Patent ID: 6259309
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: G11C,H01L

Abstract:
A semiconductor device comprising:a circuit block within a semiconductor integrated circuit;a first conductive line electrically coupled to said circuit block;a second conductive line adapted to be electrically coupled to said circuit block;a first switch for electrically coupling and decoupling said first conductive line to and from said circuit block;a second switch for electrically coupling and decoupling said second conductive line to and from said circuit block;a first switching means comprising first means connected to said first and second switches for receiving a signal indicative of whether said first conductive line is operational or non-operational and selectively activating and deactivating one of said first and second switches;wherein said circuit block further comprises:(a) a circuit component,(b) a third conductive line,(c) a fourth conductive line,(d) a third switch for electrically coupling and decoupling said third conductive line to and from said circuit component, and(e) a fourth switch for electrically coupling and decoupling said fourth conductive line to and from said circuit component; anda second switching means comprising second means connected to said third and fourth switches for receiving a signal indicative of whether said third conductive line is operational or non-operational and selectively activating and deactivating one of said third and fourth switches.