Patent Abstract:
A voltage control circuit provides a test supply voltage during manufacturing and testing of a semiconductor device and provides an operational supply voltage after certification of the semiconductor device. The operational supply voltage is lower than the test supply voltage. The voltage control circuit includes a clamp circuit having a plurality of voltage regulation devices, typically diodes. The voltage regulation devices control an output of the clamp circuit. A voltage regulator is electrically coupled to the clamp circuit and generates a first control signal based upon the output of the clamp circuit. A charge pump then receives the control signal from the voltage regulator, and, based on the value of the control signal, the charge pump generates the test supply voltage. At least one bypass device is connected to at least one of the plurality of voltage regulation devices. The bypass device is activated following the certification of the semiconductor device. Once activated, the bypass device bypasses the respective voltage regulation device from the clamp circuit, which limits the output of the clamp circuit. The voltage regulator then generates a second control signal based upon the limited output of the clamp circuit. The second control signal is provided to the charge pump to generate the operational supply voltage.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/989,563 filed on Nov. 19, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/387,263 filed on Aug. 31, 1999, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,351,180 B1 on Feb. 26, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to semiconductor integrated circuits. More specifically, the present invention relates to differential voltage regulators used in semiconductor devices 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   A semiconductor device may be designed for any of a wide variety of applications. Typically, the device includes logic circuitry to receive, manipulate or store input data. The circuitry subsequently generates the same or modified data at an output terminal of the device. Depending on the type of semiconductor device or the circuit in which it is used, the device typically includes circuits which provide internal power signals that are regulated to be substantially independent of fluctuations in the externally generated power input signal. 
   An example of a data storage or memory device having such internal power signal circuits is the DRAM (dynamic random access memory). Conventionally, the DRAM receives an external power signal (V CCX ) having a voltage intended to remain constant, for example, at 4.5 volts measured relative to ground. Internal to the DRAM, the power regulation circuit maintains an internal operating voltage signal (V CC ) at a designated level, for example, 2.5 volts. Ideally, V CC  linearly tracks V CCX  from zero volts to the internal operating voltage level, at which point V CC  remains constant as V CCX  continues to increase in voltage to the designated V CCX  level. 
   DRAMs also typically include a regulated constant pumped supply voltage (V CCP ) which is greater than V CC , for example, four volts. Conventionally, the pumped voltage drives the word lines of a DRAM. The DRAM has memory arrays comprising a number of intersecting row and column lines of individual transistors or memory cells. The pumped voltage needs to be greater than V CC  to ensure that memory access operations, such as a memory cell read or a memory cell write, are performed both completely and quickly. Ideally, V CCP  does not fluctuate. If V CCP  is too high, damage to the memory cells may result. If it is too low, the memory chip may have poor data retention or may otherwise operate incorrectly. Depending on the type of memory device, the device may include a second circuit for providing this internal regulated pumped power signal. 
   Previously implemented CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) power regulation circuits for regulating V CCP  include an input stage comprising a series of diodes and an inverter circuit having a “trip point” to trigger the point at which the inverter circuit activates the charge pump for V CCP . The series of diodes, which are implemented through a combination of PMOS/NMOS (p-channel MOS/n-channel MOS) transistors, are used to translate the V CCP  signal down to the input trip point range for controlling the inverter circuit. The inverter circuit provides an output signal which drives an amplifier (implemented as a series of inverters) to bring the output signal to full CMOS levels. 
   Semiconductor devices are typically tested extensively by the manufacturer at pre-set voltage levels prior to shipping. These tests are performed under controlled conditions and high V CCP  voltage levels may be used to ensure the devices are operating properly. However, some customers may choose to perform their own reliability tests on the devices once they are received. Because the customers&#39; tests are not always performed under the proper conditions, high V CCP  voltage levels used during these tests may damage the semiconductor devices due to over-stress. The damaged devices will then fail the reliability tests, even though the device was operating properly when shipped. 
   What is desired is a circuit that generates a high V CCP  voltage level on a semiconductor device for use during testing by the manufacturer, but then limits the V CCP  voltage level the circuit generates once the device is shipped. This prevents a customer from inadvertently damaging the device by applying an over-voltage outside of controlled conditions. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention involves limiting the supply voltage of a semiconductor device after the manufacturer&#39;s testing is complete. The testing of the semiconductor device is accomplished under controlled conditions. A voltage control circuit limits the maximum supply voltage to a first level during testing of the device using a plurality of voltage regulation devices. The maximum supply voltage available during testing is high enough to cause damage to the semiconductor device if the voltage is applied under non-controlled conditions. To prevent a customer from damaging the semiconductor device, the voltage control circuit reduces the maximum supply voltage to a non-harmful level prior to shipping. This allows the customer to perform its own reliability tests without damaging the device. The voltage control circuit uses fuses to limit the maximum supply voltage. After the manufacturer&#39;s testing is completed, the maximum supply voltage is limited by blowing fuses to bypass some of the voltage regulation devices. 
