What type of ROM can be reprogrammed or changed without replacing the chips?

What type of ROM can be reprogrammed or changed without replacing the chips?

• A. Static ROM
• B. Flash ROM
• C. EPROM
• D. EEPROM

Answer: (B)

Flash ROM is indeed the correct choice because it allows data to be erased and reprogrammed in blocks without needing to remove the chip from the circuit. This capability makes it very versatile for applications such as firmware storage in devices like smartphones, USB drives, and solid-state drives where updates are frequently required. Static ROM, while retaining data as long as power is supplied, cannot be reprogrammed, which limits its use in situations where modifications are needed. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) does allow for reprogramming, but it requires exposure to ultraviolet light to erase the data, and this process necessitates removing the chip from its circuit. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) can be reprogrammed, but it is generally slower than Flash ROM and can only be erased one byte at a time, which is less efficient for larger data sets. Flash ROM combines the advantages of EEPROM and traditional ROM by allowing quicker and more efficient reprogramming of larger data blocks.

Flash ROM is indeed the correct choice because it allows data to be erased and reprogrammed in blocks without needing to remove the chip from the circuit. This capability makes it very versatile for applications such as firmware storage in devices like smartphones, USB drives, and solid-state drives where updates are frequently required.

Static ROM, while retaining data as long as power is supplied, cannot be reprogrammed, which limits its use in situations where modifications are needed. EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) does allow for reprogramming, but it requires exposure to ultraviolet light to erase the data, and this process necessitates removing the chip from its circuit. EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) can be reprogrammed, but it is generally slower than Flash ROM and can only be erased one byte at a time, which is less efficient for larger data sets. Flash ROM combines the advantages of EEPROM and traditional ROM by allowing quicker and more efficient reprogramming of larger data blocks.