Patent ID: 6366518
Filing Date: 2002-04-02
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
A circuit configuration, comprising:a first supply terminal for receiving a first supply potential; a second supply terminal for receiving a second supply potential; a programmable element having a first terminal and a second terminal, said programmable element having a conductor track resistance between said first terminal, said first terminal connected to said first supply terminal, and said second terminal to be permanently altered by an electric current; a switchable element for receiving a control signal for programming said programmable element, said switchable element having a control terminal, a first terminal, and a second terminal, said first terminal of said switchable element connected to said second terminal of said programmable element, and said second terminal of said switchable element connected to said second supply terminal; a protective circuit having a first terminal and a second terminal, said first terminal of said protective circuit connected to said second terminal of said programmable element; and a read-out circuit having an input connected to said second terminal of said programmable element through said protective circuit, said second terminal of said protective circuit connected to said input of said read-out circuit for limiting a voltage at said second terminal of said protective circuit below a programming voltage present at the circuit configuration for programming said programmable element.