Patent US5636172A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5636172A
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Reduced pitch laser redundancy fuse bank structure
Assignee: Micron Technology Inc
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Filing: 1995-12-22
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Granted: 1997-06-03
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Expires: 2015-12-22
Abstract
Abstract A configuration for a laser fuse bank is disclosed wherein the available space is more efficiently used. Fuses of graduated width and variable configuration are placed so as to minimize the average distance between fuses and maximize fuse density. Alternatively, a common source is added to a standard laser fuse structure such that it intersects the fuses and the number of available fuses is doubled.
Inventors
- 👤 Kirk Prall
- 👤 Tod S. Stone
- 👤 Paul S. Zagar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:52
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C29/00; G11C29/70; G11C29/78; G11C29/785; G11C29/80; H; H10; H10W; H10W20/00; H10W20/40; H10W20/49; H10W20/493; H10W20/494
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
217 words
An integrated circuit memory comprising: an array of primary memory cells arranged in rows and columns; a plurality of redundant memory cells; and a plurality of laser fuse banks, each laser fuse bank comprising: a center fuse having a narrow end, a wide end, and a common centerline; a first outer fuse having a narrow end and a wide end, located adjacent to the center fuse such that the narrow end of the first outer fuse is adjacent to the narrow end of the center fuse and the wide end of the first outer fuse is adjacent to the wide end of the center fuse, the wide end of the first outer fuse is laterally offset from the narrow end of the first outer fuse; and a second outer fuse having a narrow end and a wide end, located adjacent to the center fuse and on the side of the center fuse opposite the first outer fuse such that the narrow end of the second outer fuse is adjacent to the narrow end of the center fuse and the wide end of the second outer fuse is adjacent to the wide end of the center fuse, and the wide end of the second outer fuse is laterally offset from the narrow end of the second outer fuse.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
217 words
An integrated circuit memory comprising: an array of primary memory cells arranged in rows and columns; a plurality of redundant memory cells; and a plurality of laser fuse banks, each laser fuse bank comprising: a center fuse having a narrow end, a wide end, and a common centerline; a first outer fuse having a narrow end and a wide end, located adjacent to the center fuse such that the narrow end of the first outer fuse is adjacent to the narrow end of the center fuse and the wide end of the first outer fuse is adjacent to the wide end of the center fuse, the wide end of the first outer fuse is laterally offset from the narrow end of the first outer fuse; and a second outer fuse having a narrow end and a wide end, located adjacent to the center fuse and on the side of the center fuse opposite the first outer fuse such that the narrow end of the second outer fuse is adjacent to the narrow end of the center fuse and the wide end of the second outer fuse is adjacent to the wide end of the center fuse, and the wide end of the second outer fuse is laterally offset from the narrow end of the second outer fuse.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The integrated circuit memory of claim 1 wherein the plurality of laser fuse banks comprises: a first laser fuse bank; and a second laser fuse bank positioned such that the second laser fuse bank is adjacent to the first laser fuse bank, and the second laser fuse bank is rotated one hundred eighty (180) degrees from the first laser fuse bank.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The integrated circuit memory of claim 1 wherein the wide end of the first outer fuse is laterally offset from its narrow end in an outwardly direction away from the center fuse.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The integrated circuit memory of claim 1 wherein the wide end of the second outer fuse is laterally offset from its narrow end in an outwardly direction away from the center fuse.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The integrated circuit memory of claim 1 wherein the plurality of laser fuse banks are polysilicon fabricated on an integrated circuit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The integrated circuit memory of claim 1 further comprising a redundant enable circuit comprising: a latch circuit coupled to one of the fuses of the plurality of laser fuse banks; and a comparator circuit connected to the latch circuit and a plurality of external address inputs.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-06-02 | 2000-12-02 | 2001-06-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-06-02 | 2004-12-02 | 2005-06-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-06-02 | 2008-12-02 | 2009-06-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |