Anti-fuse programming circuit using variable voltage generator

Abstract

An anti-fuse programming circuit comprising a variable voltage generator for varying the level of its output voltage in response to a programming signal, a buffer for making gentle variations in the output voltage from the variable voltage generator, an operation switching part for precharging the anti-fuse programming circuit with the output voltage from the variable voltage generator to operate it, an anti-fuse connected to the operation switching part, the anti-fuse being subjected to a dielectric breakdown when it is supplied with an overcurrent, a sense signal input part for inputting a sense signal to verify a programmed state of the anti-fuse, a breakdown voltage supply part for supplying the output voltage from the variable voltage generator for the dielectric breakdown of the anti-fuse, an output part for outputting a signal indicative of the programmed state of the anti-fuse in response to the sense signal inputted by the input part, a current blocking part for blocking a current path from the breakdown voltage supply part to the anti-fuse in response to a control signal from the output part, and a latch part for strongly stabilizing the anti-fuse at the level of the output voltage from the variable voltage generator in response to the control signal from the output part. Current consumption can significantly be reduced in programming the anti-fuse.