Antifuse circuit and method for selectively programming thereof
US7532533B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 19, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 12, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 19, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C17/02
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An antifuse circuit provides on a per bit basis a signal that indicates whether an MTJ (magnetic tunnel junction) antifuse has been previously programmed to a low resistance state in response to a program voltage. A sense amplifier provides the resistance state signal. A plurality of reference magnetic tunnel junctions are coupled in parallel and to the sense amplifier, each having a resistance within a range to provide a collective resistance that can be determined by the sense amplifier to differ from each resistance state of the MTJ antifuse. A write circuit selectively provides a current sufficient to create the program voltage when the write circuit is enabled to program the antifuse magnetic tunnel junction. Upon detecting a change in resistance in the MTJ antifuse, the write circuit reduces current supplied to the antifuse. Multiple antifuses may be programmed concurrently. Gate oxide thicknesses of transistors are adjusted for optimal performance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.