Method and apparatus for identifying integrated circuits

Abstract

An integrated circuit and method for identifying same is described. The integrated circuit includes a programmable identification circuit for storing electronic identification information. The integrated circuit also includes an optical identification mark displaying a machine-readable optical identification code which corresponds with the electronic identification information stored in the identification circuit. The data encoded in the optical identification code may be identical with that of the electronic identification information. Alternatively, a look-up table or other correlating means may be employed to associate the optical identification code with the electronic identification information. The integrated circuit is packaged in a housing, and another optical identification mark is placed on an external surface of the housing. This second optical identification mark displays a machine-readable optical identification code which is identical or correlated to the electronic identification information stored in the identification circuit and/or the optical identification code displayed by the optical identification mark on the integrated circuit. Consequently, convenient and traceable identification of individual integrated circuits is provided during and after manufacture.