Which memory type allows updating data by removing and rewriting individual bytes and is sometimes used for firmware storage?

Which memory type allows updating data by removing and rewriting individual bytes and is sometimes used for firmware storage?

• A. RAM
• B. ROM
• C. EAPROM
• D. EEPROM

Answer: (C)

Non-volatile memory that allows updating data in place, byte by byte, is what this describes. RAM loses its contents when power is removed, so it’s not used for firmware storage. ROM is fixed and not meant to be rewritten after manufacture. EPROM can be erased, but it requires removing the chip or exposing it to UV light, and usually erases the whole chip rather than just individual bytes, which isn’t convenient for frequent updates. EEPROM is designed to be electrically erasable and programmable, and it supports rewriting data one byte at a time without removing the component. In many microcontroller ecosystems, the memory area used to store firmware and that can be updated in-circuit is labeled EAPROM, which is a form of EEPROM used for program storage. That makes this memory type the correct choice for updating data by removing and rewriting individual bytes and for firmware storage.

Non-volatile memory that allows updating data in place, byte by byte, is what this describes. RAM loses its contents when power is removed, so it’s not used for firmware storage. ROM is fixed and not meant to be rewritten after manufacture. EPROM can be erased, but it requires removing the chip or exposing it to UV light, and usually erases the whole chip rather than just individual bytes, which isn’t convenient for frequent updates. EEPROM is designed to be electrically erasable and programmable, and it supports rewriting data one byte at a time without removing the component. In many microcontroller ecosystems, the memory area used to store firmware and that can be updated in-circuit is labeled EAPROM, which is a form of EEPROM used for program storage. That makes this memory type the correct choice for updating data by removing and rewriting individual bytes and for firmware storage.