Integrated circuit chip programmable and operation method

Abstract

The invention discloses an integrated circuit chip with programmable functions and features and its operating method, wherein a one-time programmable (OTP) memory is used to realize the function of a non-volatile memory. The OTP memory may be based on multi-state fuses and gate oxide fuses. Because the OTP memory is very small, it occupies a smaller package area than metal fuses. In addition, since OTP memory can be implemented as part of a standard CMOS process, this approach is less costly and less complex than using electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (E2PROM).

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to integrated circuit chips, and more particularly, the present invention relates to integrated circuit chips having programmable functions and features. Background technique [0002] During and / or after the manufacture of an integrated circuit chip, it is often desirable to be able to change its function and characteristics. To do this, the chip can be designed in such a way that these characteristics are programmed using on-chip memory. Typically, the on-chip memory required for this programmability is implemented by, for example, metal fuses and / or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (E2PROM). [0003] For example, metal fuses have been used to tune precise voltage references in silicon. Metal fuses typically occupy a relatively large area in silicon, limiting the number of fuses that can be included on a single chip. Because of this limitation, the programmability achieved using this approach is rath...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, implementing E2PROM requires performing additional processing steps to fabricate silicon wafers, thus significantly increasing the cost and complexity of the manufacturing process

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