Both of these are modes of storage of information that were used before SD cards and hard drives. But there is a significant difference between PROM and EPROM. In this article, we are going to discuss the same. PROM is a written type of ROM. This memory is written only once by the user and electrically programmed at that time. EPROM is a type of ROM that can be written and read optically. The storage permanency of the EPROM is reduced as compared to PROM since EPROM is very much susceptible and receptive to electrical noise and radiation.
What is PROM?
PROM is an abbreviation for the term Programmable Read-Only Memory. PROM is a written type of ROM. The main aim of developing it was to fulfil the overall requirements of a group of various ROMs that may consist of any selected content of the memory. This memory is written only once by the user and electrically programmed at that time. Also, during the fabrication of the initial chip, the required content file can be equipped by a user and then inserted within a given machine. It is called a storage coder. Here, we can find a fuse at all the programmable associations. Once we don’t require the association, it will be blown.
What is EPROM?
The term EPROM is an abbreviation for Erasable PROM. It is a type of ROM that can be written and read optically. If we want to write an associate EPROM, the storage cells in it must stay within a similar initial state. The storage permanency of the EPROM is reduced as compared to PROM since EPROM is very much susceptible and receptive to electrical noise and radiation. MOS transistors play an integral role in the construction of EPROM.
Difference between PROM and EPROM
Let us talk about the differences between PROM and EPROM.
| Parameters | PROM | EPROM |
| Full Form | Programmable Read-Only Memory. | Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. |
| Reuse | It is not reusable in any way. We can only write/feed content ONCE on a PROM. | It is reusable. We can rewrite/erase the content present on an EPROM easily. |
| Cost Efficiency | It is more cost-efficient and comparatively inexpensive as compared to EPROM. | It is less cost-efficient and comparatively costlier as compared to PROM. |
| Reversibility | PROM has a permanent memory thus the process is irreversible. | We can reverse the storage process of EPROM since the memory isn’t permanent at all. |
| Storage Endurance | It has a very high storage endurance. | It has a comparatively lower storage endurance. It is easily affected by radiation and electrical noise. |
| Preservation | PROM is encased in plastic cowls. | EPROM needs to be stored in rock crystal windows since UV radiation would transfer through it. |
| Type | It is a read-only type of memory storage system. | It can be both written and read optically. |
| Effect of Miscalculation | If we encounter a bug or an error, or a miscalculation while we write on PROM, then it will become unusable. | We can use an EPROM multiple times even if we commit an error while writing on it since it is re-writable and erasable in nature. |
| Version | It is the older and outdated version of EPROM. | It is the newer and updated version of PROM. |
| Scalability and Flexibility | It is MORE scalable and flexible. | It is LESS scalable and flexible. |
| Constructing Material | We use bipolar transistors in the construction of PROM. | We use MOS transistors in the construction of PROM. |
Keep learning and stay tuned to BYJU’S to get the latest updates on GATE Exam along with GATE Eligibility Criteria, GATE 2024, GATE Admit Card, GATE Application Form, GATE Syllabus, GATE Cutoff, GATE Previous Year Question Paper, and more.
Comments