What is the Difference Between PROM and EPROM?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main differences between Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) and Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM) are:
- Reusability: PROM is not reusable, while EPROM is reusable multiple times.
- Cost: PROM is generally inexpensive, while EPROM is costlier than PROM.
- Writing and Erasing: Writing to PROM is irreversible, while EPROM can be erased and reprogrammed.
- Storage Permanence: EPROM provides reduced storage permanence compared to PROM.
- Transistors: PROM uses bipolar transistors, while EPROM uses MOS transistors in its construction.
- Programming Medium: PROM is programmed electrically by the user, while EPROM is programmed optically.
- Error Handling: If there's a miscalculation or error while writing on PROM, it becomes unusable. In contrast, if there's a miscalculation or error while writing on EPROM, it can still be used again.
- Generations: PROM is the older version of EPROM, and EPROM is the modern version of PROM.
- Scalability and Flexibility: PROM has more scalability and flexibility compared to EPROM.
In summary, PROM is a less expensive, single-use memory chip, while EPROM is a more expensive, reusable memory chip with reduced storage permanence. PROM uses bipolar transistors and is programmed electrically, while EPROM uses MOS transistors and is programmed optically.
Comparative Table: PROM vs EPROM
Here is a table comparing the differences between PROM and EPROM:
Feature | PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory) | EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) |
---|---|---|
Programmability | Can be programmed only once | Can be erased and reprogrammed multiple times |
Writing Method | Written and programmed electrically | Written and read optically, erased by ultraviolet light |
Storage Permanence | Higher storage permanence | Lower storage permanence compared to PROM |
Transistors | Uses bipolar transistors | Uses MOS transistors |
Scalability | More scalable and flexible | Less scalable and flexible |
Version | Older, outdated version | Newer, updated version |
Error Tolerance | Becomes unusable if there's an error while writing | Can be used multiple times even if there's an error while writing |
In summary, PROM is an older, less flexible technology that allows for one-time programming, while EPROM is a more modern and flexible technology that enables erasing and reprogramming multiple times using ultraviolet light.
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