What is the full form of EPROM?

Introduction

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) is a non-volatile memory chip type that can be modified, deleted, and reconstructed more than once. In the past, embedded systems, microcontrollers, and other electronic devices frequently employed EPROMs to store firmware and other vital system data.

Using a network of transistors and capacitors, EPROMs store binary data. The erasability of EPROMs distinguishes them from other varieties of memory chips. The chip must be removed from the gadget and placed in a specialized rubber machine, where it will be subjected to ultraviolet light for the duration of the several-minute-long erasing operation.

Working Principle of EPROM

Binary data is stored using floating-gate transistors, the basis for EPROM's operation. A network of memory cells, each containing a solitary semiconductor and a capacitor, makes up the EPROM chip.

Every memory cell has a semiconductor with a drifting entryway separated from the remainder of the semiconductor by a protecting layer.

The floating gate is capable of holding a charge and is electrically separated. The transistor stays non-conducting while there is a charge on the floating gate, and the stored information is regarded as a logic "1". On the other hand, the transistor turns on when the floating gate is emptied, making the stored data a logic "0" and making the transistor conduct.

By applying high voltage pulses to the transistor's control gate, which enables electrons to tunnel through the insulating layer and onto the floating gate, the EPROM may be programmed. As a result, the transistor remains non-conducting, and the floating gate charges up, saving the binary data.

The EPROM is erased by exposing the entire chip to ultraviolet light, which releases the charge on the floating gate. This erases the stored data by resetting the transistor to a conducting state.

During read operations, a little voltage is provided to the transistor's control gate, causing it to conduct partly. The data stored in the transistor may then be read by measuring the amount of current flowing through it.

Types of EPROM

A form of memory chip known as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) may be programmed and erased several times. Different types of EPROM chips exist according to their modern technology and capacity. Here are a few of the popular EPROM types −

UV-EPROM

UV-EPROM is the main EPROM that can be more than once cleaned and reconstructed utilizing UV light. With a specialized UV-EPROM eraser, which exposes the chip to ultraviolet light for a predetermined period, UV-EPROMs are routinely wiped.

OTP-EPROM

OTP, or "One-Time Programmable," refers to the memory's ability only to be programmed once. OTP-EPROMs are frequently employed when the data is not anticipated to change since they cannot be wiped or reprogrammed.

EEPROM

EEPROM is an abbreviation for "Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory." A more current rendition of EPROM can be electronically cleaned and reconstructed without utilizing UV light. EEPROMs are utilized when updating or modifying the data frequently is necessary.

Other specific kinds of EPROMs are: quick access time, low power utilization, and high thickness EPROMs are accessible notwithstanding these three essential sorts. The choice of EPROM type relies on the particular needs of the application. Each kind of EPROM has unique benefits and limits.

Advantages and Disadvantages of EPROM

Like all other technologies, EPROM has benefits. Here are a few examples why EPROM is essential as a memory chip −

• Non-unpredictable − EPROMs are non-temperamental, suggesting that their data is in a single piece, regardless of when the power is switched off. Along these lines, they can be utilized in applications where information must be saved for quite a while.

• Reusable − EPROMs are an economical choice for applications where data needs to be updated or modified regularly since they can be wiped and reprogrammed several times.

• Reliability − EPROMs are suited for mission-critical applications since they are dependable and long-lived.

• Low power consumption − EPROM is an energy-efficient solution for battery- powered devices since it uses less electricity to preserve the data it stores.

• Multiple write cycles − EPROMs are a cost-effective choice for applications where data must be updated or modified frequently because they can be erased and reprogrammed more than once.

• Wide operating temperature range − EPROM is suitable for severe settings since it can function widely.

• Resistant to electromagnetic interference − Dissimilar to different types of memory, EPROM isn't impacted by an electromagnetic obstruction, which can prompt mix-ups or information misfortune.

Disadvantages of EPROM

Besides having all the advantages, the EPROM chip is not without fault. Here are some of them −

• Slow erasure time − Erasing EPROMs requires exposing them to UV light for several minutes, which is laborious.

• Limited endurance − The memory cells in EPROMs can only be reliably programmed or erased for a set number of erase/write cycles.

• Damaged by radiation − EPROMs are prone to ionizing radiation damage, which can result in data mistakes being recorded.

• Obsolescence − Newer and more sophisticated memory technologies, such as EEPROMs and flash memory, have essentially replaced using EPROMs. This implies that EPROMs in more recent systems can be hard to locate or replace.

Conclusion

Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, in some cases known as EPROM, is a non- volatile memory strategy that can be repeatedly deleted and reconstructed. It can function in various temperatures and has a high storage capacity and low power need. However, its drawbacks include a lengthy erasure time, poor endurance, and radiation sensitivity.

FAQs

Q1. How does one delete an EPROM?

Ans: UV light is often used to erase EPROMs. The memory cells are deleted when the chip is presented to UV radiation for a specific timeframe.

Q2. Are EPROMs permanently erasable and reprogrammable?

Ans: No, after a certain number of program/erase cycles, the memory cells in EPROMs can no longer be reliably programmed or erased.

Q3. Do people still use EPROM today?

Ans: Newer and more sophisticated memory technologies, such as EEPROM and flash memory, have replaced EPROM. However, EPROM is still utilized in a few specialized applications due to its advantageous special features.