EPROM Eraser using UV Leds... possible?

[msilveira]

I read as much information as I found on the internet about UV rays.... and found interesting the possibility to use UV leds replacing those big lamps to build an EPROM eraser ... A "Pocket EPROM eraser"...

But as I'm not an specialist, I'm posting this topic to ask: Is it really possible to use these UV leds to build an eprom eraser?

1.) Small size
2.) Exposure timer (555?)
2.) If there's a TTL replacement for 555, would a CR2032 battery do the job? Anyway, a rechargeable battery could be used, in this case, a 5v battery would be used, allowing the use of a 555 IC.

There's a need to study the focus too... the led should light the whole EPROM window.

Write down any other ideas for the project.

This page
http://www.bivar.com/default.asp?p=products&c=UV%20LEDs&sub=T1%203/4%205mm%20UV%20LEDs
has some UV Led specs(not a datasheet)...
and this is a datasheet (any better UV Led datasheet link?) http://www.marktechopto.com/PDFs/Cotco/LC503MUV130P_040708.pdf

That's all for now
Mauricio

 

[audioguru2]

Hi Mauricio,
An UV LED is so dim that you need many of them focussed onto the EPROM, or a very long time (years?) to erase an EPROM.
A little CR2032 lithium battery can supply up to only about 3mA for a few hours. You might need 300mA or more for a few hours.

Try a single UV LED operating at its absolute max current of 20mA touching the window of an EPROM to erase it. Post again in a couple of years whether it is erased yet. ;D

 

[msilveira]

Hahahaha, right...

After some changes of the search pattern in google, I found that information.... cute idea... let's wait for UV Leds improvements in the future....  ;D


BTW, what kind of UV lamp is best fitted for EPROM erasing: The transparent ones (germicide), the black ones(used in PC Mods), or the white fluorescent-like ones?


Thanks!

 

[source2]

I think it is enough to take it into the sun ???
sorry for the mistakes

 

[Alun]

In short no it won't work, the radiation from UV LEDs is the wrong wavelength as they have a peak emission from 375nm to 400nm while UV erasers use germicidal mercury discharge lamps with a peak emission of 253.7nm.

 

[Alun]

I think it is enough to take it into the sun ???

That won't work either, as not much 253.7nm gets though to the earth's surface, you might get a ROM erases after a few weeks if you're lucky.

 

[KeepGood]

You want to use germicidal bulbs (UVC).  You can get them quite easily.

Don't buy them from somewhere that is selling them specifically for eprom eraser units, they tend to charge alot more for them.  Best getting them from a pet shop (used in aquariums).