| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 324550000 | Fuse | 31 |
| 20080211513 | INITIATION OF FUSE SENSING CIRCUITRY AND STORAGE OF SENSED FUSE STATUS INFORMATION - An integrated circuit includes at least one circuit trimming fuse. A fuse sensor circuit is connected to the trimming fuse and operates in response to a fuse sensing initiation signal to initiate sensing of a state of the trimming fuse and generate an output indicative of the sensed state. A latch circuit, including multiple latch locations, redundantly latches the output indicative of the sensed state. A majority logic state in the latch locations is determined by a polling circuit coupled to the multiple latch locations. The polling circuit outputs that majority logic state as a fuse state output indicative of the sensed state of the fuse. A register in the integrated circuit is loadable with a value. A comparison circuit compares the loaded value in the register to a correct fuseword value and, if there is a match, generates the fuse sensing initiation signal for application to the fuse sensor circuit. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080238439 | Methods of testing fuse elements for memory devices - A method of testing a fuse element for a memory device is provided. A first test probe is electrically connected to a program terminal of the memory device. A second test probe is electrically connected to a ground terminal. The fuse element is on an electrical circuit path between the program terminal and the ground terminal. The first and second test probes are electrically connected to a testing device. A first voltage is applied with the testing device between the program terminal and the ground terminal. At least part of a first current of the first voltage flows across the fuse element. The first voltage and the at least part of the first current that flows across the fuse element is not large enough to change the conductivity state of the fuse element. The first current is measured and used to evaluated the conductive state of the fuse element. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080265907 | Fuse Sensing Method and Apparatus - Fuse sensing is performed in an integrated circuit by selecting a reference voltage based on a temperature measurement acquired by the integrated circuit. A state of one or more fuses included in the integrated circuit is sensed based on the reference voltage during normal operation of the integrated circuit. The state of the one or more fuses may be sensed during testing of the integrated circuit based on a different reference voltage. | 10-30-2008 |
| 20090001994 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE INCLUDING FUSE AND METHOD FOR TESTING THE SAME CAPABLE OF SUPPRESSING ERRONEOUS DETERMINATION - In a semiconductor device including first and second power supply terminals, a measuring terminal, and at least one trimming detection circuit connected between the measuring terminal and one of the first and second power supply terminals, the trimming detection circuit is constructed by a current supplying element, a series arrangement of a fuse and a switch element, and a determination circuit. The current supplying element and the series arrangement are connected in series between the measuring terminal and the one of the first and second power supply terminals. The determination circuit has an input connected to a node between the current supplying element and the series arrangement and is adapted to determine whether the fuse is in a connection state or in a disconnection state. A voltage at the other of the first and second power supply terminals is applied to the measuring terminal in a normal mode. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090009186 | Systems and Methods for Determining the State of a Programmable Fuse in an IC - Systems and methods for detecting the mode (a.k.a., state) of a fuse or set of fuses in a device such as an integrated circuit. One embodiment comprises a method for determining three fuse states (uncut, cut, and destroyed) by comparing the fuse voltage with two reference voltages. Each fuse state has a different (indicative) impedance and is associated with a fuse voltage. The fuse voltage is below, between, or above two reference voltages, thereby determining the fuse state. One embodiment includes the fuse in series with a read transistor as well as two reference voltage generators, each comprising a resistor and a transistor (equivalent to the read transistor). Both resistors' impedances are greater than the uncut fuse impedance and one is less than the cut fuse impedance. Two comparators are used to bracket the fuse voltage, indicating that the fuse is uncut, cut, or destroyed. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090079439 | EFUSE SYSTEM AND TESTING METHOD THEREOF - An eFuse system and a method for testing the eFuse system are provided. The eFuse system includes an eFuse, a sensing circuit, and an offset resistor. The sensing circuit has a trigger point resistance and is coupled to a first end of the eFuse for sensing the resistance of the eFuse, wherein the resistance depends on whether the eFuse is blown or not. Accordingly, the sensing circuit outputs a first signal if the sensed resistance is greater than the trigger point resistance and outputs a second signal if the sensed resistance is less than the trigger point resistance. The offset resistor is coupled to a second end of the eFuse for compensating a shift on the trigger point resistance of the sensing circuit due to temperature change. