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.

Programmable Read-Only Memory

(storage)(PROM) A kind of ROM which can be written using aPROM programmer. The contents of each bit is determined by afuse or antifuse. The memory can be programmed once aftermanufacturing by "blowing" the fuses, which is an irreversibleprocess. Blowing a fuse opens a connection while blowing anantifuse closes a connection (hence the name). Programming isdone by applying high-voltage pulses which are not encounteredduring normal operation.