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Read-only memory - Wikipedia

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Read-only memory - Wikipedia

Uploaded by

losthopeornot
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Read-only memory

Read-only memory (ROM) is a type of non-volatile memory used in


computers and other electronic devices. Data stored in ROM cannot be
electronically modified after the manufacture of the memory device.
Read-only memory is useful for storing software that is rarely changed
during the life of the system, also known as firmware. Software
applications, such as video games, for programmable devices can be
distributed as plug-in cartridges containing ROM.

Strictly speaking, read-only memory refers to hard-wired memory, such


as diode matrix or a mask ROM integrated circuit (IC), that cannot be
electronically changed after manufacture. Although discrete circuits can
be altered in principle, through the addition of bodge wires and the
removal or replacement of components, ICs cannot. Correction of errors, Many game consoles use
or updates to the software, require new devices to be manufactured and interchangeable ROM cartridges,
to replace the installed device. allowing for one system to play
multiple games. Shown here is the
Floating-gate ROM semiconductor memory in the form of erasable inside of a Pokémon Silver Game
programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable Boy cartridge. The ROM is the IC on
the right labeled "MX23C1603-12A".
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and flash memory can be
erased and re-programmed. But usually, this can only be done at
relatively slow speeds, may require special equipment to achieve, and is typically only possible a certain
number of times.[1]

The term "ROM" is sometimes used to refer to a ROM device containing specific software or a file with
software to be stored in a writable ROM device. For example, users modifying or replacing the Android
operating system describe files containing a modified or replacement operating system as "custom ROMs"
after the type of storage the file used to be written to, and they may distinguish between ROM (where
software and data is stored, usually Flash memory) and RAM.

ROM and RAM are essential components of a computer, each serving distinct roles. RAM, or Random Access
Memory, is a temporary, volatile storage medium that loses data when the system powers down. In contrast,
ROM, being non-volatile, preserves its data even after the computer is switched off.[2]

History

Discrete-component ROM
IBM used capacitor read-only storage (CROS) and transformer read-only storage (TROS) to store microcode
for the smaller System/360 models, the 360/85, and the initial two System/370 models (370/155 and
370/165). On some models there was also a writeable control store (WCS) for additional diagnostics and
emulation support. The Apollo Guidance Computer used core rope memory, programmed by threading wires
through magnetic cores.

Solid-state ROM

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