 The Intel hex format was originally designed for Intel's Intellec Microcomputer Development Systems (MDS) in 1973 in order to load and execute programs from paper tape in order to replace the "paper-intensive" BNPF/BPNF format.Also, it served the purpose of easing the data transmission from customers to Intel for ROM production.The format was used to program (E)PROMs via paper tapes (in "Intellec Hex Paper Tape Format") or to control punched card-controlled EPROM programmers (through the "Intellec Hex Computer Punched Card Format").