Patent ID: 7733096

Claim:
A method of testing a fuse element of a memory device, comprising: electrically connecting a first test probe to a program terminal of the memory device, the program terminal being adapted for changing a conductive state of the fuse element of the memory device while programming the memory device, and also adapted for testing the memory device during normal operation, wherein the memory device is both programmed and tested through the program terminal during normal operation, and wherein the first test probe is also electrically connected to a testing device such that the program terminal is electrically connected to the testing device via the first test probe; electrically connecting a second test probe to a ground terminal, wherein the fuse element is on an electrical circuit path of the memory device between the program terminal and the ground terminal, and wherein the second test probe is also electrically connected to the testing device such that the ground terminal is electrically connected to the testing device via the second test probe; applying a first voltage with the testing device between the program terminal and the ground terminal such that at least part of a first current resulting from the first voltage flows across the fuse element, wherein the first voltage and the at least part of the first current flowing through the fuse element is not large enough to change the conductivity state of the fuse element; measuring the first current of the first voltage with the testing device; and evaluating the conductive state of the fuse element based on the first current.