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:
Jun. 12, 2001
Filed:
Jan. 21, 2000
Jonathan Audy, San Jose, CA (US);
Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood, MA (US);
Abstract
A programmable “semi-fusible” link system is used to trim one or more circuit parameters. Each semi-fusible link, typically a thin film resistor, has “intact” and “blown” states, with the link having a first, non-zero resistance when intact, and a second, higher but finite resistance when blown, which is accomplished by forcing a predetermined current through the link. Each link is connected to a respective active devices which, when turned on, provide the current needed to blow the link. The links are also connected in series with respective current sources, and to respective threshold detectors connected to monitor the current through their respective links. Each threshold detector provides a logic output which indicates whether its link is intact or blown based on the magnitude of the link current. A “disable” circuit may also be included which, when activated, prevents the further programming of any of the circuit's semi-fusible links.