ROM memory is an essential part of our devices. Many, many people use it without even knowing it exists, but its work is undoubtedly invaluable in the world of technology.
We can anticipate that it is a type of memory that is used to boot our systems and, with it, the devices, whether big or small. This comes from the factory and cannot be tampered with.
For the rest, we encourage you to know in depth what it is, the types that exist, how our devices use it and how it differs from the, already somewhat better known, .
What is the ROM memory of a computer and what is it for?
The ROM is part of the hardware of devices, be they computers, phones, tablets… and is related to their startup process and their maintenance and their usability capabilities.
Definition
To define this concept, we will first go to his name, ROM, which is an acronym for Read-Only Memoryor read-only memory.
The main feature of this piece of software that we have already seen that It does not stop being a memory, it is that it is, in principle, unalterable (later we will see that there are ways to modify them, but it is not easy to do so, especially at the user level).
So, we have to ROM is a memory without the ability to be written, unsuitable for modification. This is due, in large part, in addition to the logical accidents that a user could cause due to ignorance, the fact that include within the firmware of certain hardwarethat is, a specific application for controlling and carrying out tasks.
Another essential feature is that it does not require electrical power, so that storage is permanent. the rom it is made up of a fairly basic set of programs that the system in question read on power up. These are provided by the manufacturer when assembling the chip. Physically, the ROM is on a small chip. which does not include anything else.
Functions on PC and mobile devices
The ROM functions as both a data store and a software store.. More specifically, what it saves is a compendium of codes and starting instructions, including language interpreters, OS programs, control programs, information tables…
It will also serve for hardware function check the one who accompanies and to help them recognize the operating system that moves the system and the peripherals input and output.
Let’s see how he does it in each situation:
- BIOS: To work with the BIOS, which is a program that controls the essential input-output interfaces, we have the BIO ROM, a card on the motherboard that is read-only. The BIOS is stored in ROM because it is necessary to read the rest of the memory elements of any computer, so we cannot store it in any of them.
- Bootstrap: It uses the disk and also the floppy drive to run the operating system by loading and running random access memory. This occurs if there are defects in the hard disk system.
- CMOS Configuration: Allows access to a screen that appears when the equipment is turned on and that allows the modification of certain system parameters.
- POST Power On Self Test: It is a bootable autorun software that seeks to test the system.
- Back: It is the copying of instructions from the ROM in the RAM to have them more quickly.
- Data storage: It only makes sense to store in them those that should not be changed while the device is useful, such as a lookup table.
Types and examples of ROM or read-only memory
Having some contact with the computer and having read the above, you can already imagine that, in effect, there are different types of ROMsconsidering that it is programmable, read-only or erasable in one way or another, including even subtypes.
The basis of this classification is semiconduction:
Blunt read-only memory
Make a data storage without power supply. It is also known as non-volatile memory because it is not lost when the system is turned off.
PROM, OTP or Programmable Read Only Memory
Is that which requires the use of a programming device called PROM to be written. This works at high voltage with the intention of create and destroy internal links on a chipwhich is why only one programming can be given.
EPROM or Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory
This memory is read-only programmable but can also be erasable.. This is achieved by exposing it to UV light for periods of time greater than 10 minutes. After that, can be rewritten with a high voltage process (even more than what is already used to need). Use is made of a cover to prevent erasure. We have the handicap of degradation, because the greater the UV exposure, the more wear, with around 1000 reprogramming cycles being common.
EEPROM or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
Its basis is a semiconductor structure as the previous type, with the proviso that the content or part of it is erased with electricity, in the same way that it is later rewritten. This implies that it is not necessary to remove the memory from the equipment, although we do have to say that, compared to other memory jobs, it is a slower process.
In turn, we find these subtypes:
- EAROM or Electrically Alterable Read Only Memory: This is modified one bit at a time in a fairly slow writing process that requires the use of a high voltage of at least 12 volts. Its use occurs in infrequent partial writing apps and, sometimes, to store in a non-volatile way in order to obtain configuration data from the critical system of the equipment where it is located
- Flash, Flash ROM or Flash EEPROM: Erasing and rewriting occurs faster and its resistance is very high, being able to offer more than a million cycles. It has replaced old ROMs in many cases.
It is essential to indicate that, as of today, the term ROM is used to refer interchangeably to any type of Read-Only MemoryWell, in fact, the original type is already in disuse due to the improvements that have been implemented to form the different types that we have been seeing.
Is ROM memory and storage memory the same?
AbsolutelyIt is curious how the ROM concept has been mistakenly used to talk about storage memory of the devices, the one we use to download video games, movies, etc.
So much so that even in stores and on the devices themselves of certain brands (mainly phones and tablets) it is called thatand we see it in the phone’s settings and in the descriptions that the “experts” make in their stores to show you the new fashionable phone or a super computer.
ROMs
- The ROMs we have already seen that it is tiny memory that has the basics to make it work the apparatus, a spark so to speak.
- It is unchangeable (in principle) by the user.
- It is found inside the computer, in the form of a chip.
storage memory
- The storage memory is another type of memory, much larger today, which is Where does everything that we save end up? in the computer.
- We have full access to this content; we can consult it whenever we want and it can also be deleted at will, using the space to save new information when we need it. The things that are saved in the storage memory are not essential or critical for the operation of the device, is all content that we download and install voluntarily and that we want them to remain after the fact.
- The hardware that hosts the storage memory is called HDD, being able to be both internal, as part of the equipment, or an addition, an external hard drive, which would be a hybrid storage peripheral. It is also considered a memory of storage the pen drivealthough the capacity is less, but it works the same.
Main differences between ROM and RAM memory
Easily confused by those who only make superficial use of computers and other devices, both concepts refer to the memory systems of a device or piece of equipment, but they are by no means the same. You can see more in depth from here.
ROMs
- We have already seen that it is memory of only readingthat is to say, a compendium of information that is only useful to be read and, with it, to start and maintain the proper functioning of the equipment in question.
- It is basic startup, configuration and maintenance information, non-volatile, grouped on a small chip.
- Work with essential information, needed to boot the system.
RAM
- The RAM is the acronym for Random Access Memory or random access memory.
- It means that access is given to any byte of existing memory in our system without needing access to the preceding bytes.
- This is erasable, volatile, perishable, it is lostI eat very late, when it stops receiving power from a current source. It also turns out to be faster. Its physical format is a larger plate with complex circuits.
- Work with secondary software that requires a temporary effort such as video games, browsers, etc.
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