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20100109677 | Circuit Arrangement Comprising a Fuse and a Method for Determining a Condition of a Fuse - A circuit arrangement including a fuse comprises a fuse path (SP) which is coupled to a control input (SE) and comprises the fuse (RS) and a first charge reservoir (C | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100225330 | Method of testing electric fuse, and electric fuse circuit - An object of the present invention is to provide a method of testing an electric fuse which enables to reduce a time for testing. The method of testing an electric fuse according to the present invention comprises: selecting a plurality of disconnection-targeted fuses among a plurality of electric fuses; disconnecting a plurality of disconnection-targeted fuse blocks in tern, each of which includes at least one disconnection-targeted fuse; electrically connecting one terminal of each of the plurality of disconnection-targeted fuses to a first node and connecting another terminal of the each disconnection-targeted fuse to a second node, after disconnecting; and judging whether or not all of said plurality of disconnection-targeted fuses are disconnected after electrically connecting, by applying a voltage to the first node to judge whether or not a current flows between the first node and the second node. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100271045 | Open Fuse Detection by Neutral Point Shift - Systems and methods are shown for detecting a blown fuse in a three-phase line by comparing neutral points in the line before and after the fuses. Diode rectifier circuits may be used to compare the neutral points and generate a DC output voltage when neutral points are off from one another, and photocoupler circuits may provide electrical isolation when signaling a neutral point shift. The neutral points compared need not be on immediate sides of the fuses, so intermediate components may exist, and in some embodiments one of the compared points may be within a load connected to the three-phase line. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20110068805 | SENSING CIRCUIT FOR SENSING ELECTRIC FUSE AND SENSING METHOD THEREOF - A sensing circuit for sensing an electric fuse and a sensing method thereof are provided. The sensing circuit includes a capacitor, a detection circuit, and an output circuit. The capacitor is coupled to the electric fuse. The detection circuit is coupled to the capacitor and the electric fuse. The detection circuit controls the capacitor to discharge according to a pulse width and a present resistance value of the electric fuse so as to generate a detection voltage. The output circuit is coupled to the detection circuit. The output circuit outputs a state of the electric fuse according to the detection voltage and a reference voltage. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110140713 | FUSE DRIVER CIRCUITS - Fuse driver circuits, fuse driver testing circuitry, and methods for testing the fuse driver circuits using the testing circuitry are described. In some embodiments, the fuse driver circuit can be made using a fuse, a NMOS transistor, and a PMOS transistor. The drain of the NMOS transistor can be connected to the negative end of the fuse. The source of the NMOS transistor can be connected to ground. The drain of the PMOS transistor can be connected to a positive end of the fuse. The NMOS and PMOS transistors provide enhanced robustness to the fuse driver circuit in both undervoltage and overvoltage conditions. Other embodiments are also described. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110163758 | Efuse Macro - An eFuse with at least one fuse unit is provided. The fuse unit includes a common node, a sensing unit with a first input terminal and a second input terminal, at least one fuse coupled between the common node and the first input terminal of the sensing unit with a resistance, and a switching unit coupled between the common node and the second input terminal of the sensing unit. A resistance of the switching unit is equivalent to a first resistance in a normal mode and equivalent to a second resistance in a test mode, and the second resistance is higher than the first resistance. The sensing unit generates an output signal indicating whether the fuse is blown or not according to the resistances of the fuse and the switching unit. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20120146664 | EFUSE MACRO - An eFuse with at least one fuse unit is provided. The fuse unit includes a first common node providing a first reference voltage, a second common node providing a second reference voltage, at least one fuse coupled to the first common node, and a determining unit coupled between the fuse and the second common node, generating an output signal indicating whether the fuse is blown or not according to a first condition in a normal mode and a second condition in a test mode. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120249160 | REPLACEMENT-GATE-COMPATIBLE PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRICAL ANTIFUSE - After planarization of a gate level dielectric layer, a dummy structure is removed to form a recess. A first conductive material layer and an amorphous metal oxide are deposited into the recess area. A second conduct material layer fills the recess. After planarization, an electrical antifuse is formed within the filled recess area, which includes a first conductive material portion, an amorphous metal oxide portion, and a second conductive material portion. To program the electrical antifuse, current is passed between the two terminals in the pair of the conductive contacts to transform the amorphous metal oxide portion into a crystallized metal oxide portion, which has a lower resistance. A sensing circuit determines whether the metal oxide portion is in an amorphous state (high resistance state) or in a crystalline state (low resistance state). | 10-04-2012 |
