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21 views

3 Rom, Eprom

Uploaded by

pijib44056
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Read-Only Memory (ROM)

ROM is a memory device or storage medium that is used


to permanently store information inside a chip. It is a read-only memory
that can only read stored information, data or programs, but we cannot write
or modify anything. A ROM contains some important instructions or program
data that are required to start or boot a computer. It is a non-
volatile memory; it means that the stored information cannot be lost even
when the power is turned off or the system is shut down.

Types of ROM

There are five types of Read Only Memory:

1. MROM (Masked Read Only Memory):


MROM is the oldest type of read-only memory whose program or data
is pre-configured by the integrated circuit manufacture at the time of
manufacturing. Therefore, a program or instruction stored within the
MROM chip cannot be changed by the user.
2. PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory):
It is a type of digital read-only memory, in which the user can write any
type of information or program only once. It means it is the empty
PROM chip in which the user can write the desired content or program
only once using the special PROM programmer or PROM burner device;
after that, the data or instruction cannot be changed or erased.
3. EPROM (Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory):
It is the type of read only memory in which stored data can be erased
and re-programmed only once in the EPROM memory. It is a non-
volatile memory chip that holds data when there is no power supply
and can also store data for a minimum of 10 to 20 years. In EPROM, if
we want to erase any stored data and re-programmed it, first, we need
to pass the ultraviolet light for 40 minutes to erase the data; after that,
the data is re-created in EPROM.
4. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only
Memory):
The EEROM is an electrically erasable and programmable read only
memory used to erase stored data using a high voltage electrical
charge and re-programmed it. It is also a non-volatile memory whose
data cannot be erased or lost; even the power is turned off. In
EEPROM, the stored data can be erased and reprogrammed up to 10
thousand times, and the data erase one byte at a time.
5. Flash ROM:
Flash memory is a non-volatile storage memory chip that can be
written or programmed in small units called Block or Sector. Flash
Memory is an EEPROM form of computer memory, and the contents or
data cannot be lost when the power source is turned off. It is also used
to transfer data between the computer and digital devices.

Advantages of ROM

1. It is a non-volatile memory in which stored information can be lost


even power is turned off.
2. It is static, so it does not require refreshing the content every time.
3. Data can be stored permanently.
4. It is easy to test and store large data as compared to RAM.
5. These cannot be changed accidently
6. It is cheaper than RAM.
7. It is simple and reliable as compared to RAM.
8. It helps to start the computer and loads the OS.

Disadvantages of ROM

1. Store data cannot be updated or modify except to read the existing


data.
2. It is a slower memory than RAM to access the stored data.
3. It takes around 40 minutes to destroy the existing data using the high
charge of ultraviolet light.

Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM)

The Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory is a memory chip that does not
lose data even when the power is switched off. This is a non-volatile memory type
i.e. it retains data even when the power is switched off. Each EPROM is
individually programmed by an electronic device. After that, the data can be
erased by exposing the EPROM to strong ultraviolet light.
An EPROM contains a transparent fused quartz window at the top of the package
which allows exposure to ultraviolet light. The silicon chip is visible from this
window.

EPROM Operation
A single field effect transistor constitutes a storage location. This field effect
transistor contains a channel. This channel contains source and drain contacts at its
ends. An insulated layer of oxide covers the channel and then a conductive gas
electrode on top of it. All this is followed by a control gate electrode and more
oxide.
Data can be extracted from the EPROM by decoding the address at the address
pins and then connecting it to the output buffers. The programming process in
EPROM is not reversible electrically. Ultraviolet light is used to cause ionization
within the oxide which allows the stored charge to dissipate and the memory is
also deleted.
Applications of EPROM
It was assumed that EPROM was too expensive for mass production and would be
used in development only. However, EPROM was found to be economical as a
part for small volume production.
On-chip EPROM was used by some microcontrollers such as Intel 8048, Freescale
68HC11, PIC microcontroller (C version) etc. These microcontrollers were
available in windowed versions that were primarily used for program development
and program debugging.

Advantages of EPROM
Some of the advantages of EPROM are as follows:
 EPROM is non-volatile so it retains its memory even without power. So no external
memory is required.
 EPROM is quite effective.
 EPROM is reprogrammable i.e. the data in the EPROM can be erased and reprogrammed.
Disadvantages of EPROM
Some of the disadvantages of EPROM are as follows −
 Transistors used in EPROM have a higher resistance.
 The EPROM needs UV light to erase the data. This can’t be done using
electrical signals.
 It is not possible to erase a particular byte of data in EPROM. The whole
data is deleted.
 The static power consumption of EPROM is quite high.
 It takes some time to erase the data in EPROM. This is different than
EEPROM where the data can be instantaneously erased.

Difference between RAM and ROM


RAM and ROM are both types of computer memory. RAM is used to store
computer programs and data that CPU needs in real time. RAM data is volatile
and is erased once computer is switched off. ROM have prerecorded data and it is
used to boot computer. RAM data is static and remains in the computer even if
computer is switched off.
Following are the important differences between RAM and ROM

Sr. Key RAM ROM


No.

Definition RAM stands for Random ROM stands for Read Only Memory.
1
Access Memory.

Data RAM data is volatile. Data is ROM data is permanent. Data remains
2 Retention present till power supply is even after power supply is not present.
present.

Data RAM data can be read, erased ROM data is read-only.


3
Access or modified.

4 Usage RAM is used to store data that ROM is used to store data that in
Sr. Key RAM ROM
No.

CPU needs for current needed to bootstrap the computer.


instruction processing.

5 Speed RAM speed is quite high. ROM speed is slower than RAM.

CPU CPU can access data stored on Data to be copied from ROM to RAM
6
Access RAM. so that CPU can access its data.

Capacity RAM memory is large and high ROM is generally small and of low
7
capacity. capacity.

Usage RAM is used as CPU Cache, ROM is used as firmware by


8
Primary Memory. microcontrollers.

9 Cost RAM is costly. ROM is cheap.

Types Types of RAM: DRAM and Types of ROM: MROM, PROM,


10 SRAM EPROM, EEPROM

Size The size of the chip is bigger The size of the chip is smaller than the
11 than the ROM chip to store the RAM chip to store the same amount of
data. data.

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