Electrical Fuse ROM Security Key Layout for Faster IC Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for programming a security key into an electrical fuse ROM in semiconductor devices increase test time and cost, as the security key is programmed after the integrated circuit is fabricated, degrading manufacturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A security circuit with electrical fuse units arranged to correspond to an initial security key during the design phase, allowing for programming of the security key before fabrication and enabling changes to the key after fabrication by blowing specific fuses, using a master fuse and bit cell fuse circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the security key is programmed after the integrated circuit is fabricated, then the security key can be customized, but test time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical fuse ROM is pre-configured with initial security key values during the integrated circuit fabrication process, before the actual security key programming is needed. This preliminary arrangement of fuse units eliminates the need for time-consuming post-fabrication testing and key programming, while still allowing customization through selective fuse blowing based on the desired security key.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the security key is programmed after the integrated circuit is fabricated, then the security key can be customized, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse units are pre-arranged during standard integrated circuit fabrication processes, utilizing existing manufacturing infrastructure. This preliminary configuration avoids the need for additional specialized post-fabrication programming equipment and processes, thereby controlling manufacturing costs while enabling security key customization through simple fuse blowing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the security key is programmed after the integrated circuit is fabricated, then the security key can be customized, but manufacturing efficiency degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical fuse ROM structure and initial security key values are established during the standard integrated circuit fabrication process, before wafer sorting and packaging. This preliminary action integrates security key configuration into the existing manufacturing flow, avoiding separate post-fabrication programming steps and maintaining high manufacturing efficiency while enabling security key customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A security circuit includes an electrical fuse read only memory (ROM) including a plurality of electrical fuse units. The electrical fuse units are arranged to correspond to bit values of an initial security key before the electrical fuse ROM is programmed.