The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 09, 1991
Filed:
Mar. 21, 1989
Jean-Marie Gaultier, Rousset sur Arc, FR;
Augustin Farrugia, La Ciotat, FR;
Bertrand Conan, Aix-en-Provence, FR;
SGS-Thomson Microelectronics S.A., Gentilly, FR;
Abstract
The disclosure relates to one time programmable or OTP memories. When they are encapsulated in plastic packages, these electrically programmable memories can no longer be erased. Hence, they cannot be programmed in order to be tested before being sold to the customer, as they have to be delivered in non-programmable state. To enable the performance of certain tests, notably speed tests, to be made, it is proposed to simulate the programming of certain cells by prohibiting the reading of these cells when they are designated by the decoder. The memory then behaves as if it had both non-programmed cells and programmed cells (the cells for which the reading voltage is inhibited), whereas they actually comprise only non-programmed cells. A very simple logic circuit enables a simulation of a checkerboard pattern of programmed and non-programmed cells.