   One aspect of the invention is a voltage control circuit which provides a test supply voltage during manufacturing and testing of a semiconductor device and which provides an operational supply voltage after certification of the semiconductor device. The operational supply voltage is lower than the test supply voltage. The voltage control circuit includes a clamp circuit having a plurality of voltage regulation devices. The voltage regulation devices control a clamping threshold of the clamp circuit. A voltage regulator is electrically coupled to the clamp circuit and generates a first control signal responsive to the clamping threshold of the clamp circuit. A charge pump then receives the control signal from the voltage regulator, and, based on the value of the control signal, the charge pump generates the test supply voltage. At least one bypass device is connected to at least one of the plurality of voltage regulation devices. The bypass device is activated following the certification of the semiconductor device. Once activated, the bypass device bypasses the respective voltage regulation device from the clamp circuit to lower the clamping threshold of the clamp circuit. The voltage regulator then generates a second control signal responsive to the lowered clamping threshold of the clamp circuit. The second control signal is provided to the charge pump to generate the operational supply voltage. In one embodiment, the plurality of voltage regulation devices comprise diodes, which may be implemented through transistors. The bypass device may include a fuse. 
   Another aspect of the invention is a method of providing a first supply voltage on a semiconductor device during a first period and a second supply voltage during a second period. The method comprises the steps of providing a plurality of voltage control elements and establishing a first voltage control signal from the voltage control elements. The first supply voltage is then generated from the first voltage control signal. The method further comprises bypassing at least one of the voltage control elements and establishing a second voltage control signal from the voltage control elements which are not bypassed. The second supply voltage is then generated from the second voltage control signal. The first supply voltage has a voltage magnitude greater than the second supply voltages. 
   Another aspect of the invention is a voltage control circuit comprising a plurality of voltage regulation devices which limit an output voltage generated from an input voltage. A voltage regulation circuit receives the output voltage and generates a corresponding control signal. A charge pump receives the control signal and adjusts the voltage of a supply voltage based on the control signal. At least one voltage limiting device is coupled to a corresponding voltage regulation device. Each voltage limiting device is capable of selectively bypassing a corresponding voltage regulation device to further limit the output voltage, thereby reducing the voltage of the supply voltage. 
   Another aspect of the invention is a method of controlling a supply voltage in a semiconductor device. The method comprises the steps of providing an input voltage to a voltage regulator and establishing a target voltage of the input voltage. A reference voltage is adjusted when the input voltage reaches the target voltage. The method further comprises setting a control signal based on the reference voltage and generating the supply voltage based on the control signal. The target voltage is then decreased to limit the voltage level of the supply voltage. 
   Another aspect of the invention is a voltage control circuit which provides a test supply voltage during manufacturing and testing of a semiconductor device and an operational supply voltage after certification of the semiconductor device. The operational supply voltage is lower than the test supply voltage. The voltage control circuit comprises means for controlling an output of a clamp circuit and means for generating a first control signal based upon the output of the clamp circuit. The voltage control circuit further comprises a means for generating the test supply voltage and a means for limiting the output of the clamp circuit. A means for generating a second control signal is based upon the limited output of the clamp circuit. The limited output of the clamp circuit is then used to generate the operational supply voltage. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which; 
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a voltage circuit according to the teaching of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating in detail the V CCP  regulator circuit of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3 , consisting of  FIGS. 3A and 3B , is a schematic diagram of the V CCP  Regulator circuit of  FIG. 2 ; 
       FIG. 4 , consisting of  FIGS. 4A and 4B , is a schematic diagram of the V CCP  Regulator circuit of  FIG. 3  including fuse options according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 5  is a graph showing the value of V CCP  over a range of V CCX  both without the fuse option and with the fuse option according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a voltage control circuit  100  according to the present invention. The voltage control circuit  100  includes a V CCP  regulator  110 , a charge pump  120 , and a feedback signal line  130 . The V CCP  regulator  110  generates an output signal V CCP-ON    115  which controls the charge pump  120 . The charge pump  120  receives two inputs, a regulated voltage V CCR  and the output signal V CCP-ON  from the V CCP  regulator  110 . The output  125  of the charge pump  120  is the voltage V CCP . The voltage V CCP  is fed back to as input to the V CCP  regulator by the feedback signal line  130 . 
