Method and system for pulse shaping in test and program modes
AssigneeSummit Microelectronics, Inc.
InventorKenneth C. Adkins
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention provides a single input pin on an integrated circuit chip that serves multiple functions during normal, test, and program modes. A first voltage detector detects a first predetermined high voltage level to place an integrated circuit in test mode. A second voltage detector detects a second predetermined high voltage level to place the integrated circuit in program mode. A high level switch is triggered to activate a pulse shaping circuit, which ramps up voltage gradually to prevent causing damage to programmable cells.
Claims14
An integrated circuit, comprising:
- an input pin for receiving a predetermined high-voltage program level during a program mode;
- a first voltage-level detector for detecting a predetermined high-voltage test level, the integrated circuit entering into a test mode when an incoming voltage signal at the input pin rises to the predetermined high-voltage test level;
- a second voltage level detector, coupled to the first voltage-level detector, for detecting the predetermined high-voltage program level, the integrated circuit entering the program mode when an incoming voltage at the input pin rises to the predetermined high-voltage program level;
- and
- a high impedance circuit for gradually ramping up the predetermined high-voltage program level preventing damage caused to electrical erasable cells in the integrated circuit.
A method for programming an integrated circuit, comprising the steps of:
- detecting a predetermined high-voltage test level from an input signal to place the integrated circuit in test mode;
- detecting a predetermined high-voltage program level from the input signal to place the integrated circuit in program mode;
- and
- ramping up gradually of the predetermined high-voltage program level preventing causing damage to electrical erasable cells in the integrated circuit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.