Capacitive discharge fuse programming apparatus and method
US8405448B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 31, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C17/16
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for programming a fuse includes a programmable branch comprising a fusable element and a reverse-biased diode connected in series. The programmable branch is connected in parallel with a current boost capacitor. An electrical source or input supplies a current that is sufficient to charge the current boost capacitor to a breakdown voltage of the reverse-biased diode and subsequently melt the reverse-biased diode. Melting the reverse-biased diode may induce a reduction in voltage across the current boost capacitor and result in a current surge through the programmable branch that is sufficient to program (i.e. blow) the fusable element. A corresponding method for programming a fuse is also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.