Single-Pad Fuse Programming Circuit With Integrated State Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuse programming and sensing circuits in integrated circuits require multiple pads or contacts, increasing circuit complexity and area, and consume significant transient current, limiting the compactness and power efficiency of semiconductor devices.
Innovation Solution
A fuse circuit design that integrates a fuse pad, a switching element, and a fuse state sensing circuit, allowing programming and sensing operations with a single pad by grounding the fuse pad during sensing, eliminating the need for additional pads and reducing transient current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pads or contacts are used for fuse programming and sensing, then fuse state detection reliability is improved, but device area and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse pad is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the programming pad (receiving programming voltage) and the sensing pad (providing sensing reference potential). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pads, reducing device area while maintaining reliable fuse state detection through the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the programming function and sensing function into a single integrated circuit structure. The fuse pad is merged with the sensing reference potential generation, and the switching element is integrated within the same circuit block, reducing overall circuit complexity and area occupation.
2Reliability
If multiple pads or contacts are used for fuse programming and sensing, then fuse state detection reliability is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuse pad performs dual functions as both programming interface and sensing reference source. The switching element serves both to enable programming current flow and to control sensing operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and interconnections, thereby reducing circuit complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse pad itself provides the sensing reference potential without requiring an external dedicated reference pad. The circuit uses its own structures (fuse pad, switching element, current path) to generate the necessary sensing reference, eliminating the need for additional dedicated reference components and simplifying the overall circuit.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fuse programming circuit is used, then fuse programming function is achieved, but transient current consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes equipotential relationships during sensing operations by connecting the fuse pad to ground potential and using the same node as sensing reference. This eliminates potential differences that would drive unnecessary transient currents, reducing power consumption while maintaining effective fuse state detection through controlled current paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching element dynamically controls the current path, being closed during programming to enable high current flow and opened during sensing to minimize current consumption. This dynamic switching optimizes energy usage by activating high-current paths only when necessary for programming, while using low-current paths for sensing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Fuse programming circuits, devices and methods. In some embodiments, a fuse circuit can include a fuse pad configured to receive a voltage, a fuse having a first end coupled to the fuse pad and a second end coupled to a switching element configured to enable a current to pass from the fuse pad to a ground potential.