Method and apparatus for protecting eFuse information
US7129769B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 17, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C16/22
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are provided for protecting electronic fuse (eFuse) information. A current balancing circuit is provided that maintains a constant current demand on the eFuse voltage supply that is sufficient to blow an eFuse. Normally the constant current is applied to a semiconductor core. When an eFuse is being blown, the constant current is diverted away from the core to the eFuse and as the eFuse blows, the constant current is again dumped to the semiconductor core. Thus, a change in current due to the transient of the eFuse being blown is not detectable and the information that an eFuse has been blown is kept secure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.