Semiconductor Fuse Programming via Shift Register Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse programming techniques for semiconductor devices, such as laser blowing and electric blowing, are limited in data capacity and flexibility, particularly in fuse ROM programming, which restricts the amount of data that can be programmed post-fabrication and during chip usage.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with multiple fuses and program circuits, utilizing shift registers to generate select signals and a control circuit to manage programming, allowing for multiple programming modes, including simultaneous and sequential programming of fuses, enhancing data capacity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fuse programming techniques (laser blowing or electric blowing) are used, then the programming process is simple, but the data capacity and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the programming function into multiple program circuits (first program circuit, second program circuit, etc.), each capable of independently programming fuses. This segmentation allows different programming modes (single fuse, multiple fuses, groups) to be implemented without requiring a completely different device structure, thus improving programming flexibility while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces shift registers to control the programming process, adding a temporal dimension to the programming operation. By using shift register stages to select and activate specific program circuits sequentially or in parallel, the system achieves multiple programming modes without proportionally increasing the number of physical fuse elements, effectively expanding data capacity through dimensional control rather than purely spatial expansion.
2Quantity of substance
If fuse ROM is programmed in test procedure only, then the programming process is controlled, but the amount of data that can be programmed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs program circuits that can operate in multiple modes: programming single fuses, multiple fuses simultaneously, or groups of fuses. This multi-functionality allows the same hardware structure to accommodate various data capacity requirements without needing different programming mechanisms, thereby increasing data capacity while maintaining ease of operation through unified control interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs shift registers that can dynamically configure which program circuits are activated based on the programming requirements. The shift register stages can be selectively enabled or disabled, allowing the system to adapt its programming capacity dynamically - whether programming one fuse or multiple fuses in parallel - without requiring physical reconfiguration of the device, thus enhancing both data capacity and operational flexibility.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple program circuits are used to increase data capacity, then the data capacity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple program circuits into a unified architecture controlled by shift registers. Instead of having completely independent programming systems for each fuse, multiple program circuits share common control logic and data pathways through the shift register mechanism. This merging approach allows the system to achieve increased data capacity through multiple program circuits while reducing overall device complexity by eliminating redundant control structures.
4Productivity
If fuses are programmed one at a time, then the programming precision is high, but the programming speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses shift registers to enable periodic activation of multiple program circuits in a controlled sequence. The shift register stages can be configured to activate program circuits either simultaneously (for high-speed parallel programming) or sequentially (for high-precision single-fuse programming). This periodic control mechanism allows the system to switch between programming modes as needed, achieving high productivity when speed is prioritized while maintaining manufacturing precision when accuracy is prioritized.
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
Enables efficient and flexible programming of fuses, allowing for arbitrary adjustment of programmed fuses, increased data capacity, and support for various programming modes, improving the functionality of semiconductor devices.
Implementation Method 1
The program circuits may be configured to selectively conduct program current through the fuses responsive to the first and second select circuits
Data Source
AI summary
Semiconductor devices include a plurality of fuses and a plurality of program circuits, respective ones of which are configured to program respective ones of the plurality of fuses. The devices further include a shift register configured to activate at least two of the program circuits. In some embodiments, the shift register includes a first shift register configured to generate first select signals and a second shift register configured to generate second select signals corresponding to data to be programmed to the plurality of fuses. Respective ones of the program circuits may be configured to program respective ones of the fuses responsive to respective pairs of the first select signals and the second select signals.