Method and system for decoupling inoperative passive elements on a semiconductor chip

A system for decoupling inoperative elements on a semiconductor chip, the semiconductor chip having a plurality of redundant passive elements, each of said elements coupled to a bus by means of a link, said bus associated with a predetermined voltage;

• the system comprising:
• a. a base for mounting the semiconductor chip, and for providing operative power to the semiconductor chip;
• b. means for evaluating the operability of each of said elements, said means for evaluating generating a signal identifying which of said elements are inoperable;
• and
• c. means for externally decoupling each of said inoperable elements from said bus by disintegrating said link, said means for externally decoupling responsive to said signal.

An automated system for decoupling inoperative capacitors on a semiconductor chip, the semiconductor chip having a plurality of redundant capacitors, each of said capacitors coupled to a bus by a link, said bus associated with a predetermined voltage, said link comprising substantially low resistive characteristics and being accessible to light emissions;

• the system comprising:
• a. means for testing the operability of each of said capacitors, said means for testing generating an infrared signal identifying which of said capacitors are inoperative, said means for testing comprising:
• (1) a heating element for heating said semiconductor chip to a temperature substantially in the range between 120.degree. C. and 140.degree. C. for a time substantially in the range between 1 hour and 48 hours;
• (2) a stressing element coupled to said bus for applying substantially in the range of 7 Volts and 8 Volts for a time substantially in the range of 1 minute and 48 hours;
• and
• b. a sensor for sensing said infrared signal from each of said inoperative capacitors;
• and
• c. a laser for externally decoupling each of said inoperative capacitors from said bus by disintegrating said link, said laser responsive to said signal and having a power range substantially between 0.1 .mu.Watt and 10 mWatt.