   The value of the signal V CCP-ON    115  controls the operation of the charge pump  120 . When V CCP  is below the desired level, the signal V CCP-ON    115  causes the charge pump  120  to turn on, thereby increasing the value of V CCP . When V CCP  is above the desired level, the signal V CCP-ON  causes the charge pump  120  to turn off, thereby decreasing the value of V CCP . The charge pump  120  generates V CCP  at a value of approximately 1.5 volts above V CCR  so that V CCP  tracks V CCR  as V CCR  increases and decreases. The charge pump  120  is conventional and may be implemented using any of a number of circuits. 
     FIG. 2  further illustrates the V CCP  regulator  110  of FIG.  1 . The V CCP  regulator  110  includes a clamp circuit  210 , a voltage regulator  220 , and a control circuit  230 . The clamp circuit  210  is used to place an upper limit on V CCP  as V CCP  increases. In particular, as discussed below, when V CCP  increases above a predetermined limit, the clamp circuit reduces the difference between V CCP  and V CCR . The voltage regulator  220  provides an output signal which drives the control circuit  230  to generate the signal V CCP-ON    115 . 
     FIG. 3  (comprising  FIGS. 3A and 3B ) is a schematic diagram of the V CCP  regulator circuit of FIG.  2 . The clamp circuit  210  comprises a resistor  301 , capacitors  315  and  317 , and diodes  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 , and  313 . A first terminal of the resistor  301  is connected to a regulated voltage V CCR . A second terminal of the resistor  301  is connected a node  319 , to an anode of the diode  305 , to a first terminal of the capacitor  315 , and to a first terminal of the capacitor  317 . A cathode of the diode  305  is connected to an anode of the diode  307 . A cathode of the diode  307  is connected to an anode of the diode  309 . A cathode of the diode  309  is connected to an anode of the diode  311 . A cathode of the diode  311  is connected to an anode of the diode  313 . A cathode of the diode  313  is connected to ground. A second terminal of the capacitor  315  is connected to the regulated voltage V CCR . A second terminal of the capacitor  317  is connected to ground. The node  319  is connected to the gate of a transistor  321 . 
   The voltage regulator  220  comprises a resistor  337 , capacitors  329 ,  331 , and  333 , diodes  323 ,  325 , and  327 , and the transistor  321 . An anode of the diode  323  is connected to the pumped supply voltage V CCP , to a first terminal of the capacitor  329 , to a first terminal of the capacitor  331 , and to a first terminal of the capacitor  333 . A cathode of the diode  323  is connected to an anode of the diode  325  and to a second terminal of the capacitor  329 . A cathode of the diode  325  is connected to a drain of the transistor  321 , to a second terminal of the capacitor  331 , and to an anode of the diode  327 . A cathode of the diode  327  is connected to a source of the transistor  321 , to a first terminal of the resistor  337 , to a second terminal of the capacitor  333 , and to a node  335 . A second terminal of the resistor  337  is connected to ground. The node  335  is connected to the control circuit  230  (FIG.  3 B). 
   The control circuit  230  comprises a resistor  347 , transistors  341 ,  343 ,  345 ,  353 ,  355 ,  357 ,  359 ,  363 ,  365 ,  367 ,  369 ,  371 ,  373 ,  375 , and  377 , and inverters  379 ,  383 ,  385 , and  387 . The gates of the transistors  341 ,  343 ,  345 ,  355 ,  357 , and  359  are connected together and are connected to the node  335  from the voltage regulator  220 . A drain of the transistor  341  is connected to the regulated voltage V CCR . A source of the transistor  341  is connected to a drain of the transistor  343 . A source of the transistor  343  is connected to a drain of the transistor  345 . A source of the transistor  343  is connected to a first terminal of the resistor  347 , to a source of the transistor  359 , to a gate of the transistor  365 , and to a gate of the transistor  367  at a node  361 . A second terminal of the resistor  347  is connected to ground. 
   A drain of the transistor  353  is connected to the regulated voltage V CCR . A source of the transistor  353  is connected to a drain of the transistor  355 . A source of the transistor  355  is connected to a drain of the transistor  357 . A source of the transistor  357  is connected to a drain of the transistor  359 . 
