How is EPROM erased?

EPROM, which stands for Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, is a type of memory chip that can be erased and reprogrammed. The method used to erase EPROM involves exposing it to ultraviolet (UV) light. When the chip is placed in an eraser device that emits UV light, the energy from the light disrupts the stored charge within the memory cells, effectively resetting the EPROM so that it can be reprogrammed with new data.

This process is specific to EPROMs, as other types of memory use different methods for erasure. For instance, some may utilize electrical signals or thermal methods, but those methods do not apply to EPROM technology. The requirement to expose EPROM to UV light is a key feature that distinguishes it from other forms of programmable memory, underlining the importance of the ultraviolet light in the erasure process.