Write once

adjectiveStandard termElectronics

Describing memory or storage that can be programmed exactly one time.

Write once refers to a non-volatile storage medium where the physical state of the memory cells is permanently altered during the programming phase. Common methods include blowing microscopic fuses or permanently trapping charge in a floating gate. Because the hardware physically cannot reverse the process, the data remains locked for the lifetime of the component.

Heard on the job

We use a write once memory block to store the unique MAC address for each network controller before it leaves the factory.