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:
Nov. 05, 1996
Filed:
Apr. 14, 1995
Mark B Kearney, Kokomo, IN (US);
Dennis M Koglin, Carmel, IN (US);
Douglas B Osborn, Kokomo, IN (US);
William P Whitlock, Cicero, IN (US);
Delco Electronics Corporation, Kokomo, IN (US);
Abstract
A 'zener-zap' memory cell with pretest capability for testing effects that would be realized from permanently programming the memory cell is provided. The memory cell is addressable and provides a binary signal at an output. The memory cell uses a zener diode as a memory element which is permanently programmed when selectively coupled to a programming voltage which exceeds the reverse breakdown voltage of the zener diode. The memory cell has a test circuit for generating the programmed binary signal at the output of the memory cell prior to permanently programming the zener diode and when coupled to a pretest voltage.