Semiconductor Integrated Circuit Fuse-Based Storage Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing number of external terminals in semiconductor integrated circuits contradicts the demand for smaller package sizes, as each terminal required for selecting and loading programs from multiple storage devices increases the package size, necessitating a reduction in terminal count without compromising selection functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a fuse part with internal fuse circuits that allow the semiconductor integrated circuit to select an external storage device based on values indicated by these circuits, reducing the need for multiple external terminals by using internal bit information to determine the selected storage device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple external terminals are used to receive selection signals for choosing storage devices, then the selection function of multiple storage devices is achieved, but the package size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselection functionVSAvoidpackage size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple selection signals into a single external terminal by using internal fuse circuits to generate multi-bit data. Instead of requiring separate terminals for each selection bit, the system merges the selection functionality into one terminal while using internal fuse-based logic to expand the selection capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (internal fuse circuits) that translates a single external selection signal into multiple internal selection bits. The fuse circuits act as a mediator between the limited external terminal and the multiple storage devices, enabling expanded selection capability without proportionally increasing external terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the number of external terminals is reduced to decrease package size, then smaller package size is achieved, but the ability to select from multiple storage devices is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage sizeVSAvoidstorage device selection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional external terminal expansion approach to a two-dimensional solution by adding internal fuse circuits as a new dimension. Instead of only increasing external terminals horizontally, the system vertically integrates internal fuse-based selection logic to multiply the selection capability from a single terminal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses internal fuse circuits that are already present in the semiconductor device to serve the additional function of storage device selection. The fuse circuits, which may have been unused or underutilized, are repurposed to generate selection signals, allowing the system to select from multiple storage devices using existing internal resources rather than requiring additional external terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8665626B2Semiconductor integrated circuit and control method

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A semiconductor integrated circuit for selecting one from a plurality of external storage devices and loading an execution program that includes a fuse part having a plurality of internal fuse circuits, and a processing unit that loads the execution program from the external storage device selected according to a value indicated by the internal fuse circuit.