PROM full form is programmable read-only memory. It is a type of non-volatile computer memory. This means that once data has been written to PROM, it cannot be erased. PROM is used to store programs or firmware for microcontrollers and other digital devices.
Uses of PROM
PROM chips are often used in applications where it is important that the data stored in them cannot be modified, such as in medical devices or security systems. PROMs can be programmed using a special device called a PROM programmer or PROM burner.
PROMs are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on the application for which they will be used. They can be either through-hole or surface-mount devices.PROMs are usually made from silicon, but other materials such as glass or ceramic can also be used.
Through-hole PROMs have leads (wires) that go through holes in the circuit board and are soldered to pads on the other side of the board. Surface-mount PROMs have leads that are soldered directly to the surface of the circuit board.
Types of PROM
There are many types of PROM, but the most common are:
EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM) – EEPROM is a type of PROM that can be erased and reprogrammed using an electrical signal. It also gives a good example of the difference between volatile and non-volatile memory.
EPROM (erasable PROM) – EPROM is a type of PROM that can be erased and reprogrammed using ultraviolet light.
Flash EEPROM (flash electrically erasable PROM) – Flash EEPROM is a type of EEPROM that can be erased and reprogrammed in blocks instead of one byte at a time. This makes flash EEPROMs faster to erase and program than regular EEPROMs.
APROM (addressable PROM) – APROM is a type of PROM that can be programmed without the need for a special device like a PROM programmer. The data is stored in an array of cells that can be individually addressed.
Masked ROM (MROM) – MROM is a type of PROM that is programmed during the manufacturing process and cannot be erased or reprogrammed.
PROM Applications
PROMs are used in a variety of applications, including:
Microcontrollers – microcontrollers are small, single-chip computers that are used in a wide variety of electronic devices. PROMs are used to store the programs or firmware for these microcontrollers. It may also be used to store other data such as lookup tables or constant values.
Automotive electronics – PROMs are often used in automotive electronic control units (ECUs) to store programs that control the engine, transmission, and other systems in a vehicle.
Industrial electronics – PROMs are used in industrial electronic devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Consumer electronics – PROMs are used in many consumer electronics devices such as digital cameras, DVD players, and personal computers.
Medical devices – medical devices such as pacemakers and defibrillators often use PROMs to store their operating instructions.
Security systems – security systems such as alarm systems and door locks often use PROMs to store their programming. It may also be used to store data such as fingerprint templates or access codes.
Computers – PROMs are often used to store BIOS data on computer motherboards. The BIOS is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to start up and what basic functions it should perform.
How To Choose The Correct Type of PROM?
When you want to choose a PROM for your application, there are a few things to consider:
- The type of device you are using
- The amount of data you need to store
- The level of security you need
- The cost
- The ease of programming
Conclusion
PROM is a great way to store data on a chip. It is non-volatile and can be used to create PROM chips that are programmed with a specific purpose in mind. When you want to change the contents of the chip, you can do so by erasing the old data and programming new data into the chip. This makes it easy to update the chip without having to remove it from its socket.