit section. The critical section problem is to design a protocol that the processes can use to cooperate. Every process must request permission to e

Convert a JK flipflop to T type flipflop, With the help of a suitable diagr...

With the help of a suitable diagram, explain how do you convert a JK flipflop to T type flipflop. Ans. As here flip flop is JK flip flop and it is required to convert JK in T.

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd