UNIVERSAL MEMORY – RESEARCH PROJECT
What a Process!
Computer Memory
How long does your computer take to
power up?
Do you know the multiple processes
your computer goes through in the
start up process?
Is there a way to make it faster?
Let’s first look at the process a
computer goes through from
powering on, to displaying the log in
screen.
Figure 1: Obtained from: www2.fin.ucar.edu
1. Power on
2. The computer will do a ‘Power On Self-Test’ (POST) to ensure all major parts are
working properly. Information obtained for the ‘POST’ is obtained from ROM (ReadOnly Memory).
3. The memory controller performs a read/write memory test; information will be written
on a memory bit and then read from that bit. This ensures that there are no errors with
the memory chips.
4. Now the computer needs to load all the ‘basic input/output system’ (BIOS) information,
including boot sequence, storage devices, security, device recognition (plug and play)
and more.
5. The OS (operating system) is loaded from the hard drive into the system’s Ram The
operating system will run from the RAM while the computer is on.
6. The log in screen is displayed.
7. Every application or file opened, once logged in, is loaded into RAM, as RAM provides
quick temporary storage for everything running on the computer.
8. As the computer runs, all the information required for something to load or open, is in
the RAM, this allows the CPU to quickly and efficiently access information, process it and
write new data back to RAM. This happens millions of times every second, as RAM in a
desktop computer can remember for 0.01 seconds, and must refresh itself using power.
The start up process does take a few minutes. Even keeping multiple applications open
simultaneously can result in delays, as the RAM gets loaded, and it takes longer to access the
information, as there is more to sort through.
Watch the following video:
How computer memory works:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4ihOCocaVw
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QUESTION: Why does the computer need to go to the RAM? Why can’t it run from the hard
drive?
A. Running from the RAM enhances the performance and functionality of the overall
system.
QUESTION: Why is RAM only temporary storage?
A. This is where the CPU accesses information for all programs and files running
(even those running in the background). If the RAM also stored permanent
information, there would be a lot more for the CPU to sort through when opening
or making changes to even the simplest document.
QUESTION: What happens to new changes made and written back to RAM when the
application is closed?
A. They disappear. This is why it is so important to save anything you were working
on. Ram is only temporary storage while the application is running. So if you close
files, you need to save them to a folder outside of RAM (a permanent storage
device) as they will be purged from RAM, to make space for other applications to
run.
Figure 2: Image from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/computer-memory1.htm
As you can see in Figure 2 above, permanent storage includes components that are part of the
computer and some that are removable. Data can be stored on any of these for future access.
However the applications that your data requires (such as word or powerpoint), are located
on the hard drive, and will require RAM to open
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Size Matters!
It is very common for people to have some form of a personal computer with them, such as
smartphones and tablets. These devices are capable of storing quite a lot of data, despite their
small size. Devices continually become smaller and lighter as better materials are being used
to store more bits. The ability to store large amounts of data in small devices has improved
exponentially and continues to do so.
Figure 3: Image obtained from www.dailytech.com
It’s still not fast enough!
The efficiency of computers and mobile devices have improved, there is still lag time when
starting up any type of computer device. Memory still needs to be transferred to RAM to be
accessed.
The need for instant access is
translated into devices rarely
being turned off. Rather, devices
are put to ‘sleep’, or placed on
silent. People choose not to turn
off our devices because it takes
too long for them to start up, and
retrieve missed messages, or
access information instantly. This
need for instant access, means
applications are left open for
lengthy periods of time, thus
causing RAM to continually use
power to refresh itself every 0.01
seconds. This results in shorter
battery life.
Figure 4:Image obtained from www.publicdomainpictures.net
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Research in Nano Technology
The nanotechnology department at the University of Alberta is developing ‘Universal
Memory’. The purpose of Universal memory is to enable RAM and ROM functions to be
integrated into a single element inside a computer, so that you can power a computer or
device and it will immediately load the home screen, within a few seconds. The researchers
are attempting to understand the physical and chemical processes that determine things such
as device switching time (how long it takes to go from a 1 to a 0), retention time (how long
the device can remember that it is supposed to be a 1).
Their method to developing technology that may be useful in this area is to form a type of
flash-like memory that would be able to retain information for a very long time (like a hard
drive) and also switch really fast (like current RAM). This may be enabled by using nanomaterials in new electronic topologies that have not been explored in semi-conductor
manufacturing.
As with developing any technology, there are numerous trials and errors as different
materials are tested. Some are really slow, others are ‘forgetful’, where other don’t switch at
all.
They will usually learn that a particular class of materials may be a good candidate for the
organic part of the devices, and then begin testing these. In addition, they have gone through
numerous geometric designs, and find that some are suited to fast switching, others are better
for remembering, and so on.
QUESTION: How could Universal Memory work?
A. There would be no need for a program to store data on a hard drive and then
access this separately via a different mechanism in order to process and display
information. It might then be possible for operating system boot times
to be very fast.
QUESTION: What if NINT researchers work for years and still don’t come up with a solution to
the problem? Isn’t that wasted time and money?
B. As always in research, there is a good chance of the idea not working at all for the
intended function, but that you will learn something that is needed for a different
problem. These solutions can then be critical for the success of something that you
never thought possible.
Define the following terms:
1. Bit
2. Byte
3. ROM
4. RAM
5. Cache
6. Hard drive
7. Operating System (OS)
8. Non-volatile Flash memory
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Your Task
The University of Alberta Nanotechnology researchers know that they are not the first people
to attempt to find a way to make operating systems boot up instantly. There have been many
other types of memory researched previously. The researchers are busy trying to find new
materials, and determine their behavior at the atomic level, as a single atom of an element will
behave differently than when combined with other atoms of the same element. The ultimate
goal is to have a fast, cheap, small and non-volatile memory with a large capacity.
You are competing for a research position at NINT. You will be assigned one of the following
memory technologies present them to the researchers in a thorough yet efficient manner.
Of the following memory types, select one to research.
a. MRAM – Magnetoresistive Random-Access memory
b. Bubble Memory
c. Racetrack Memory
d. FRAM – Ferroelectric Random Access Memory
e. PCM - Phase-Change Memory
f. PMC – Programmable Metallization Cell
g. Resistive Random-Access Memory
Your presentation must include:
o How the memory works
o Who completed the initial research on this memory
o Pros of this memory
o Cons of this memory
o Advise the researcher whether this memory deserves a second look by NINT, and why.
Be sure that your presentation is interesting, creative and uses vocabulary that the average
person could understand, yet clearly demonstrates your understanding of computer memory.
Your presentation must be a minimum of 5 minutes, and a maximum of 10 minutes in length.
Your ability to do basic research and present it in a professional, and thorough manner will
put you on the short list of candidates for the position.
Good Luck!
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