Read-only memory What is it, what is it for and how does it work?

Read-only memory, commonly called ROM, it is very important for all our teams, because very important software and data can be stored on it. Depending on the use that is given to it, we can find several types of this memory, which differ in the benefits and characteristics of each one.

the word ROM It’s something we’ve heard for a long time and we will continue to listen for a long time, because the more time goes by, the better uses are given to this important technology.

In this post we will show you what is a ROM memory and for what do you use it, and so you can understand this concept quite clearly. The content is broken down into different sections, each with a fairly understandable explanation about the ROM.

What is a ROM memory and what is it used for in computing?

the word ROM comes from the acronym Read Only Memory, meaning read-only memory. This is a type of storage that is mostly used in computers and other electronic devices, characterized by only accepting reading and never writing. In other words, we can always see and even copy informationbut never modify it or intervene in it.

As we have already mentioned, only reading can be accepted, because this memory has sequential access, and its presence is independent of that of an energy source. The information that the ROMs contain is inserted at its start or manufacturingand they are basic, operational and of primary objectives.

One of the characteristics of this memory is that it is much slower than its counterpart, known for RAMfrom the acronym Random Access Memory, which means Random Access Memory, and its function is to dump the information in the ROM so that it can be executed with greater speed. ROM there are different versions known as EPROM and Flash EEPROM, which can be programmed and reprogrammed many times. But since their process is also infrequent and somewhat slow, they are called in the same way.

How does a read-only memory work and why can’t data be stored in it?

ROM is characterized by being a chip containing a list of commands and instructions, which dictate functions and execute tasks. Although it already sounds like repeated music, you need to know its basic concept, and it is that these can be read and interpreted but never modified. This concept includes its different versions such as PROM, EEPROM and EPROM.

ROMs contain a row of rows and columns almost equal to RAM, but with a totally different mode of interaction. Because RAM is mostly used for transistors, allowing one pass to a capacitor for each intersection. On the other hand the ROM connects lines when equal to 1. For it to work properly You don’t have to have a perfect schedulewhich is another of its characteristics.

When there is something wrong or we need to update the information, we should discard them and look for a new one. Your original template mostly requires a lot of work, because different problems and must be neutralized or eliminated, but already culminated with this the benefits of use they are quite big.

The ROMs themselves they are quite reliable and they can contain all the necessary programming to control our devices in question, and they are useful almost everywhere, from a simple smart toy, to an electronic device.

What are the types of ROM memory that exist?

As we have mentioned before there are different types or versions of ROMsand such have some other characteristics that make it different, as we show you below:

• ROM: This is the basic ROM, fulfilling the same functions that we mentioned in the previous section, and it is the initial of all, because it is where the others start.
• AVG: comes from the acronym Programmable Read-Only Memory, whose translation is Programmable Read Only Memory. It is a digital memory, whose programming can only be done once, because each unit is dependent on a fuse that blows when doing so.
• EEPROM: This is memory that can erase information through exposure to ultraviolet light or high voltage levels. For this reason, it lives up to its name, which comes from the acronym Erasable Programmable Read Only Memorythat is, erasable and programmable read-only memory.
• EEPROM: This memory can be reprogrammed in the circuit itself, allowing access to the bits of information individually. The name EEPROM comes from the acronym Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memorywhose translation is Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory.

What are the main uses of a read-only memory?

ROMs have different uses, and all of them are very important for the proper functioning of our equipment. so that you understand a little its uses and importance in each case, We invite you to read below:

for data

As we well know, thanks to the fact that ROMs do not allow us to write or modify the content that is already written, they are usually used to store basic data that does not need to be modified by anything. As an example of this we can find query tables, mathematical or logical operators, or any other technical level import information.

for Software

Previously, around the 1980s, PCs came with a single, pre-installed operating system that could not be changed. This was thanks to the ROM, so that the information contained could be prevented from being altered by failure, error or misuse of the equipment.

Today it is also used for almost the same function, since computers now install basic operating software in ROMs, or, as it is often called, the mother software. Example of this is the BIOS, SETUP and POST.