   A drain of the transistor  363  is connected to the regulated voltage V CCR . A source of the transistor  363  is connected to a drain of the transistor  365 . A source of the transistor  365  is connected a gate of the transistor  373 , to a gate of the transistor  375 , and to a drain of the transistor  367 . A source of the transistor  367  is connected to a drain of the transistor  369 . A source of the transistor  369  is connected to ground. A gate of the transistor  363  is connected to ground. A gate of the transistor  369  is connected to the regulated voltage V CCR . 
   A drain of the transistor  371  is connected to the regulated voltage V CCR . A source of the transistor  371  is connected to a drain of the transistor  373 . A source of the transistor  373  is connected an input terminal of the inverter  379  and to a drain of the transistor  375 . A source of the transistor  375  is connected to a drain of the transistor  377 . A source of the transistor  377  is connected to ground. A gate of the transistor  371  is connected to ground. A gate of the transistor  377  is connected to the regulated voltage V CCR . 
   An output terminal of the inverter  379  is connected to the gate of the transistor  353  and to an input terminal of the inverter  383 . An output terminal of the inverter  383  is connected to an input terminal of the inverter  385 . An output terminal of the inverter  385  is connected to an input terminal of the inverter  387 . An output terminal of the inverter  387  provides the output V CCP-ON . 
   The voltage regulator controls the voltage difference between V CCP  and the node  335 . When the voltage at the node  319  is high relative to the drain of the transistor  321 , and therefore the transistor  321  is off, the diodes  323 ,  325 , and  327  connect V CCP  to the node  335 . Therefore, the voltage across the resistor  337  at the node  335  is approximately 3V T  below V CCP , or approximately 2.1 volts below V CCP . As V CCR  increases, the clamp circuit  210  turns on the transistor  321  as described below, thereby gradually bypassing the diode  327 . When the transistor  321  is fully turned on, the voltage across the resistor  337  at the node  335  is only two diode drops below V CCP , or approximately 1.4 volts below V CCP . This increases the voltage at the node  335  relative to V CCP , and therefore increases the voltage at the node  335  relative to V CCR . As discussed below, when the voltage at the node  335  is increased relative to V CCR , the control circuit  230  generates an output signal to turn off the charge pump  120 , thereby reducing the value of V CCP . 
   The capacitors  329 ,  331 , and  333  help bring the voltage at the node  335  to a higher level when the voltage of V CCP  changes rapidly. When V CCP  increases, the voltage at the node  335  rises through the three diodes  323 ,  325 , and  327 . The capacitors  329 ,  331 , and  333  cause the voltages on the anodes of the three diodes  323 ,  325 , and  327  to increase faster than if the capacitors  329 ,  331 , and  333  were not present. 
   The control circuit  230  detects the voltage present across the resistor  337  at the node  335  and then generates the appropriate V CCP-ON  output signal necessary to control the V CCP  charge pump. As the voltage V CCP  increases, the voltage at the node  335  increases. The transistors  341 ,  343 ,  345 ,  355 ,  357 , and  359  effectively operate as variable resistors controlled by the voltage on the node  335 . Increasing the voltage at the node  335  turns off the transistors  341 ,  343 ,  345 ,  355 ,  357 , and  359  further, thereby increasing the overall resistance of the transistors  341 ,  343 ,  345 ,  355 ,  357 , and  359 . Increasing this resistance decreases the voltage across the resistor  347  at the node  361 . When the voltage at the node  361  decreases, the transistor  365  turns on and the transistor  367  turns off. This allows current to flow through the transistor  363  and the transistor  365  to raise the voltage at the gates of the transistors  373  and  375 . The voltage at the gates of the transistors  373  and  375  is greater in magnitude than the voltage at the gates of the transistors  365  and  367 , but remain between V CCR  and ground. This increased voltage turns off the transistor  373  and turns on the transistor  375 . With the transistor  375  on, current flows through the transistors  377  and  375  to bring the voltage at the input to the inverter  379  to ground, or low. The transistor  365  and the transistor  375  thus operate as an amplifier to convert the relatively small decrease in voltage at the node  335  to a full voltage swing to ground on the input to the inverter  379 . 
   With ground on the input to the inverter  379 , the inverter  379  outputs a high voltage, which is used as an input to the inverter  383  and as part of a feedback loop to the gate of the transistor  353 . The inverter  383  outputs a low voltage, which is received at the input of the inverter  385 , which outputs a high voltage. The inverter  385  outputs a high voltage, which is received at the input of the inverter  387 . The inverter  387  then outputs a low voltage, or ground, as the control signal V CCP-ON . The control signal V CCP-ON  is an input to the charge pump  120 . Because the control signal V CCP-ON  is low, the charge pump  120  turns off to decrease the value of V CCP . 
