Difference between revisions of "Read-only memory"

From Computer History Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(EPROM)
(Fixed some typos and inconsistencies, and updated the part about EEPROMS (they _can_ be updated in-circuit))
Line 6: Line 6:
  
 
== PROM ==
 
== PROM ==
PROM's can be programed ONCE then read many times.  If there is any mistakes in the PROM code, the entire chip must be disgarded.  While PROMs can be read in a normal board, they need to be programmed in a special device.
+
PROMs can be programmed ONCE then read many times.  If there are any mistakes in the PROM code, the entire chip must be discarded.  While PROMs can be read in a normal board, they need to be programmed in a special device.
  
 
== EPROM ==
 
== EPROM ==
 
[[Image:M27C512 EPROM.jpg|150px|right|An EPROM]]
 
[[Image:M27C512 EPROM.jpg|150px|right|An EPROM]]
EPROMs can be erased after they have been programmed.  Normally there is a small window in the chip in which exposure to UV light will erase the EPROMs programming.  EPROM's need to be programmed in a special programmer.
+
EPROMs can be erased after they have been programmed.  Normally there is a small window in the chip in which exposure to UV light will erase the EPROMs programming.  EPROMs need to be programmed in a special programmer.
  
 
== EEPROM ==
 
== EEPROM ==
  
EEPROMS can be erased electronically, and reprogrammed. While similar to [[Flash Memory]], however they need to be erased & programmed in a special programmer.
+
EEPROMS can be erased electronically, and reprogrammed through the application of higher than normal voltage. In modern EEPROMS this is generated internally. Unlike EPROMs EEPROMS can be rewritten in-circuit.

Revision as of 08:08, 21 November 2012

ROM is simply Read Only Memory.

Unlike RAM ROMs cannot be written to. ROMs are also typically slower then RAM.

ROMs come in several flavors:

PROM

PROMs can be programmed ONCE then read many times. If there are any mistakes in the PROM code, the entire chip must be discarded. While PROMs can be read in a normal board, they need to be programmed in a special device.

EPROM

An EPROM

EPROMs can be erased after they have been programmed. Normally there is a small window in the chip in which exposure to UV light will erase the EPROMs programming. EPROMs need to be programmed in a special programmer.

EEPROM

EEPROMS can be erased electronically, and reprogrammed through the application of higher than normal voltage. In modern EEPROMS this is generated internally. Unlike EPROMs EEPROMS can be rewritten in-circuit.