US4816757A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reconfigurable integrated circuit for enhanced testing in a manufacturing environment
Assignee: Texas Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1988-02-29
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Granted: 1989-03-28
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Expires: 2008-02-29
Abstract
Abstract A reconfigurable circuit operating in a test mode and a normal operating mode includes a memory array (10) which has a row decoder (12) for addressing the memory elements therein. The row decoder (12) has a fused switch (18) for referencing the output circuits thereon to either a standard reference voltage or an external reference voltage. The memory array (10) has a fused switch (22) associated therewith for referencing the charging voltage for the memory cells to either the positive reference voltage in the circuit or to an external variable voltage. The fused switches (18) and (22) are operable to switch to internal references for the normal operating mode and to the external variable voltages for the test mode.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles L. Hutchins
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:21
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C29/00; G11C29/02; G11C29/025; G11C29/04; G11C29/50; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/34; G11C11/40; G11C11/401; G11C2029/5004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
163 words
An improvement in an integrated circuit having at least first and second coupled functional blocks having separate sets of operational parameters, wherein an operational parameter of said first functional block is sensitive to the voltage of a bias node coupled to a bias terminal of said circuit so that the voltage at said bias node is dependent upon the voltages applied to said bias terminal, the improvement comprising: a test voltage terminal connected to operate said first functional block and connected to said bias node to permit operation of said first functional block in conjunction with said second functional block with a bias voltage applied to operation of said first functional block; means for disconnecting said test voltage terminal from said bias node; means, connected between said bias terminal and said bias node, for isolating said bias node from said bias terminal; and means, connected to said isolating means, for disabling said isolating means from isolating said bias node from said bias terminal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
163 words
An improvement in an integrated circuit having at least first and second coupled functional blocks having separate sets of operational parameters, wherein an operational parameter of said first functional block is sensitive to the voltage of a bias node coupled to a bias terminal of said circuit so that the voltage at said bias node is dependent upon the voltages applied to said bias terminal, the improvement comprising: a test voltage terminal connected to operate said first functional block and connected to said bias node to permit operation of said first functional block in conjunction with said second functional block with a bias voltage applied to operation of said first functional block; means for disconnecting said test voltage terminal from said bias node; means, connected between said bias terminal and said bias node, for isolating said bias node from said bias terminal; and means, connected to said isolating means, for disabling said isolating means from isolating said bias node from said bias terminal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The improved circuit of claim 1, wherein said disconnecting means comprises a first fuse connected between said test voltage terminal and said bias node, said circuit being manufactured with said first fuse in its conductive state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The improved circuit of claim 2, wherein said disabling means comprises a second fuse connected between said isolating means and a second bias node, said circuit being manufactured with said second fuse in its conductive state; wherein said isolating means is responsive to the voltage at said second bias node so that, responsive to said second fuse being in its conductive state, said bias node is isolated from said bias terminal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The improved circuit of claim 3, wherein said first and second fuses are adapted to be opened by a beam from a laser.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-03-27 | 1992-09-26 | 1993-03-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-03-27 | 1996-09-26 | 1997-03-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-03-27 | 2000-09-26 | 2001-03-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |