Fuse Programming Circuit Stabilization via Bypass Resistor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The process of programming electrical fuses within semiconductor circuits is not reproducible, leading to potentially non-functional substituted components due to unstable programming conditions such as marginal voltage and current supplies.

Innovation Solution

An electrical fuse programming circuit that uses a bypass resistor and transistors to sequentially stabilize the current before programming the fuse, minimizing transient currents and ensuring a stable voltage and current supply, thereby enhancing the reliability of the programming process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If direct programming current is applied to the electrical fuse, then programming speed is improved, but programming stability deteriorates due to transient currents and marginal supply conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming speedVSAvoidprogramming stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass transistor is activated before the programming transistor to pre-stabilize the programming bus voltage and current. This preliminary action prepares the electrical environment for subsequent fuse programming, ensuring stable conditions are established before the actual programming current is applied to the fuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass transistor acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the power supply and the programming bus. It temporarily carries the programming current to stabilize the bus voltage, thereby creating stable intermediate conditions that enable reliable fuse programming when the programming transistor is subsequently activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If programming current is increased to ensure functional programming, then programming effectiveness is improved, but transient current effects worsen causing irreproducible programming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming effectivenessVSAvoidprogramming reproducibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit employs sequential periodic activation of transistors in a specific sequence: first the bypass transistor, then the programming transistor. This periodic action divides the programming process into distinct phases, allowing current stabilization to occur in the first phase before the actual programming occurs in the second phase, thereby eliminating transient effects and ensuring reproducible results.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass transistor provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and stabilizing the initial current surge before it reaches the programming bus. This protective action cushions the system against harmful transient currents, preventing them from causing irreproducible programming effects on the fuse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Manufacturing precision

If sequential transistor switching is implemented to stabilize current, then programming uniformity is improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming uniformityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The programming function is segmented into two distinct transistor operations: a bypass transistor for current stabilization and a programming transistor for actual fuse programming. This segmentation separates the stabilization function from the programming function, allowing each transistor to be optimized for its specific role while maintaining overall circuit simplicity through functional division.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bypass transistor serves multiple functions: it stabilizes the programming bus voltage, absorbs transient currents, and prepares the electrical environment for subsequent programming. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated circuits, thereby limiting the increase in overall circuit complexity while achieving programming uniformity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach results in more uniform and reliable programming of electrical fuses, even under adverse conditions, ensuring functional semiconductor circuit components.

Implementation Method 1

a bypass resistor that is electrically connected to the programming circuit bus in parallel with the electrical fuse

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS7432755B1Programming current stabilized electrical fuse programming circuit and method

Publication Date: 2008.10.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electrical fuse programming circuit and a method for programming an electrical fuse within the electrical fuse programming circuit use a programming circuit bus to which are electrically connected in parallel the electrical fuse and a bypass resistor. A current within the programming circuit bus is made to flow through the bypass resistor for a period of time sufficient to stabilize the current, and then sequentially and instantaneously switched to program the electrical fuse.