   V CCP  is also increased in a similar manner. As the voltage of V CCP  decreases, the voltage at the node  335  decreases. Decreasing the voltage at the node  335  to a threshold voltage slowly turns on the transistors  341 ,  343 ,  345 ,  355 ,  357 , and  359 , thereby decreasing the overall resistance of the transistors  341 ,  343 ,  345 ,  355 ,  357 , and  359 . Decreasing this resistance increases the voltage across the resistor  347  at the node  361 . When the voltage at the node  361  increases, the transistor  365  turns off and the transistor  367  turns on. This allows current to flow through the transistor  367  and the transistor  369  to lower the voltage at the gates of the transistors  373  and  375 . This decreased voltage turns on the transistor  373  and turns off the transistor  375 . With the transistor  373  on, current flows through the transistor  371  and  373  to increase the voltage at the input to the inverter to a higher level. The transistor  367  and the transistor  373  thus operate as an amplifier to convert the relatively small increase in voltage at the node  335  to a full voltage swing to V CCR  on the input to the inverter  379 . 
   With V CCR  on the input to the inverter  379 , the inverter  379  outputs a low voltage, which is used as an input to the inverter  383  and as part of a feedback loop to the gate of the transistor  353 . The inverter  383  outputs a high voltage, which is received at the input of the inverter  385 , which outputs a low voltage. The inverter  385  outputs a low voltage, which is received at the input of the inverter  387 . The inverter  387  then outputs a high voltage as the control signal V CCP-ON . The control signal V CCP-ON  is an input to the charge pump  120 . Because the control signal V CCP-ON  is high, the charge pump  120  turns on to increase the value of V CCP . 
   The feedback signal at the node  381  turns on the transistor  353  when the control signal V CCP-ON  is high. This causes the transistors  355 ,  357 , and  359  to be connected in parallel with the transistors  341 ,  343 , and  345  when the control signal V CCP-ON  is active high. When the control signal V CCP-ON  is low, the feedback signal at the node  381  turns off the transistor  353  which causes the transistors  341 ,  343 , and  345  to be disconnected from the circuit. Because the transistors  355 ,  357 , and  359  operate as variable resistors in parallel with the transistors  341 ,  343 , and  345 , removing the transistors  355 ,  357 , and  359  from the circuit increases the overall resistance of the parallel combination. Thus, as the voltage on the node  335  decreases when the control signal V CCP-ON  is low, the resistance of the parallel combination decreases by a smaller amount than if the transistors  355 ,  357 , and  359  were in the circuit. Thus, the voltage at the node  335  must go lower with respect to V CCR  before the voltage across the resistor  347  at the node  361  changes the state of the transistors  365  and  367 . Therefore, as V CCP  decreases, the control circuit  230  generates the control signal V CCP-ON  to turn on the charge pump  120  at a voltage lower than the voltage necessary to generate the control signal V CCP-ON  to turn off the charge pump  120 . When the control signal V CCP-ON  is high to turn on the charge pump  120 , the feedback signal  381  is low. This turns on the transistor  353 , and places the transistors  355 ,  357 , and  359  back in parallel with the transistors  341 ,  343 , and  345 . Thus, as the voltage on the node  335  increases, the resistance of the parallel combination increases by a smaller amount than when the transistors  355 ,  357 , and  359  are disconnected from the circuit. Thus, the voltage at the node  335  must go higher with respect to V CCR  before the voltage across the resistor  347  at the node  361  changes the state of the transistors  365  and  367 . The feedback signal  381  therefore alters the voltage necessary to change the state of the transistors  365  and  367  and maintains a relatively constant voltage of V CCP  using hysteresis. 
   As described above, the voltage control circuit  100  maintains the voltage of V CCP  by continually switching the charge pump  120  on and off. The control circuit  100  uses hysteresis to maintain a relatively constant voltage of V CCP . For example, if the voltage of V CCR  was 3 volts, the desired voltage of V CCP  would be approximately 4.5 volts. To achieve this target, the control circuit turns on the charge pump  120  when V CCP  reaches 4 volts and turns off the charge pump  120  when V CCP  reaches 5 volts. 
