Microprocessor having single poly-silicon EPROM memory for programmably controlling optional features
US5732207A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1995 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C29/789
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A CMOS microprocessor chip includes an on-chip single-poly EPROM that is process-compatible with the CMOS process used to manufacture the microprocessor. The EPROM is used to store manufacturing and contract related data such as serial number, customer, and process related data such as wafer number test results, binning data, etc. This provides important information for quality and reliability control. The EPROM is also used to control selection of optional microprocessor features such as speed governing, pin-out and I/O bus interface configuration. A third use is for trimming of critical circuit elements and for cache redundancy fault control.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.