Method and apparatus for programming anti-fuses
US5844298A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Dec 1, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C17/18
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A programming circuit programs an anti-fuse having first and second terminals with the programming circuit and the anti-fuse being fabricated in the same integrated circuit. The programming circuit includes a first external terminal of the integrated circuit coupled to the first terminal of the anti-fuse. The first external terminal is adapted to receive a first programming voltage having a predetermined polarity. A second external terminal of the integrated circuit is adapted to receive a second programming voltage having a polarity opposite that of the first programming voltage. A voltage translation circuit is coupled between the second external terminal and the second terminal of the anti-fuse and includes an enable terminal adapted to receive an enable signal. The voltage translation circuit is operable to couple the second programming voltage to the second terminal of the anti-fuse in response to the enable signal being active. When the enable signal is inactive, the voltage translation circuit isolates both positive and negative voltages on the second external terminal from the second terminal of the anti-fuse.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.