Patent ID: 6144247
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: G11C

Abstract:
An anti-fuse programming circuit comprising:variable voltage generation means for varying the level of its output voltage in response to a programming signal;buffering means for making gentle variations in said output voltage from said variable voltage generation means;operation switching means for precharging said anti-fuse programming circuit with said output voltage from said variable voltage generation means to operate it;an anti-fuse connected to said operation switching means, said anti-fuse being subjected to a dielectric breakdown when it is supplied with an overcurrent;sense signal input means for inputting a sense signal to verify a programmed state of said anti-fuse;breakdown voltage supply means for supplying said output voltage from said variable voltage generation means for the dielectric breakdown of said anti-fuse;output means for outputting a signal indicative of the programmed state of said anti-fuse in response to said sense signal inputted by said sense signal input means;current blocking means for blocking a current path from said breakdown voltage supply means to said anti-fuse in response to a control signal from said output means; andlatch means for strongly stabilizing said anti-fuse at the level of said output voltage from said variable voltage generation means in response to said control signal from said output means.