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Fuse circuits and methods that can sense the state of a fuse that is programmed but not open

  • US 6,346,845 B1
  • Filed: 09/23/1998
  • Issued: 02/12/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/12/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A fuse circuit comprising:

  • a node;

    a fuse that is electrically coupled to the node;

    means for programming the fuse by applying a programming current to the fuse that is sufficient to increase the impedance of the fuse without opening the fuse; and

    means for applying a sensing current to the fuse through the node in response to a first transition of a reset signal such that a voltage is generated at the node that is indicative of a programming state of the fuse; and

    means for deactivating the sensing current in response to a second transition of the reset signal such that the voltage that is generated at the node remains indicative of the programming state of the fuse.

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