Fuseless Fuse Structure for Re-programmable IC Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse-based systems in integrated circuits lack re-programmability, leading to inventory backlogs and waste due to fixed configurations, and are cumbersome to modify, especially when errors occur, as they require manual and error-prone processes to update multiple files and connections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fuseless fuse structure with a fuse wrapper, JTAG registers, and options registers that allow for software-driven configuration and override of fuse settings, utilizing a block-based addressing scheme to increase packing efficiency and automate code generation, enabling flexible and efficient management of fuse options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated fuse bits are used to store chip-specific information, then the configuration process is simple and reliable, but the system lacks re-programmability and cannot support changes or corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fuse configuration system into a dynamic one by introducing a fuseless fuse structure that allows re-programming. The system uses a state machine with multiple modes (configuration mode, programming mode, operation mode) to enable flexible changes to fuse settings after initial programming, resolving the contradiction between reliability of initial configuration and adaptability for changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the fuse configuration through software-based fuseless fuse structures. Instead of physically burning fuse bits, the system uses software to simulate fuse functionality, allowing the configuration to be copied, modified, and reprogrammed without physical changes to the hardware fuse structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual fuse burning processes are used, then the programming process is straightforward, but it is error-prone and time-consuming, especially when corrections are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual fuse burning process with an automated electronic system. Instead of physically burning fuse bits through manual or semi-automated processes, the system uses electronic control through a state machine and software to program fuse settings, significantly improving programming efficiency and reducing errors while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service programming capabilities where the fuseless fuse structure automatically manages its own configuration through integrated state machine control. The system can autonomously transition between modes, validate configurations, and perform corrections without requiring complex manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while keeping the process simple.
3Ease of repair
If fuse-based RAM repair is implemented, then the repair function can be provided, but the fixed programming scheme prevents flexible support for changes and corrections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic RAM repair capabilities by allowing the fuseless fuse structure to be reprogrammed. The state machine can transition between operation mode and programming mode, enabling flexible changes to RAM repair configurations after initial setup. This resolves the contradiction by providing both the ability to perform RAM repair and the flexibility to adapt to changes or corrections in the repair scheme.
Data Source
AI summary
An enhanced fuseless fuse structure is provided herein. Additionally, an IC with an enhanced fuseless fuse structure, a data structure that can be used with this structure and a method of manufacturing an IC are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the IC includes: (1) a fuse wrapper configured to decode fuseless fuse data for controlling the fuses, (2) JTAG registers configured to store fuse register values in designated blocks, wherein the fuse register values and the designated blocks are determined from the fuseless fuse data and (3) options registers configurable by software to store fuse override data for modifying the fuse register values.