Semiconductor Fuse Array with Compressed Configuration Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
As device complexity increases, the amount of configuration data required for multi-core devices grows, leading to space and power constraints on the die due to the size of semiconductor fuse arrays, which limits the ability to store and provide sufficient configuration data efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor fuse array is used with a first plurality of fuses for encoded and compressed configuration data, a second plurality for fuse correction data indicating changes to the first fuses, and a third plurality for additional corrections, allowing for efficient storage and reprogramming of configuration data in a multi-core device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the amount of configuration data is increased to meet device complexity requirements, then the functionality and adaptability of multi-core devices is improved, but the area occupied by semiconductor fuse arrays on the die increases, leading to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple levels of fuse arrays are organized hierarchically. A first level fuse array stores compressed configuration data, while second level fuse arrays store correction data that modifies the first level data. This nesting allows the system to effectively store more configuration information than a single flat fuse array could hold, resolving the contradiction between configuration data capacity and physical fuse array area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state parameters of fuse arrays by introducing compressed data representation and correction mechanisms. Instead of storing full configuration data in a large fuse array, the system stores compressed data and uses correction fuse arrays to modify specific bits, effectively increasing the information density and capacity of the fuse array structure without proportionally increasing physical area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the size of semiconductor fuse arrays is increased to store more configuration data, then the configuration capacity is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hierarchical nesting of fuse arrays allows the system to read only the compressed first level data and then selectively apply corrections from the second level, rather than reading and processing a large amount of raw configuration data. This reduces the power consumption associated with fuse array access and processing operations while maintaining high configuration capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
By transforming the storage format to compressed data with correction overlays, the patent reduces the amount of data that needs to be accessed and processed from the fuse arrays. This parameter change in data representation significantly reduces the power consumption of fuse array operations while preserving the ability to store and access large amounts of configuration information.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fuse arrays are used without reprogramming capability, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the ability to correct fabrication errors and adapt after fabrication is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-organizing the fuse array structure with both first level compressed data and second level correction data during fabrication. This preliminary setup enables post-fabrication reprogramming and error correction capabilities without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the hierarchical structure is prepared in advance to support multiple programming events and correction operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single large fuse array is used to store all configuration data, then the data storage capacity is sufficient, but the access time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the configuration data storage into multiple hierarchical levels: a first level fuse array storing compressed data and second level fuse arrays storing correction data. This segmentation allows the system to access configuration information in a more efficient manner by first reading the compact first level data and then applying selective corrections, rather than accessing a single large fuse array containing all raw configuration data, thereby reducing access time and operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a semiconductor fuse array, disposed on a semiconductor die, into which is programmed configuration data. The semiconductor fuse array has a first plurality of semiconductor fuses and a second plurality of semiconductor fuses. The first plurality of semiconductor fuses is configured to store the configuration data in an encoded and compressed format. The second plurality of semiconductor fuses is configured to store first fuse correction data that indicates locations and values corresponding to a first one or more fuses within the first plurality of fuses whose states are to be changed from that which was previously stored.