Table of contents

Introduction

EPROM

2.1.

Advantages of EPROM

2.2.

Disadvantages of EPROM

2.3.

Applications of EPROM

EEPROM

3.1.

Advantages of EEPROM

3.2.

Disadvantages of EEPROM

3.3.

Applications of EEPROM

Difference Between EPROM and EEPROM

Frequently Asked Questions

5.1.

What is EPROM?

5.2.

What is EEPROM?

5.3.

How data is erased in EPROM?

5.4.

How data is erased in EEPROM?

Conclusion

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Difference Between EPROM and EEPROM

Author Lakshay Chauhan

Introduction

This article will discuss the difference between EPROM and EEPROM based on features such as their full forms, appearances, cell size, etc. Before moving directly to the difference between EPROM and EEPROM, We should look at what are EPROM and EEPROM.

Both are types of ROM (Read-Only Memory), So before looking at EPROM and EEPROM, we must know the basics of ROM. ROM is one of the types of computer memory that can only be read but not written. This means that if data is programmed or stored in ROM, It can not be changed or modified. ROM is a non-volatile memory, meaning the data will remain stored until the computer’s power is not turned off.

EPROM

EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, a non-volatile memory type. EPROM was invented in 1971 by Dov Frohman at Intel. In EPROM, The data can only be programmed once and can only be erased by UV light. The data will be retained in memory even after the computer’s power is turned off (no electricity).

EPROM is a collection of floating gate transistors. Meaning that the data can only be removed some specific number of times because each removal damages the silicon dioxide around the gates.

Advantages of EPROM

EPROM is a relatively cheap memory, making it attractive for lower-cost electronic devices.
The data stored in EPROM can only be changed by exposing the chip to UV light and reprogramming it. This makes EPROM useful for testing and debugging.
No external memory is needed.
Data will retain in memory even if there is no electricity.

Disadvantages of EPROM

EPROM can take more time to erase the stored data using UV light.
EPROM is not suitable for applications where frequent reprogramming takes place.
EPROMs are more expensive than PROMs (Programmable Read-Only Memory).
EPROM has higher power consumption.

Applications of EPROM

EPROM is used in avionics and flight control systems in the aerospace industry.
EPROM is used in old electronic devices such as vintage computers and video game consoles.
EPROM is used in the automotive industry, such as electronic control units (ECU) and engine management systems.

EEPROM

EEPROM is a non-volatile ROM chip that stands for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. It was invented in 1978 by George Perlegos at Intel. In EEPROM, A single data type can be erased and reprogrammed by electricity. EEPROM is used as a replacement for PROM and EPROM.

Operations such as erase and write are done byte by byte as EEPROM uses electricity for erasing and programming, which makes the processes faster.

Advantages of EEPROM

Erasing data is faster and more electrical.
Data may be deleted in EEPROM in byte by byte basis.
Programming and Erasing can be done without removing EEPROM from the computer.

Disadvantages of EEPROM

EEPROMs are more expensive than PROMs and EPROMs.
EEPROM has a limited retention time.
To write in EEPROM memory is slower than RAM or flash memory.

Applications of EEPROM

EEPROM is used in modern electronic devices such as smartphones and computers.
EPROM is used in the automotive industry, such as electronic control units (ECU), for storing calibration data.
EEPROM is also used in medical devices such as defibrillators for strong patient data and settings.

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Difference Between EPROM and EEPROM

Basis	EPROM	EEPROM
Full Form	EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.	EEPROM stands for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.
Erasing of data	Erasing of storing data is done by UV light.	Erasing of data is done by electric signals.
Erasing Time	EPROM takes 15 to 20 minutes to erase the data	EPROM takes 5 milliseconds to erase the data.
Speed	EPROM is slower than EEPROM.	EEPROM is faster than EPROM.
Storage Capacity	EPROM has a lesser storage capacity.	EEPROM has a higher storage capacity which is more suitable for storing large amounts of data.
Cell Size	The cell size in EPROM is 1.	The cell size in EEPROM is 3.
Transistor Consumption	The transistor in EPROM consumes 12.5 volts.	The transistor in EPROM consumes 5 volts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is EPROM?

EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, a non-volatile memory type. EPROM is one of the types of ROM memory chips. EPROM is a collection of floating gate transistors. EPROM has a cell size of 1 and transistors consume 12.5volts.

What is EEPROM?

EEPROM is a non-volatile ROM chip that stands for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. EEPROM is also one of the types of ROM memory chip. Process of Erasing in EEPROM is slower than EEPROM.

How data is erased in EPROM?

The data in EPROM is erased by exposing the chip to UV light. the data can only be removed some specific number of times because each removal damages the silicon dioxide around the gates. Generally, EPROM takes 15-20 minutes to erase the data.

How data is erased in EEPROM?

The data in EEPROM is erased by electric signals which erases the data byte by byte. Erasing is done byte by byte as EEPROM uses electricity for erasing and programming, which makes the processes faster. EEPROM takes 5 milliseconds to erase the data.

Conclusion

Both EPROM and EEPROM are two of the types of ROM memory, but still both memories have differences. We discussed how EPROM and EEPROM are different from each other. We also discussed what are EPROM and EEPROM, their advantages, disadvantages, and applications. To read more about ROM, you can visit here.