EPROM
ERASABLE PROGRAMMABLE READ ONLY MEMORY
POOJITHA.A
EEE-II1YEAR-A
WHAT IS EPROM
• EPROM is a programmable read
only memory that can be erased
and reused.
• Erasure is caused by shining an
intense ultraviolet light through a
window that is designed into the
memory chip.
• Although ordinary room light does
not contain enough ultraviolet
light to cause erasure ,bright
sunlight can cause erasure.
• This process is called burning
which requires a PROM
programmer , which is plugged
into an EPROM burner
COMPARISON BETWEEN ROM,PROM,EPROM
AND EEPROM
• ROM is read only memory that stores data permanently
during its time of manufacture.
• PROM can be programmed only once .If there is a problem
in the code on the chip then this try of chip has to be
thrown away since it is not reprogrammable.
• EPROM can be programmed and erased with UV eraser.
• EEPROM is similar to EPROM that can be erased
electrically.
WORKING OF EPROM
• Switching state of FET transistor controlled by on
control gate of transistor.
• When the voltage is on the channel becomes
conductive and charges are stored .
• Storage charge on floating gate allows the
threshold voltage of the transistor to be
programmed.
ERASING PROCESS
To erase the data stored in the
array of transistors , ultraviolet
light is directed onto the die
Photons of the UV light cause
ionization within the silicon
oxide ,which allows the stored
charge on the floating gate to
dissipate
TYPES OF EPROM
• UV EPROM- A UV EPROM is programmed at high
voltage. As the name indicates most of the datas can
be erased By shining ultraviolet light Through the
window of the chip. Most UV EPROM chips can store
data for more than 20 years And can accommodate
high number of read cycles.
• OTP(one time programmable)EPROM – IT is similar to
UV EPROM but it Does not have a window for UV light
and Is not readily erasable In some cases it can be
erased using X-Rays
ADVANTAGES
• There is no loss Of data even if power supply is switched off .
• It is convenient option for testing and debugging applications
and for upgradable programs designed for repeated use.
• Chips can be used multiple times.
DISADVANTAGES
• EPROM requires UV light or X-rays to erase the data.
• It is expensive
• It takes more time compared to EEPROM
• An EPROM eraser is not selective it will erase the entire EPROM.
APPLICATIONS
• Older microcontrollers use an on-chip
EPROM to store smaller programs
• Older pcs and some video games
application also uses EPROM
• Used for debugging and program
development