Method and circuit for fuse programming and endpoint detection

Abstract

In one embodiment, a system comprises a programming unit coupled to at least one programmable fuse and configured to program the programmable fuse. In addition, the system comprises a monitoring circuit coupled to the programmable fuse and configured to monitor electrical characteristics associated with the programmable fuse while the programmable fuse is being programmed. In one embodiment, the monitoring circuit is configured to detect a voltage associated with the programmable fuse. Furthermore, the monitoring circuit is configured to compare the detected voltage associated with the programmable fuse with a predetermined voltage value (i.e., endpoint detection). If the detected voltage is equal to or less than the predetermined voltage value, the monitoring circuit is configured to change a state of a control signal to stop the programming of the programmable fuse. Otherwise, the programming unit continues to program the programmable fuse.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.