Acronym for
erasable programmable read-only memory, and pronounced
ee-prom, EPROM is a special type of
memory that retains its contents until it is exposed to ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light
clears its contents, making it possible to reprogram the memory. To
write to and erase an EPROM, you need a special
device called a
PROM programmer or
PROM burner.
An EPROM differs from a PROM in that a PROM can be written to only once and cannot be erased. EPROMs are used widely in personal computers because they enable the manufacturer to change the contents of the PROM before the computer is actually shipped. This means that bugs can be removed and new versions installed shortly before delivery.
