You are on page 1of 14

EPROM

2
Memory Devices
Memory: Is one or more sets of chips
that store data/program instructions,
either temporarily or permanently .
It is critical processing component in
any computer
PCs use several different types

3
Memory






4
Memory Types:
Volatile:
Random Access Memory (RAM):
SRAM "static"
DRAM "dynamic"

Non-volatile:
Read Only Memory (ROM):
Mask ROM "mask programmable"
EPROM "electrically programmable"
EEPROM "erasable electrically programmable"
FLASH memory - similar to EEPROM with programmer integrated on
chip
5
RAM
RAM is packaged as a chip.
Basic storage unit is a cell (one bit per cell).
Multiple RAM chips form a memory.
Random Access Memory
Volatile
Used for temporary storage
Typical ranges 256 MB - 4 GB
Random Access means direct access to any part of
memory
SRAM
Storage cells in static RAM memory are made of flip-
flops and therefore do not require refreshing in order to
keep their data.
at least 6 transistors to build
used for cache memory
3-1-7
DRAM
Since the early days of the computer, the need for huge, inexpensive read/write
memory was a major preoccupation of computer designers.
1970, Intel Corporation introduced the first dynamic RAM (DRAM).
It used a capacitor to store each bit.
The major advantages are high density (capacity), cheaper cost per bit, and low
power consumption per bit.
The disadvantage is that it must be refreshed periodically.
Since 1970 the capacity of DRAM has exploded.
8
Nonvolatile Memories(ROM)
DRAM and SRAM are volatile memories
Lose information if powered off.
Nonvolatile memories retain value even if
powered off.
Generic name is read-only memory (ROM).
Misleading because some ROMs can be
read and modified.
9
Nonvolatile Memories(ROM)
Types of ROMs
Programmable ROM (PROM)
Eraseable programmable ROM (EPROM)
Electrically eraseable PROM (EEPROM)
Flash memory (used in portable digital devices)
Firmware (Program instruction used frequently)
Program stored in a ROM
Boot time code, BIOS (basic input/output
system)
graphics cards, disk controllers.

PROM (programmable ROM)

PROM refers to the kind of ROM that the user can burn
information into.
User-programmable memory
For every bit of the PROM, there exists a fuse.
OTP (one-time programmable)

14: CAMs, ROMs, and PLAs Slide 11
PROMs and EPROMs
Programmable ROMs
Build array with transistors at every site
Burn out fuses to disable unwanted transistors
Electrically Programmable ROMs
Use floating gate to turn off unwanted transistors
EPROM, EEPROM, Flash
n+
p
Gate Source Drain
bulk Si
Thin Gate Oxide
(SiO
2)
n+
Polysilicon
Floating Gate
EPROM

EPROM was invented to allow making changes in the contents
of PROM after it is burned
In EPROM, one can program the memory chip and erase it
thousands of times.
All EPROM chips have a window that is used to shine
ultraviolet (UV) radiation to erase its contents.
13
Non-volatile Memory
Mask ROM
Used with logic circuits for tables etc.
Contents fixed at IC fab time (truly write once!)
EPROM (erasable programmable)
& FLASH
requires special IC process
(floating gate technology)


writing is slower than RAM. EPROM uses special programming system to provide special
voltages and timing.
reading can be made fairly fast.
rewriting is very slow.
erasure is first required , EPROM - UV light exposure, EEPROM electrically erasable
Used to hold fixed code (ex. BIOS), tables of data (ex. FSM next state/output
logic), slowly changing values that persist over power off (date/time)
14
Relationship between Memory and
CL
Memory blocks can be (and
often are) used to implement
combinational logic functions:
Examples:
LUTs in FPGAs
1Mbit x 8 EPROM can implement
8 independent functions each of
log
2
(1M)=20 inputs.
The decoder part of a memory
block can be considered a
minterm generator.
The cell array part of a
memory block can be
considered an OR function
over a subset of rows.











The combination gives us a way to
implement logic functions directly in
sum of products form.
Several variations on this theme exist
in a set of devices called
Programmable logic devices (PLDs)

You might also like