US5930182A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable delay circuit for setting the speed grade of a semiconductor device
Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
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Filing: 1997-08-22
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Granted: 1999-07-27
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Expires: 2017-08-22
Abstract
Abstract An integrated circuit having an adjustable delay circuit such that the timing characteristics of the integrated circuit can be adjusted. A method for adjusting the timing characteristics of the integrated circuit in order to insure that the integrated circuit meets the specifications of a lower speed grade in the event that the integrated circuit fails the specifications of a targeted speed grade.
Inventors
- 👤 Terry R. Lee
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 21:59
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11C; G11C29/00; G11C29/02; G11C29/028; G11C29/04; G11C29/50; G11C29/50012; G11C7/00; G11C7/22; G11C7/222; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/34; G11C11/40; G11C11/401
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A memory device, comprising: memory control logic; a memory array having a plurality of memory cells for storing data, wherein the memory array produces a logic signal representing the stored data when addressed by the memory control logic; a delay element receiving the logic signal from the output of the memory array and providing a delayed logic signal; and a multiplexer to selectively provide the logic signal and the delayed logic signal to an output interface as a function of a delay control.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A memory device, comprising: memory control logic; a memory array having a plurality of memory cells for storing data, wherein the memory array produces a logic signal representing the stored data when addressed by the memory control logic; a delay element receiving the logic signal from the output of the memory array and providing a delayed logic signal; and a multiplexer to selectively provide the logic signal and the delayed logic signal to an output interface as a function of a delay control.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the delay element includes a delay-locked loop (DLL).
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the delay element includes a phase-locked loop (PLL).
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The memory device according to claim 1, wherein the delay control includes a programmable register.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
The memory device according to claim 1 wherein the delay control includes: a fuse connecting the multiplexer to a first voltage such that the multiplexer provides the logic signal to the output interface; and a passive device, selected from a group of passive devices including a resistor, an inductor and a capacitor, for coupling a selection input of the multiplexer to a second voltage, wherein when the fuse is blown the multiplexer provides the delayed logic signal to the output interface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
80 words
The memory device according to claim 1 wherein the delay control includes: a fuse connecting the multiplexer to a first voltage such that the multiplexer provides the logic signal to the output interface; and an active device, selected from a group of active devices including a transistor and a diode, for coupling a selection input of the multiplexer to a second power source, wherein when the fuse is blown the multiplexer provides the delayed logic signal to the output interface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
196 words
A memory device, comprising: memory control logic; a memory array having a plurality of memory cells for storing data, wherein the memory array produces a logic signal representing the stored data when addressed by the memory control logic; a delay element having a fixed time constant, the delay element receiving the logic signal from the memory array and providing a delayed logic signal as a function of the fixed time constant; a multiplexer having a first and a second input, a selection input, and an output, wherein said first input receives the logic signal from the output of the memory array and wherein said second input receives the delayed logic signal from the delay element, the multiplexer selectively connecting said first input to the output when the selection input is placed in a first state and selectively connecting said second input to the output when the selection input is placed in a second state, the output of the multiplexer providing an output signal; a delay control, connected to the selection input of the multiplexer, for selecting between said first and second states; and an output interface receiving the output signal from the output of the multiplexer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
196 words
A memory device, comprising: memory control logic; a memory array having a plurality of memory cells for storing data, wherein the memory array produces a logic signal representing the stored data when addressed by the memory control logic; a delay element having a fixed time constant, the delay element receiving the logic signal from the memory array and providing a delayed logic signal as a function of the fixed time constant; a multiplexer having a first and a second input, a selection input, and an output, wherein said first input receives the logic signal from the output of the memory array and wherein said second input receives the delayed logic signal from the delay element, the multiplexer selectively connecting said first input to the output when the selection input is placed in a first state and selectively connecting said second input to the output when the selection input is placed in a second state, the output of the multiplexer providing an output signal; a delay control, connected to the selection input of the multiplexer, for selecting between said first and second states; and an output interface receiving the output signal from the output of the multiplexer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The memory device according to claim 7, wherein the delay control includes a programmable register.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
65 words
The memory device according to claim 7, wherein the delay control includes a fuse and a resistor, connected to the fuse for coupling the selection input of the multiplexer to a first voltage, wherein when a predetermined voltage is applied to the fuse, the fuse is blown causing the selection input to receive the first voltage, thereby placing the selection input in the second state.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The integrated circuit according to claim 7, wherein the delay element includes a delay-lock loop (DLL).
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The integrated circuit according to claim 7, wherein the delay element includes a phase-locked loop (PLL).
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
The memory device according to claim 7, wherein the delay control includes a programmable register.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
82 words
The memory device according to claim 7, wherein the delay control includes: a fuse connecting the selection input of the multiplexer to a first voltage such that the selection input is placed in the first state; and a passive device, selected from a group of passive devices including a resistor, an inductor and a capacitor, for coupling the selection input of the multiplexer to a second voltage, wherein when the fuse is blown the selection input is placed in the second state.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
81 words
The memory device according to claim 7 wherein the delay control includes: a fuse connecting the selection input of the multiplexer to a first voltage such that the selection input is placed in the first state; and an active device, selected from a group of active devices including a transistor and a diode, for coupling the selection input of the multiplexer to a second power source, wherein when the fuse is blown the selection input is placed in the second state.
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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) | 2002-07-26 | 2003-01-25 | 2003-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-07-26 | 2007-01-25 | 2007-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-07-26 | 2011-01-25 | 2011-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |