Patent ID: 7251756
Filing Date: 2007-07-31
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
1. A method for programming fuses to replace defective memory elements of an integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit includes spare memory elements, the method comprising: a) performing a test of certain memory elements of an integrated circuit to discover defective memory elements; b) selecting ones of the spare memory elements to replace ones of the defective memory elements; c) generating a binary string indicating which ones of the spare memory elements have been selected for replacing which ones of the defective memory elements, wherein the string has a number of bits, the number being dependent upon how many of the certain memory elements are defective; d) determining how many fuses on the integrated circuit are available for providing a record of the string; and e) recording the string in a number of the fuses responsive to the number of bits in the string and how many fuses are available, wherein responsive to determining availability of more than a certain threshold number of available fuses relative to the number of string bits, the string is recorded in more than the threshold number of fuses.