Sgs-thomson Microelectronics S.a.

Stmicroelectronics S.a.

Patrick Bernard

Didier Belot

Christophe Magnier

Jacques Quervel

Christophe Garnier

Michael Tchagaspanian

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 device for the protection of an integrated circuit input/output pin against electrostatic discharges includes a first diode between a positive power supply line and an internal connection node for connection to the pin, and a second diode between the internal node and a second negative or zero supply line. The device also includes a protection transistor series-connected between the positive power supply line and the first diode, and a stack of N diodes, where N is equal to one or more, series-connected between the control electrode of the protection transistor and the first diode.

Projection device against electrostatic discharges

A voltage regulator controls at least one current source of at least one coupled-mode logic gate. The voltage regulator includes a first current source, of a bipolar-type, connected between ground and a first resistor that is connected to a supply voltage. The first current source is controlled by a voltage across a second resistor that is fed by a current from a second current source of a MOS-type. The current value of the second source determines the voltage of an output terminal of the regulator by duplicating this current on a third current source that is mirror-connected to the second source.

Voltage regulator for coupled-mode logic circuits

A logic circuit has at least one first differential stage made of bipolar transistors operating in linear mode. The first differential stage is connected in a branch of a second differential stage biased by a current source. The second stage and the current source are made of MOS transistors.

Emitter coupled logic circuit with MOS differential stage

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.

Growing community of inventors

Poisat, France

Patrick Bernard