Programmable Read-Only Memory

What Does Programmable Read-Only Memory Mean?

Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) is a type of digital memory with bit settings attached to fuses. It allows for a one-time or initial changing of read-only memory (ROM).

Techopedia Explains Programmable Read-Only Memory

PROM is primarily meant for smaller productions that require some initial programming. With PROM, the memory chips cannot be improved when they become obsolete. That, plus other limitations, has made PROM a somewhat phased-out type of product and technology in the catalogs of some of today’s vendors. In many cases, PROM has been replaced by other methods that involve more flexibility, such as Electronically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM).

A process known as “burning the PROM” blows fuses for bit settings, rendering them unchangeable.

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Margaret Rouse

Technology expert

Margaret is an award-winning writer and educator known for her ability to explain complex technical topics to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles in the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret’s idea of a fun day is to help IT and business professionals to learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.

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