Programmable Read-Only Memory

programmable read-only memory

[prō′gram·ə·bəl ¦rēd ¦ōn·lē ′mem·rē]

(computer science)

An integrated-circuit memory chip which can be programmed only once by the user after which the information stored in the chip cannot be altered. Abbreviated PROM.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

Programmable Read-Only Memory

(storage)

(PROM) A kind of ROM which can be written using a PROM programmer. The contents of each bit is determined by a fuse or antifuse. The memory can be programmed once after manufacturing by "blowing" the fuses, which is an irreversible process. Blowing a fuse opens a connection while blowing an antifuse closes a connection (hence the name). Programming is done by applying high-voltage pulses which are not encountered during normal operation.

This article is provided by FOLDOC - Free Online Dictionary of Computing (foldoc.org)

PROM

(Programmable ROM) A permanent memory chip in which the content is created (programmed) by the customer rather than by the chip manufacturer. It differs from a ROM chip, which is created at the time of manufacture. PROMs are used for storage when their content is not expected to change, but in many applications, they have given way to EPROMs and EEPROMs, which can be reprogrammed. See PROM programmer, memory types and EEPROM.

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