An EPROM (an acronym for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is
Classic EPROM parts can easily be distinguished by the window in the top of the integrated circuit body, which exposes the circuitry inside. Light from the ultraviolet erasing lamp passes through this window and falls on the memory cells in the circuitry, which is what performs the erasing action. The window is often covered by a sticker, which serves two purposes: (1) it notes the contents and version of whatever data is in the EPROM, and (2) it prevents inadvertent erasure should the EPROM be exposed to the sun or mercury-vapor lighting for a long time. Note that most EPROMs being manufactured today are "one-time programmable"; they lack the window and so, once programmed, cannot be erased.
An EPROM (an acronym for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) is
Classic EPROM parts can easily be distinguished by the window in the top of the integrated circuit body, which exposes the circuitry inside. Light from the ultraviolet erasing lamp passes through this window and falls on the memory cells in the circuitry, which is what performs the erasing action. The window is often covered by a sticker, which serves two purposes: (1) it notes the contents and version of whatever data is in the EPROM, and (2) it prevents inadvertent erasure should the EPROM be exposed to the sun or mercury-vapor lighting for a long time. Note that most EPROMs being manufactured today are "one-time programmable"; they lack the window and so, once programmed, cannot be erased.