>On Mon, 17 Jun 1996, Newfound Electronics wrote:
>
>> >I have just started working with the EPROM after having started off on
>> >the '84. How long should a 16C57 be placed under a UV lamp for total
erasing?
>>
>> Generally, the 16C57s erase in two to three minutes but I have not timed it
>> exactly. This is the same with the other 5x devices but NOT so for most of
>> the 16Cxx devices that can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on the eraser and
>> over 2 hours if the code protection is "ON."
>>
>
>Thanks for the reply.
>Is it possible to permanently damage a PIC by leaving it for too long a
>period under a UV lamp?
>
>Cheers.
>
>J.W.

Johnnie,

I'm happy to help out but now you are asking a tough one. Some people claim
it will shorten the life of the device but others say this is rubbish.

I have left devices under the eraser for hours and it didn't seem to   hurt
them.

Somehow I thing the real danger in over erasing is if the eraser produces
heat. It is the heat build-up that is likely to kill the device more than
anything.

Keep in mind the devices have a finite life and are rated for 100
erase/program cycles.

I believe it is the actual programming that slowly kills the device more
than the erasing however, don't be suprised to hear a conflicting opinion.

Regards

Jim