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Difference between EPROM and EEPROM

Last Updated : 12 Jul, 2025

EPROM and EEPROM are types of ROM, which stands for Read-Only Memory. ROM is a kind of computer memory that you can only read from, not write to. This means once you put information in ROM, you can't change it. ROM keeps the information even when you turn off the computer. Before we compare EPROM and EEPROM, it's good to know the basics of ROM. ROM is different from other types of memory because you can't easily change what's stored in it. It's used for information that needs to stay the same, like the instructions that help start up your computer.

This article will talk about the differences between EPROM and EEPROM. We'll look at things like what their names mean, how they look, and their size. But first, let's understand what EPROM and EEPROM are.

What is EPROM?

EPROM(Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) is also the type of ROM that can be read and written optically. To write associate EPROM, its storage cells should stay within the same initial state. EPROM provides reduced storage permanency as compared to PROM as a result of the EPROM is receptive to radiation and electrical noise. in the construction of EPROM, MOS transistors are used. 

Advantages of EPROM

  • Reusable You can erase and rewrite EPROMs many times. It's like having a notebook you can use over and over, erasing old notes and writing new ones when you need to.
  • Keeps data without power EPROMs remember information even when turned off. It's like a book that keeps its pages even if you close it and put it away for a long time.
  • Cheaper than some other memory types EPROMs often cost less than some newer types of memory. This makes them a good choice when you need to store information but don't want to spend too much money.

Disadvantages of EPROM

  • Erasing an EPROM takes time. You need to use a special light for about 20 minutes. It's like having to leave your notebook in the sun to erase it instead of just using an eraser.
  • Need special tool to erase You can't erase an EPROM with just anything. You need a special UV light. It's like needing a special eraser that you can't find in most stores.
  • If you erase and rewrite EPROMs too many times, they can stop working. It's like how a paper might tear if you erase and write on it too much.

What is EEPROM?
👁 EPROM

In EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) electric signal is used to erase the EEPROM’s contents. EEPROM may be a non-volatile memory that retains its content notwithstanding the ability is shifted. It stores the little quantity of information used for laptop/computer BIOS. it absolutely was a replacement for the PROM as well as EPROM. 

Advantages of EEPROM

  • Easy to erase You can erase EEPROMs using electricity, no special light needed. It's like having a magic notebook where you can erase words just by pressing a button.
  • Can change small parts You can change just one part of the information without erasing everything. It's like being able to erase and rewrite one sentence in a book without touching the rest.
  • EEPROMs can be erased and rewritten many times without wearing out. It's like having a super-strong notebook that you can use over and over for years.

Disadvantages of EEPROM

  • EEPROMs often cost more than other types of memory. It's like how a fancy pen costs more than a regular one, even though they both write.
  • It takes longer to write information to an EEPROM than some other memory types. It's like writing with a thick marker - it works, but it's not as fast as a thin pen.
  • Even though they last a long time, EEPROMs can only be rewritten a certain number of times. It's like a whiteboard that slowly gets harder to erase after using it many, many times.

Difference Between EPROM and EEPROM

The main difference between EPROM and EEPROM is that, the content of EPROM is erased by using UV rays. On the other hand, the content of EEPROM is erased by using electric signals. 

EPROMEEPROM
In EPROM, UV light is used to erase the EPROM's content.In EEPROM, electric signal is used to erase the EEPROM's contents.
EPROM includes a rock crystal crystal window at the top.EEPROM area unit wholly sheathed in an opaque plastic case.
Relative size of cell in EPROM is one.The relative size of cell in EEPROM is 3.
EPROM is modern version of PROM.EEPROM is the modern version of EPROM.
EPROM is the external programming.EEPROM is the external programming.
Once EPROM memory is erased then it can be reprogrammed.EEPROM is also reprogrammed after erasing like EPROM.
The transistor used in EPROM consumes 12.5 volt.The transistor used in EEPROM consumes 5 volt.
In EPROM, hot electron injection programming technique is used.In EEPROM, tunnel effect is used as programming technique.
In EPROM, an erasure consumes 15 to 20 minute for erasing contents.In EEPROM, an erasure consumes 5 millisecond time for erasing contents.
EPROM chip has got to be off from the computer circuit to erase and reprogram the computer's BIOS.EEEPROM chip will be erased and reprogrammed within the electrical circuit to erase and reprogram the content of computer's BIOS.

Conclusion

EPROM and EEPROM were made to fix problems with older types of memory called ROM and PROM. The big plus of EPROM and EEPROM is that you can erase and rewrite them. This means you can change the information stored in them. The main difference between EPROM and EEPROM is how you erase them. For EPROM, you use a special light called UV light. For EEPROM, you use electricity. This makes them more useful than ROM and PROM, which you can't change once they're set up.

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