Electrically erasable ROM types Which ROM family can be erased by an electrical signal rather than by ultraviolet light or factory masks?

Introduction / Context:
Nonvolatile memories differ in how stored data can be removed (erased) and rewritten. Understanding the erase mechanism is important for in-system reprogramming and product maintenance strategies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Mask ROM is fixed at manufacture and cannot be erased.
• EPROM is erased with ultraviolet (UV) light through a quartz window.
• EEPROM (and Flash EEPROM) can be erased electrically.

Concept / Approach:

The question specifically asks for a ROM that can be erased using an electrical signal. This points directly to EEPROM technology, which supports byte- or block-level electrical erase and reprogramming, enabling in-circuit updates without special UV exposure.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Modern Flash memory is a derivative of EEPROM (electrically erasable) with block erase; classic EEPROMs support byte-level erase/write.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• ROM: generic, often mask-programmed—no erasure.
• Mask ROM: fixed data, no erasure.
• EPROM: UV-light required for erasure, not purely electrical.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming EPROMs can be erased electrically; they require UV unless explicitly Flash/EEPROM.

Final Answer:

EEPROM