What Is Write-Only Memory?

Write-only memory (WOM) is the opposite of read-only memory (ROM). Literally a storage device that can be written but never read. Since there should be no storage circuits for which practical data cannot be retrieved, this concept is most often used as a joke or euphemism for failed storage devices. The first use of the word is generally attributed to Signitik. In 1972, Signitik published some pranks that only wrote about memory literature, a term often cited in the electronics industry.

Write-only memory

This data sheet created "Caper" [4] Sigmanite engineer John G'Jack 'Curtis [5] and was inspired by a fictional, interesting vacuum tube data sheet from the 1940s. It is considered the "Icebreaker" and is intentionally included in the Signiti catalogue. [5]

Roy L. Conway, Witty, a Signetist publicist, issued a tongue-to-cheek press release touting WOM April 1, 1973 [6]

Replaced by the more traditional characteristic curve, the 25120 "fully coded, 9046 x N, random access, write-only memory" data table includes "bit capacity and temperature." Meaningless charts, "recognition of foe and VFF", "The rest is related to the number of pins inserted in the socket", and "AQL and selling price". The 25120 requires a 6.3 volt VFF (vacuum tube filament) supply, a 10 Vcc (double one-day standard TTL logic VCC), and zero volt (ie ground), ± 2% Vdd. It is specified for 0 operation between -70 ° C. [7] [3] [1]

In 1982, Apple Corporation published a reference manual on Apple's official IIe (part number A2L2005), [8], which included two references to write-only memory.

On page 250:

Write-only memory: This information can be stored in the form of computer memory, but can never be recovered, developed by the government under the contract of the government in 1975 by Professor Homberg T. Farnsfarfle. The original prototype of Farnsfarfle, about an inch on each side, has been used to store more than one trillion words of redundant federal information to date. Farnsfarfle's critics have accused his project of watering $ 6 million, but his defenders have pointed out that this extra information would cost more than $ 250 billion to store traditional media.

On page 233:

Bit Fight: The ultimate resting place for all information; see write-only memory.

Computer Contradictionary book in 1995, which reports word of mouth, or erasable write-only memory (EPROM analogy), copyrighted memory by IBM (Irish Business Machines), which allows data to be written to and then erased from , Then -use the memory again. [9]

With the explosive growth of existing online and private video data volume, a common joke video tape and other video media appear to be "write-only memory" because there is no very effective means of searching and retrieving video data archives and watching after being recorded . [10] [11]

We all know read-only memory (ROM), so have you heard of Write-Only-Memory (WOM)? On April 1, 1973, semiconductor manufacturer Signetics announced write-only memory-a type of black hole memory where you can only write data but never read data.

More than 40 years later, the creator of the joke finally revealed his identity: he is now a retired former Signetics engineer John G 'Jack' Curtis. One of his jobs at the company is writing data sheets for new products. In 1972, he completed the 25120 WOM data book inspired by a fictional vacuum tube data book from the 1940s. ^[1]