| 20130027056 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING FUSE BLOW RELIABILITY FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - System and method for testing the reliability of a fuse blow condition. The fuse blow detection circuit includes a fuse circuit comprising a fuse having a first end coupled to ground. A common node is coupled to the second end of the fuse. A pre-charge circuit is coupled to the common node for pre-charging the common node to a pre-charged HIGH level. An inverter includes an inverter output and an inverter input, wherein the inverter input is coupled to the common node. A feedback latch is coupled between a voltage source and ground, and includes a latch input that is coupled to the inverter output and a latch output coupled to the common node. A test circuit is included that is coupled to the common node, wherein in a normal mode the test circuit adds strength to the feedback latch for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level, such that in a test mode the feedback latch is weaker than in the normal mode for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130033269 | Fuse Tester And Puller - A fuse tester ( | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130063154 | POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS - [Problem to be Solved] To prevent false determination of a fuse blowout with a fuse not blown by certainly detecting the fuse blowout. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130162263 | FUSE CIRCUIT AND TESTING METHOD OF THE SAME - A fuse circuit includes a data line, a plurality of fuse cells selectively programmed and electrically connected with the data line in response to respective selection signals, a dummy fuse cell electrically connected with the data line in response to a test signal, and a sense amplifier configured to sense a data of the data line. The fuse circuit includes a plurality of fuses, reduces the area thereof, and easily detects whether a sense amplifier operates properly or not in the fuse circuit. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20140049263 | AN ARRANGEMENT TO MONITOR DC CIRCUIT CONDITION - An arrangement for monitoring a condition of a direct current voltage circuit including first and second supply poles for forming an operating voltage. A first fuse is connected to the first supply pole, and has a supply pole and an output pole. A second fuse is connected to the second supply pole, and has a supply pole and an output pole. The arrangement can form one or several reference voltages (U | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140132280 | Method And Device For Monitoring A Test Interval For A Residual Current Protective Device - A method and device for monitoring a test interval for a residual current protective device includes measuring an operating time of the residual current protective device, triggering an alarm report if the measured operating time exceeds an operating time limit, and restarting the operating time measurement upon detection of a trigger process of the residual current protective device. In an embodiment of the invention, a time period is measured independent of the operating time of the residual current protective device. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140184239 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE WITH FUSE SENSING CIRCUIT - A semiconductor device may include a fuse unit configured to include a fuse and generate an output voltage according to whether the fuse is ruptured, and a fuse sensing circuit configured to sense whether the fuse is ruptured in response to a reference voltage and the output voltages The reference voltage has a voltage level adapted to leakage current of the fuse unit. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140239973 | PRINTED BOARD, ELECTRONIC CONTROL APPARATUS AND INSPECTION METHOD OF PRINTED BOARD - A printed board includes an insulated base, a wiring pattern, and an inspection interrupting portion. The wiring pattern is disposed on a first surface of the insulated base, and includes a wiring portion, a land, and an interrupting portion disposed between the wiring portion and the land. The inspection interrupting portion is made of a same material with the interrupting portion and has a same pattern with the interrupting portion. In order to assure an interrupting performance of the interrupting portion, the inspection interrupting portion is inspected instead of the interrupting portion by applying an inspection current to the inspection interrupting portion. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140247057 | INTELLIGENT FUSE HOLDER AND CIRCUIT PROTECTION METHODS - An intelligent circuit protection system and method for automating component replacement and providing information to a user or operator about a load for circuit protection. The circuit protection method includes sensing current and voltage across a fuse protecting a load; sending at least one signal indicative of the current and voltage; and using the at least one signal to determine if the load is operating normally. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140253144 | SPENT CARTRIDGE DETECTION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ELECTRONIC SMOKING ARTICLE - The present disclosure relates to articles (and the manufacture thereof) that use electrical energy to heat a material to form an inhalable substance, the articles being sufficiently compact to be considered “hand-held” devices. In certain embodiments, the articles can particularly be characterized as smoking articles. The smoking article can be adapted to detect the status of a cartridge portion of the smoking article. The smoking article includes a control body portion having a control body engagement end, wherein the control body portion houses a control component and a power source therein. The article further includes a cartridge body portion that has a cartridge body engagement end configured to removably engage the control body engagement end of the control body portion. The cartridge body portion houses a consumable arrangement and a heating connection operably engaged therewith comprising at least one heating element and a fusible link. