EEPROM and EPROM are both types of programmable read-only memory (ROM). Both of them are nonvolatile memory, which is used in computers to store the program.
They both are external programming devices. Their memory can be erased and reprogrammed.
EEPROM is an extended version of EPROM, and EPROM is an extended version of PROM.
Key Takeaways
- EPROM is erasable via ultraviolet light, while EEPROM can be erased electrically.
- EEPROM allows for selective data modification, but EPROM requires erasing the entire chip.
- EPROM’s data retention lasts longer than EEPROM, making it more suitable for long-term storage.
EEPROM vs EPROM
The difference between EEPROM AND EPROM is that the content of EEPROM is erased by using electric signals, while UV Rays erase the content of EPROM. EEPROM is a modern version of EPROM. Also, modern EEPROM allows multi-byte page operations. And takes less time to erase than EPROM.
EEPROM is a non-volatile memory. It is an extended version of EPROM that allows you to store your data, read and rewrite it. And therefore, it has more features and is better than EPROM.
EEPROM is used for multi-byte page operations. You can erase its content in milliseconds with the use of electric signals.
EPROM is an extended version of PROM. It is also non-volatile memory.
It also allows you to rewrite data. However, it takes minutes to erase the data.
The data is erased by exposing it to ultraviolet light. Mercury Vapor lamps being a source of UV light, can be used for this purpose.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | EEPROM | EPROM |
|---|---|---|
| What are they? | Extended version of EPROM that allows storing data. It also allows rewriting programming. | A type of ROM that allows rewriting data. |
| Programming Technique | Tunnel effect is used as the programming technique. | Hot electron injection is used as the programming technique. |
| Erasing Technique | Electric signals are used to erase its content. | UV rays are used for erasing data. |
| Time Takes to Erase | It takes only milliseconds. | It takes about 15 to 20 minutes. |
| Relative size of cell | Relative size of the cell is three. | The relative size of the cell is one. |
What is EEPROM?
EEPROM, which is also known as E2PROM, stands for electrically erasable programmable read-only memory. It is a type of nonvolatile memory that is used in computers.
In this type of form, the data stored can be retrieved easily. It is also used in integrated microcontrollers for electronic devices to store data.
Mostly it is used for security gadgets like Smart cards, remote keyless systems, Sim cards, Credit cards, etc. It allows the storage of relatively small amounts of data.
It also allows individual bytes to be erased and reprogrammed again. It takes only seconds to erase the data. Electric signals are used in EEPROM to erase its content.
EEPROM requires a 2-transistor structure per bit to erase a byte in the memory. The transistor used in it doesn’t consume much voltage, it only consumes 5 volts.
And the programming technique of EEPROM is the tunnel technique.
Small amounts of EEPROM are also used in products like real-time clocks, digital potentiometers, and digital temperature sensors, etc.
However, there are limitations to this technology as well. The only two limitations are Data retention and endurance.
For endurance, the maximum number can be 1 million. And 10 years are the limit for data retention.
Of the many advantages of EEPROM, one of them is that it doesn’t have to be taken out from the computer to erase memory.
What is EPROM?
EPROM stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. It is an external programming integrated chip which is an extended version of PROM.
It is a type of ROM that can be read and written optically. The EPROM is a chip that can retrieve the stored data.
If the power supply goes, this chip will retain its data. This way, your data is safe.
EPROM has a rock crystal transparent window at the top through which the silicon chip is visible. EPROM has to be taken out of the computer to erase its memory.
It has to be got off from the computer circuit to show it to the UV light source like a mercury vapour lamp, which will erase its memory. Different sources of UV light can take different times.
It takes weeks to erase the memory from sunlight.
And then reprogramming the computer can be done. Additionally, the programming process of EPROM is not electrically reversible. Indeed, a programmed EPROM chip can retain its data for at least 10 to 20 years.
Hot electron injection programming is used for the programming of the EPROM. EPROM has a MOS transistor that takes up to 12.5 volts.
Storing data in the memory requires applying a higher voltage to the transistors.
Main Differences Between EEPROM And EPROM
- The content of EEPROM is erased using an electric signal, while on the other hand, the content of EPROM is erased via UV rays.
- The relative size of cells in EEPROM is 3, while In EPROM is 1.
- EEPROM takes milliseconds to erase its content, while EPROM takes minutes.
- EEPROM is an extended version of EPROM, and therefore it has better features.
- The transistor used in EEPROM consumes only 5 volts, while in EPROM, it consumes 12.5 volts.
- EEPROM doesn’t have to be taken out from the computer to erase its memory, while EPROM has to be taken out to erase the memory.
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/200615/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/1485793/
- https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/347410/
Last Updated : 05 August, 2023
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.
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Thank you for sharing this information! It’s enlightening to learn about the differences between EEPROM and EPROM and the specific use cases for each type of memory.
I appreciate the clear comparison of EEPROM and EPROM. The distinction between the two types of nonvolatile memory is well explained, and the comparison table is a helpful reference. Thank you!
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I’m grateful for the detailed comparison of EEPROM and EPROM. The insights into their relative programming and erasing techniques, as well as their applications, have deepened my understanding of nonvolatile memory.
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