Mazačka EPROM (UV-EPROM) čipů

A UV EPROM eraser is a device used to erase the contents of UV-EPROM (Ultra Violet Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chips using ultraviolet (UV) light.

How Does a UV EPROM Eraser Work?

1. Expose the Chip's Window – UV EPROM chips have a quartz window on top that allows UV light to pass through.
2. Insert the Chip into the Eraser – The chip is placed inside a UV eraser, which contains a UV-C lamp emitting light at a wavelength of approximately 253.7 nm.
3. Expose the Chip to UV Light – The UV radiation neutralizes the stored charge in the floating gate transistors, effectively erasing the memory.
4. Erasing Time – Typically takes 10–30 minutes, depending on the UV intensity and the chip's age.
5. Reprogramming – Once erased, the chip can be reprogrammed using an EPROM programmer.

What Were UV EPROM Erasers Used For?

• Erasing and reusing UV-EPROM chips (e.g., 2716, 2732, 2764, 27128, 27256, 27512).
• Widely used in the 1980s and 1990s for industrial electronics, arcade machines, BIOS chips in early computers, game consoles, and microcontrollers.
• With the rise of EEPROM and Flash memory, UV-EPROM technology became obsolete.