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140253145 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TESTING FUSE BLOW RELIABILITY FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS - System and method for testing the reliability of a fuse blow condition. The fuse blow detection circuit includes a fuse circuit comprising a fuse having a first end coupled to ground. A common node is coupled to the second end of the fuse. A pre-charge circuit is coupled to the common node for pre-charging the common node to a pre-charged HIGH level. An inverter includes an inverter output and an inverter input, wherein the inverter input is coupled to the common node. A feedback latch is coupled between a voltage source and ground, and includes a latch input that is coupled to the inverter output and a latch output coupled to the common node. A test circuit is included that is coupled to the common node, wherein in a normal mode the test circuit adds strength to the feedback latch for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level, such that in a test mode the feedback latch is weaker than in the normal mode for purposes of maintaining the common node at the pre-charged HIGH level. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20150102825 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A STATUS OF A MEDICAL DEVICE COMPONENT - Apparatus for determining a status of a medical device component, wherein the apparatus comprises at least one fusible component to indicate whether the medical device component has been used, and at least one reference component having at least one reference property that is representative of the presence, identity or type of the medical device component, wherein the reference component is non-fusible under ordinary operating conditions. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150130477 | Reliable Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter Tester Utilizing A Dynamic Fault Voltage - An arc fault circuit interrupter test circuit is disclosed. The test circuit incorporates a controller along with at least one power transistor, a current sense circuit and a voltage sense circuit. When the power transistor is operated, the current flowing through the transistor is sensed, and if the current is not at least equal to a threshold value, the voltage at which the power transistor is operated is increased. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150310930 | EQUIVALENT FUSE CIRCUIT FOR A ONE-TIME PROGRAMMABLE READ-ONLY MEMORY ARRAY - Technologies are provided for measuring a programming current (PC) for a memory cell (MC) of a one-time programmable read-only memory array. The MC includes a fuse equivalent circuit (FEC) that includes a first current path (CP) having a first node, a second CP having a fuse of the memory cell and a second node, and a third CP. The PC is split into a first current, a second current and a third current that flow over the first CP, the second CP, and the third CP, respectively. A first voltage applied along the first path is divided to generate a second voltage at the first node, and an output voltage generated by an operational amplifier controls the second current to maintain a third voltage at the second node at substantially the same value as the second voltage so that the second current has a sufficiently low value and does not burn the fuse. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150369852 | POWER CONVERSION APPARATUS, STATUS DETECTION DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR STATUS DETECTION - A power conversion apparatus includes a power conversion device connected to a 3-phase AC power source, a first fuse positioned on a first phase of the source between the conversion device and the source, a second fuse positioned on a second phase of the source between the conversion device and the source, a first voltage detection device which detects first voltage between a third phase and the first phase of the source on the conversion device side with respect to the first fuse, a second voltage detection device which detects second voltage between the third and second phases of the source on the conversion device side with respect to the second fuse, and a status detection device connected to the first and second voltage devices such that the status device detects status of the first and second fuses based on comparison between detection result of the first and second voltage. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160077146 | Fuse Sense Circuit and Method - A sense circuit and method for use in measuring the blown or unblown state of fusible links (fuses), particularly in integrated circuits. Embodiments include at least one additional reference resistance to allow for a greater margin of error in determining the actual state of a fuse. By having two or more reference resistances that can be independently selectable, additional combinations of reference resistance values are available to compare against the resistance of a fuse being tested. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160131695 | Multi-Purpose Tool for Blade Fuses - The disclosure describes a multi-purpose tool which singularly provides all functions necessary to remove a blade-type fuse, clean the male blades of a fuse, and clean contact points of a female fuse receptacle. The tool also may provide a battery-powered circuit to check the continuity of a fuse. The tool includes a pair of abrasive tabs for cleaning female fuse receptacles, a slot with at least one abrasive surface for cleaning male fuse blades, and a pair of picking arms for grasping a fuse. | 05-12-2016 |
