US5262994A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Semiconductor memory with a multiplexer for selecting an output for a redundant memory access
Assignee: STMicroelectronics lnc USA
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Filing: 1992-01-31
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Granted: 1993-11-16
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Expires: 2012-01-31
Abstract
Abstract An integrated circuit memory is disclosed which has its primary memory array arranged into blocks and which has redundant columns, each of which can replace a column in any one of the blocks. The redundant columns are selected by way of a redundant column decoder associated with each column, each of which includes a set of address fuses into which an address is programmed, responsive to which its associated redundant column is to be selected. A plurality of redundant sense amplifiers are each associated with a group of redundant columns. The coupling of each redundant sense amplifier is controlled by a redundant multiplexer associated with each of the input/output terminals. Each redundant multiplexer receives the redundant column select signals from each associated redundant column decoder, and includes fuses which indicate if its input/output terminal is to be placed in communication with its associated sense amplifier (or, in a write cycle, its associated write circuit) upon selection of a redundant column. The coupling is accomplished by the redundant multiplexer corresponding to the input/output terminal to which the selected column is associated turning on a pass gate between the redundant sense amplifier (or write circuit) and the input/output circuitry for the input/output terminal.
Inventors
- 👤 David C. McClure
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 20:18
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C29/00; G11C29/70; G11C29/78; G11C29/84; G11C29/846
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A multiplexer circuit for selectively placing a redundant sense circuit in communication with an associated output terminal, wherein said redundant sense circuit is associated with a plurality of redundant columns, comprising: a plurality of fuses, each associated with one of said plurality of redundant columns; a plurality of transistors, each having a conduction path connected in series with an associated one of said plurality of fuses between an output node and a bias voltage, and each having a control terminal coupled to receive a select signal corresponding to the selection of its associated one of said plurality of redundant columns; and a read coupling circuit for coupling said redundant sense circuit to the associated output terminal responsive to said output node having a voltage near said bias voltage.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A multiplexer circuit for selectively placing a redundant sense circuit in communication with an associated output terminal, wherein said redundant sense circuit is associated with a plurality of redundant columns, comprising: a plurality of fuses, each associated with one of said plurality of redundant columns; a plurality of transistors, each having a conduction path connected in series with an associated one of said plurality of fuses between an output node and a bias voltage, and each having a control terminal coupled to receive a select signal corresponding to the selection of its associated one of said plurality of redundant columns; and a read coupling circuit for coupling said redundant sense circuit to the associated output terminal responsive to said output node having a voltage near said bias voltage.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The multiplexer circuit of claim 1, wherein said read coupling circuit comprises: a pass gate, having its conduction path coupled between said redundant sense circuit and the associated output terminal, and having a control terminal coupled to said output node.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The multiplexer circuit of claim 2, wherein said read coupling circuit further comprises: a buffer between said output node and the control terminal of said pass gate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The multiplexer circuit of claim 1, further comprising: a pull-up device, coupled between said output node and a power supply voltage.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
61 words
The multiplexer circuit of claim 1, wherein said multiplexer circuit is also for selectively placing an associated input terminal in communication with a redundant write circuit, further comprising: a write coupling circuit, coupled to said output node, for coupling the associated input terminal to said redundant write circuit responsive to said output node being at a voltage near said bias voltage.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The multiplexer circuit of claim 5, wherein said write coupling circuit comprises: a pass gate, having a conduction path connected in series between the associated input terminal and said redundant write circuit, and having a control terminal coupled to said output node.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
205 words
An integrated circuit comprising a memory, said circuit comprising: a plurality of primary memory cells; means for accessing a primary memory cell responsive to an address signal presented thereto; a redundant memory array comprising redundant memory cells arranged in a plurality of redundant columns; a plurality of redundant decoders, each for selecting one of said plurality of redundant columns responsive to an address signal presented thereto corresponding to a programmed value therein; a first redundant sense circuit, for sensing the contents of a selected redundant memory cell; a plurality of output terminals; and a first plurality of programmable redundant multiplexers, each associated with one of said plurality of output terminals, and each comprising: a plurality of fuses, each associated with one of said plurality of redundant columns; a plurality of transistors, each having a conduction path connected in series with an associated one of said plurality of fuses between an output node and a bias voltage, and each having a control terminal coupled to the output of the redundant decoder corresponding to the associated redundant column; and a read coupling circuit for coupling its associated output terminal to said first redundant sense circuit, responsive to said output node having a voltage near said bias voltage.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
