Patent ID: 8405448

Claim:
An apparatus for programming a fuse, the apparatus comprising: a programmable branch comprising a fusable element electrically connected in series with a reverse-biased diode; a current boost capacitor for storing charge, the current boost capacitor electrically connected in parallel with the programmable branch, the current boost capacitor configured to receive current and store charge at least to a breakdown voltage of the reverse-biased diode; at least one electrical input for providing a current to the current boost capacitor and the programmable branch that is sufficient to charge the current boost capacitor to a breakdown voltage of the reverse-biased diode and melt the reverse-biased diode and thereby induce a reduction in voltage across the current boost capacitor; the current boost capacitor further configured to provide a current surge through the programmable branch in response to a reduction in voltage across the current boost capacitor; and wherein the current surge is sufficient to program the fusable element.