Write Only Memory (WOM)

[Arouse1973]

Hi Guys
Came across this data sheet and was wondering if you could help me with how I could have used the device? And also they don't seem to make it anymore, I wonder why? See attached data sheet.
Thanks
Adam

 

[kpatz]

That datasheet was written as a joke. Look at it closely, especially the footnotes.

Think about it: what's the point of a memory that can be written to but not read back?

 

[(*steve*)]

Actually. they're used a great deal.

Computers designed to run *nix have one as part of the hardware speedup for /dev/null. The typical PC designed for a microsoft OS doesn't have this and thus writes to /dev/null are implemented using a slower method that involves destroying the data.

If you've ever wondered why deleting files is so slow in Windows compared to on a *nix machine, this is why.

 

[Arouse1973]

No I think Steve's right, that makes perfect sense. I'll see if our IT department got some old *nix machines hanging around I wonder if there's one inside
Adam

 

[kpatz]

I have one in my brain. Information goes in, never to be seen again....

 

[davenn]

it IS written as a joke

this same one came up some months ago on this and other forums delve into it further and you will find links to those that did the prank within the company .... its all quite funny and many years later it is still catching people out when they come across it


Dave

 

[Arouse1973]

Ok Yeah I know, Just thought I would have a laugh, you know me. And to think you thought I believed it, I must appear real dumb then . Apparently the guy who wrote this was so fed up of his designs taking so long to go through the system. Knowing full well no one actually read any of it. But this got through and actually made it into the brochure and customers were ringing up for pricing and all that.
Adam

 

[davenn]

Apparently the guy who wrote this was so fed up of his designs taking so long to go through the system. Knowing full well no one actually read any of it. But this got through and actually made it into the brochure and customers were ringing up for pricing and all that.

yeah quite a laugh !!

As Kpatz said, the footnotes are the real first giveaway

 

[Arouse1973]

I love the typical applications. Post mortem memories. And the fact you get a different spec device if your a slow paying customer. Brilliant. I think having a sense of humour is one of the greatest things of all time.

 

[chopnhack]

LOL,
INPUT PROTECTION
All terminals are provided with slip-on latex protectors for the
prevention of Voltage Destruction. (PILL packaged devices do not
require protection.)