Abstract: An electronically programmable read-only memory module has an embedded micro-controller for program/data updating.Upon power up, the module acts as a prior art ROM. The embedded micro-controller in a standby mode is responsive to data arriving from a download communication interface that is accessible by an external port on the module. The external port and download communication interface is independent of the system of which the module is an operating component. When a command is received from the download communication interface, the micro-controller switches the memory device to respond to micro-controller inputs that starts an update session. The micro-controller receives download data from the download communication interface and writes it into the memory device. When the download process terminates, the micro-controller switches the memory device back to its system interface.