Voltage Power Switch With Level Shifting for Safe Fuse Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
The semiconductor industry faces a challenge in providing high voltages required for fuse programming in nanometer process nodes without exceeding the safe voltage limits, as newer nodes support lower operating voltages, risking damage to Integrated Circuit components.
Innovation Solution
A voltage power switch with a lock circuit and voltage level shifter configuration that selectively outputs high voltage for fuse programming and a safe intermediate voltage for non-fuse programming, using NMOS and PMOS transistors and cascaded latches to ensure controlled voltage levels, preventing damage to IC components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage is provided for fuse programming, then fuse programming capability is achieved, but IC components may be damaged due to exceeding safe voltage limits
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage output of the power switch is made dynamic rather than static. The switch can operate in different modes: during fuse programming, it outputs high voltage to blow the fuse link; during normal operation, it outputs a safe intermediate voltage that protects IC components. This dynamic voltage switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the voltage level to the specific operational requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter of the power switch output based on operational mode. By controlling the power switch to output different voltage levels (high voltage for fuse programming, intermediate safe voltage for normal operation), the system achieves both fuse programming capability and component protection. The voltage parameter is adjusted according to the operational state.
2Duration of action of moving object
If high voltage is provided for extended periods, then fuse programming is completed, but IC components are damaged due to prolonged exposure to high voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or pulsed action in the voltage output. The power switch provides high voltage only during the specific time window when fuse programming is required, then switches to a safe intermediate voltage for extended periods during normal operation. This periodic switching ensures that high voltage exposure is limited to the necessary duration while protecting components during prolonged operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic control of the power switch enables temporary high voltage output only when needed for fuse programming, followed by transition to a safe intermediate voltage state. This dynamic voltage management ensures that high voltage is applied for the required brief duration to complete fuse programming, while preventing prolonged exposure that would damage IC components.
3Reliability
If voltage level is reduced to safe operating levels, then IC component safety is improved, but fuse programming capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The power switch is controlled to dynamically adjust its output voltage based on operational mode. During fuse programming operations, the switch outputs high voltage sufficient to blow fuse links. During normal operation, it outputs a safe intermediate voltage that protects IC components. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the system to maintain both component safety and fuse programming capability as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage output parameter of the power switch is changed according to operational requirements. The switch can output high voltage when fuse programming is required, and transition to a safe intermediate voltage during normal operation. This parameter change enables the system to maintain IC component safety while preserving the ability to perform fuse programming when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage power switch includes circuitry configured to output a known voltage. The voltage power switch includes a lock circuit configured to output a known state and a voltage level shifter configured to receive an input, the input being based on the known state output by the lock circuit. The voltage power switch, using an output circuit, is configured to output a known voltage level based on an output of the voltage level shifter, wherein the known voltage is one of a high voltage VHI for a fuse programing period or a first non-zero intermediate voltage VMID1 for a non-fuse programming period.