EPROM
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer Hardware
| Stands for | Erasable programmable read-only memory |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
EPROM stands for Erasable programmable read-only memory, a computer hardware abbreviation.
Memory chip that can be programmed electrically and erased by exposing a quartz window on top to strong ultraviolet light for several minutes. It held firmware in computers, arcade boards and industrial equipment from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Example: The arcade board's EPROM has a sticker over its window so sunlight can't erase the game.
Usage notes
Dov Frohman invented the EPROM at Intel in 1971, and the Intel 1702 became the first commercial version. Its window let engineers reuse chips during development, while one-time programmable versions without windows were cheaper for production. EEPROM and flash memory, which erase electrically, replaced EPROMs in most uses by the late 1990s.
Related abbreviations
More computer hardware abbreviations
- DVD-ROM – Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory
- DVI – Digital Visual Interface
- ECC – Error-correcting code memory
- EEPROM – Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
- eGPU – External graphics processing unit
- eMMC – Embedded MultiMediaCard
- EPS – Entry-Level Power Supply Specification (EPS12V connector)
- ESD – Electrostatic discharge
- EXPO – Extended Profiles for Overclocking
- FDD – Floppy disk drive
- FLOPS – Floating-point operations per second
- FPU – Floating-point unit