Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory is a legacy storage chip that retains data when power is removed. It is programmed electrically using higher-than-normal voltages, which traps electrons in a floating gate. To erase the chip for reprogramming, it must be exposed to strong ultraviolet light through a distinctive fused-quartz window on the top of the ceramic package.
Put a piece of electrical tape over the EPROM window so the overhead fluorescent lights don't slowly corrupt the firmware.
Also heard as
- UV EPROM
Related terms
EEPROM
Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory is a non-volatile storage chip.
ROM
A class of non-volatile semiconductor storage retains its data without power and is designed primarily for reading rather than writing.
Flash memory
An electronic non-volatile computer storage medium that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.