Patent · US Expired

Method for writing into semiconductor memory

US5299151A · kind A · utility

19Cited by
3References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 18, 1991
Grant dateMar 29, 1994
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 18, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG11C17/16
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A method is provided for writing into a semiconductor memory which includes a MOS transistor formed on a semiconductor substrate and an anti-fuse formed of an insulating film and an upper electrode on a drain of the MOS transistor. The method includes the steps of applying a first voltage between the upper electrode of the anti-fuse and a source of the MOS transistor to cause dielectric breakdown of the insulating film of the anti-fuse, with the MOS transistor turned on; and applying a second voltage between the upper electrode of the anti-fuse and the semiconductor substrate so that a larger amount of current flows than the amount of current required for breaking down the insulating film of the anti-fuse.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.