Which characteristic describes EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory)?

Which characteristic describes EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory)?

• A. Nonvolatile memory that can be erased using electricity
• B. A chip that is nonvolatile and can be erased by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light
• C. A type of memory that retains data only when powered
• D. Memory that can be written and erased multiple times

Answer: (B)

The defining characteristic of EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) is that it is a nonvolatile type of memory that can be erased by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light. This process allows the stored data to be erased completely and the memory chip to be reprogrammed. EPROM retains its data even when the power is removed, which is a key feature of nonvolatile memory. The ability to erase and reprogram the memory using UV light is what distinguishes it from other types of memory, such as RAM, which loses its data when power is turned off. In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not accurately represent EPROM. For example, some memory types can be erased using electricity, but this describes EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), not EPROM. Similarly, the characteristic that data is retained only when powered refers to volatile memory, like RAM. Lastly, the ability to write and erase memory multiple times is a feature of EEPROM and flash memory, rather than EPROM, which has more limitations regarding write cycles after being erased.

The defining characteristic of EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory) is that it is a nonvolatile type of memory that can be erased by exposing it to strong ultraviolet light. This process allows the stored data to be erased completely and the memory chip to be reprogrammed. EPROM retains its data even when the power is removed, which is a key feature of nonvolatile memory. The ability to erase and reprogram the memory using UV light is what distinguishes it from other types of memory, such as RAM, which loses its data when power is turned off.

In contrast, the other options describe characteristics that do not accurately represent EPROM. For example, some memory types can be erased using electricity, but this describes EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), not EPROM. Similarly, the characteristic that data is retained only when powered refers to volatile memory, like RAM. Lastly, the ability to write and erase memory multiple times is a feature of EEPROM and flash memory, rather than EPROM, which has more limitations regarding write cycles after being erased.