Configurable Reference Resistor for Fuse Status Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for determining the status of a fuse element in memory devices are inadequate due to resistance variations caused by process variants, leading to incorrect identification and requiring costly and time-consuming modifications to the reference resistor, necessitating a restart of the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor circuit and device with a configurable reference resistor unit and a latch circuit that adjusts resistance to match the fuse element's resistance, allowing accurate status determination without the need for additional photomasks or restarting the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed reference resistor is used to determine fuse element status, then the manufacturing process is simple, but process variants cause resistance mismatches leading to incorrect identification
Solution Approach 1:
The reference resistor is transformed from a fixed value to a dynamically configurable value through switching circuits. The switching circuits enable selective connection of different resistor units (RU1-RU4) in series or parallel configurations, allowing the reference resistance to be adjusted dynamically to match process variants and accurately identify fuse status.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance value of the reference resistor is changed by altering the configuration of switching circuits (SW1-SW4). By controlling the on/off states of these switches, the reference resistor can be reconfigured into different resistance values (e.g., R1 alone, R1+R2 in series, R1||R2 in parallel) to compensate for process variants and maintain accurate measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the reference resistor is modified to compensate for process variants, then measurement accuracy improves, but additional photomasks and manufacturing process restart are required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resistor units (RU1-RU4) and switching circuits (SW1-SW4) are pre-configured into the device during the initial manufacturing process. This preliminary configuration enables post-manufacturing adjustment of the reference resistance without requiring additional photomasks or process restarts, as all necessary components are already in place to support dynamic reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference resistor configuration is made dynamic through electronically controllable switching circuits, allowing the resistance value to be adjusted after manufacturing without physical modification. This eliminates the need for additional photomasks and process restarts, as the adjustment is achieved through electrical control rather than physical rework.
3Measurement precision
If the reference resistor is modified to compensate for process variants, then measurement accuracy improves, but manufacturing costs increase due to additional photomasks
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple resistor units and switching circuits are integrated into the device during the standard manufacturing process, eliminating the need for additional photomasks or specialized manufacturing steps. The preliminary inclusion of these components allows for cost-effective post-manufacturing configuration adjustments without compromising manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference resistor is implemented as a dynamic, electronically reconfigurable component rather than a fixed physical structure requiring specialized manufacturing. This approach maintains ease of manufacture by using standard fabrication processes to create the resistor units and switching circuits, which can then be configured flexibly through electrical control without additional manufacturing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a configurable reference resistor with multiple switching circuits is used, then adaptability to process variants improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference resistor is segmented into multiple discrete resistor units (RU1-RU4) that can be independently controlled by separate switching circuits (SW1-SW4). This segmentation allows for flexible combination of units to achieve different resistance values, providing high adaptability while keeping each individual switching circuit simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching circuits serve multiple functions: they act as controllable switches for configuring resistance values, provide test nodes for measurement, and enable different connection topologies (series, parallel, or combinations). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor circuit and a semiconductor device for determining a status of a fuse element are provided. The semiconductor circuit includes a configurable reference resistor unit with a first terminal receiving a first power signal and a second terminal electrically coupled to the fuse element. The semiconductor circuit also includes a first switching circuit electrically connecting the configurable reference resistor unit and the fuse element and a latch circuit for reading an evaluation signal of a first node between the configurable reference resistor unit and the fuse element.