205 words
An integrated circuit comprising a memory, said circuit comprising: a plurality of primary memory cells; means for accessing a primary memory cell responsive to an address signal presented thereto; a redundant memory array comprising redundant memory cells arranged in a plurality of redundant columns; a plurality of redundant decoders, each for selecting one of said plurality of redundant columns responsive to an address signal presented thereto corresponding to a programmed value therein; a first redundant sense circuit, for sensing the contents of a selected redundant memory cell; a plurality of output terminals; and a first plurality of programmable redundant multiplexers, each associated with one of said plurality of output terminals, and each comprising: a plurality of fuses, each associated with one of said plurality of redundant columns; a plurality of transistors, each having a conduction path connected in series with an associated one of said plurality of fuses between an output node and a bias voltage, and each having a control terminal coupled to the output of the redundant decoder corresponding to the associated redundant column; and a read coupling circuit for coupling its associated output terminal to said first redundant sense circuit, responsive to said output node having a voltage near said bias voltage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The integrated circuit of claim 7, wherein each of said read coupling circuits comprises: a pass gate, having its conduction path coupled between its associated output terminal and said first redundant sense circuit, and having a control terminal coupled to said output node.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
The integrated circuit of claim 7, wherein each of said first plurality of redundant multiplexers further comprises: a pull-up device, coupled between said output node and a power supply voltage.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
95 words
The integrated circuit of claim 7, further comprising: a first redundant write circuit, for writing the contents of a selected redundant memory cell; and a plurality of input terminals; wherein each of said first plurality of redundant multiplexers is also associated with one of said plurality of input terminals; and wherein each of said first plurality of redundant multiplexers further comprises: a write coupling circuit, coupled to said output node, for coupling the associated input terminal to said first redundant write circuit responsive to said output node being at a voltage near said bias voltage.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
The integrated circuit of claim 10, wherein each of said write coupling circuits comprises: a pass gate, having a conduction path connected in series between its associated input terminal and said first redundant write circuit, and having a control terminal coupled to said output node.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
174 words
The integrated circuit of claim 7, further comprising: a second redundant sense circuit; and wherein a first group of said plurality of redundant columns are associated with said first redundant sense circuit and said first plurality of programmable redundant multiplexers, and a second group of said plurality of redundant columns are associated with said second redundant sense circuit; and further comprising: a second plurality of programmable redundant multiplexers, each associated with one of said plurality of output terminals, and each comprising: a plurality of fuses, each associated with one of said second group of redundant columns; a plurality of transistors, each having a conduction path connected in series with an associated one of said plurality of fuses between an output node and a bias voltage, and each having a control terminal coupled to the output of the redundant decoder corresponding to the associated redundant column; and a read coupling circuit for coupling its associated output terminal to said second redundant sense circuit, responsive to said output node having a voltage near said bias voltage.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
177 words
The integrated circuit of claim 12, further comprising: first and second redundant write circuits, each for writing the contents of a selected redundant memory cell, said first redundant write circuit associated with said first group of said plurality of redundant columns, and said second redundant write circuit associated with said second group of said plurality of redundant columns; and a plurality of input terminals; wherein each of said first and second pluralities of redundant multiplexers is also associated with one of said plurality of input terminals; wherein each of said first plurality of redundant multiplexers further comprises: a write coupling circuit, coupled to said output node, for coupling the associated input terminal to said first redundant write circuit responsive to said output node being at a voltage near said bias voltage; and wherein each of said second plurality of redundant multiplexers further comprises: a write coupling circuit, coupled to said output node, for coupling the associated input terminal to said second redundant write circuit responsive to said output node being at a voltage near said bias voltage.
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) | 1996-11-15 | 1997-05-17 | 1997-11-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-11-15 | 2001-05-17 | 2001-11-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-11-15 | 2005-05-17 | 2005-11-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |