EPROM

UV-erasable memory chip

EPROM stands for erasable programmable read-only memory, a type of computer memory chip that retains data without power.

Unlike regular ROM, EPROMs can be reprogrammed—but first must be erased by exposure to ultraviolet light through a small quartz window on the chip.

The technician used a UV lamp to erase the EPROM before loading new firmware.

Largely replaced by EEPROMs and flash memory, which can be erased electrically.

memory

nonvolatile

Resistant to evaporation

byteDigital information unit
bitSmall amount or portion
dataFacts for analysis

binary · register · firmware · read-only · kilobit · megabit

hardware

chip

Small broken-off piece

pinPointed metal fastener
ceramicFired clay material
microcontrollerIntegrated circuit with processor

socket · PCB · motherboard · embedded · vintage · legacy · through-hole · IC

programming

burner

Heat-producing device component

firmwareHardware's permanent programming
binaryConsisting of two parts
uploadTransfer data outward

verify · socket · algorithm · pulse · timing · checksum · burn-in

erasure

ultraviolet

Wavelengths shorter than violet

exposureState of being unprotected
reprogrammableAble to accept new code
blankWithout marks or content

reset · rewrite · clear · wipe · photons · fading · degradation

variants

ROM

Unwritable digital storage

flashBrief burst of light
OTPDisposable login credential
CMOSSemiconductor logic architecture

parallel · serial

Categories

Microchipschip, CPU, microchip, IC, integrated circuit
semiconductorssilicon, semiconductor, semiconductors, silicon wafers, transistor
firmwareBIOS, bootloader, UEFI, ROM, reflash
Memory ChipsDRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, DDR, flash memory
ROMROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM
ROM chips

Opposites

memory volatility

EPROMRAM

Temporary data storage hardware

DRAM · SRAM · volatile memory · working memory · cache memory

erasure/programming method

EPROMflash memory

Erasable non-volatile semiconductor storage

ROM · PROM · OTP · NVMe · NVRAM

modifiability

EPROMPROM

Single-write storage chip

Family

reprogram, reprogrammed, preprogrammed, reprogramming, deprogram, deprogramming, preprogramming

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G