Fuse array control for smart function enable
US5889679A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Mar 30, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F15/7867
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method for smart configuration of functional blocks within a semiconductor device is provided. A fuse array contains a plurality of fuses that are blown in manufacturing to enable/disable functional blocks on the semiconductor device. A control unit reads the state of the fuses, and logically merges the fuse states with a default configuration for the functional blocks. The result of the merge operation is stored in a feature control register that individually enables/disables the functional blocks. The control unit also receives a write command from an external source that modifies the feature control register, after the device is shipped from the manufacturer. The control unit selectively blocks writes to the feature control register that attempt to enable/disable functional blocks that should not modified.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.