Stmicroelectronics S.a.

Sgs-thomson Microelectronics S.a.

Christophe Magnier

Patrick Bernard

Jacques Quervel

The present invention relates to a one-time programmable (OTP) device including three fuses connected in parallel to a logic element which determines that the device is programmed when at least one of the fuses open. The present invention comprises a one-time programmable device that, before the one-time programmable device is programmed, provides, in response to a test signal, a simulation output signal that simulates an output signal that the one-time programmable device provides if the one-time programmable device is programmed.

Highly reliable OTP device

A stable reference voltage generator using a current mirror circuit comprising a primary branch and a secondary branch, is shown and described. A first bipolar transistor (Q1) has its collector connected in series with the primary branch of the current mirror, and a voltage divider bridge comprising at least two series-connected resistors (R1, R2), is connected in series between the secondary branch of the current mirror and the collector of a second bipolar transistor (Q2). The base of the second transistor (Q2) is connected to the common point of the series resistors, the base of the first transistor (Q1) is connected to the collector of the second transistor (Q2), and the output of the generator (V.sub.REF) is connected to the terminal of the bridge opposite that connected to the collector of the second transistor (Q2). The geometry of said transistors being such that the first transistor (Q1) is equivalent to 'N' transistors identical to the second transistor (Q2) connected in parallel. An isolation bipolar transistor (Q7) is connected in series between the primary branch of the current mirror circuit and the first transistor, the collector of the latter being connected to the emitter of the isolation transistor.

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Coublevie, France

Christophe Magnier