   The maximum value of V CCP  can be controlled by manipulating the “trip point” at which the clamp circuit  210  triggers the voltage regulator  220  to activate the charge pump for V CCP . The trip point is controlled by the series of diodes  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 , and  313 . In one embodiment of the invention, the diodes  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 , and  313  are implemented through a combination of PMOS/NMOS transistors. Decreasing the number of diodes in the series limits the voltage at the node  319 , and thereby limits the maximum value of V CCP . However, because a high V CCP  is desired for use in the manufacturer&#39;s testing, yet a lower V CCP  is preferable for user testing, the number of diodes are adjustable in accordance with the present invention. 
   The clamp circuit  210  operates to limit the voltage at the node  319 , which is the voltage at the gate of the transistor  321 . At low values of V CCR , the diodes  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 , and  313  are off. The diodes  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 , and  313  are long channel devices which turn on gradually. At low values of V CCR , the diodes  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 , and  313  do not conduct. Because V CCP  tracks V CCR , the gate-drain voltage of the transistor  321  therefore remains low, keeping the transistor  321  off. As V CCR  increases, the diodes  305 ,  307 ,  309 ,  311 , and  313  slowly turn on to clamp the maximum voltage at the node  319  to the total voltage across the five diodes, or 5V T  where V T  is the voltage drop of one diode (approximately 0.7 volts). This results in a fixed voltage at the node  319  which is connected to the gate of the transistor  321 , while the voltage on the drain of the transistor  321  continues to rise. The magnitude of the gate-drain voltage increases and turns on the transistor  321 . As discussed above, turning on the transistor  321  clamps the voltage V CCP . The capacitors  315  and  319  act as buffers to prevent rapid change of the voltage at the node  319 . 
     FIG. 4  (comprising  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) is a schematic diagram of the V CCP  regulator circuit of  FIG. 3  including a fuse control  400  to limit the voltage of V CCP . The fuse control  400  comprises fuses  415 ,  420 , resistors  418 ,  423 , and transistors  425 ,  430 . Although the fuse control  400  shows controls for two fuses  415  and  420 , it can be appreciated that any number of fuses and controls may be used depending on the limits of V CCP  desired. After manufacturing testing is completed, either or both of the fuses  415  and  420  may be blown. If both fuses  415  and  420  are blown, the diodes  311  and  313  are effectively removed from the circuit. This limits the voltage at the node  319  to 3V T , or 2.1 volts. By limiting the voltage at the node  319 , the gate-drain voltage turns on the transistor  321  at a lower value of V CCR . Therefore, the voltage control circuit  100  turns off the charge pump  120  at a lower value of V CCR , thereby reducing the maximum value of V CCP . If only fuse  420  is blown, only the diode  313  would be removed from the circuit. The voltage at the node  319  would then be limited to 4V T , or 2.8 volts. The 2.8 voltage limit would result in a maximum value of V CCP  higher than the 2.1 voltage limit with two fuses blown, yet lower than the 3.5 voltage limit with no fuses blown. 
   The use of the fuse control  400  allows for flexibility in the design and testing of the semiconductor device. With the fuse control  400 , the clamp circuit  210  may be constructed with many voltage control elements. This allows the supply voltage to reach a higher level before the clamp circuit  210  limits the supply voltage. However, once the circuit is ready to ship, the fuse control  400  bypasses one or more of the voltage control elements, thereby causing the clamp circuit  210  to limit the supply voltage at a lower voltage level. After the fuse control  400  bypasses one or more of the voltage control elements, the remainder of the circuit in  FIG. 4  operates in the same manner as the circuit in FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5  is a graph  500  showing the value of V CCP  over a range of V CCX  both without the fuse control and with the fuse control according to the present invention. The line  520  represents the value of V CCP  using the voltage control circuit  100  before the fuse control  400  is activated. The line  515  represents the value of V CCP  using the voltage control circuit  100  after the fuse control  400  is activated. The graph  500  is divided into three separate sections. In section A, the semiconductor device is inoperable due to an undervoltage condition. In section B, the semiconductor device is in the specified operating range. In section C, the semiconductor device is in a test mode, such as bum in testing. The graph  500  illustrates that at low values of V CCX , the lines  515  and  520  are the same. This is because the voltage of V CCP  is not being limited by the clamp circuit. As the voltage of V CCX  increases, the clamp circuit with the fuse control  400  activated begins to limit the voltage of V CCP  as shown in line  515 . The clamp circuit  210  keeps the value of V CCP  lower for the fuse control  400  activated circuit throughout the upper range of V CCX . Therefore, even if the customer attempts to test the semiconductor device at a high V CCX  voltage, the voltage of V CCP  remains clamped at a safe level. 
   Numerous variations and modifications of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The detailed embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6