One-time programmable memory devices using FinFET technology

An electronic system, comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• an One-Time Programmable (OTP) memory operatively connected to the processor, the OTP memory including a plurality of OTP memory cells, at least one of the OTP memory cells comprising:
• an OTP element, the OTP element being coupled to a first supply voltage line;
• and
• a selector including at least a first active region and a second active region built upon at least one fin structure divided by at least one MOS gate, both the first and second active regions residing in a common CMOS well or isolated substrate, the second active region being coupled to the OTP element, the first active region coupled to a second supply voltage line, and the at least one MOS gate coupled to a third voltage supply line,
• wherein the OTP element is configured to be programmable by applying voltages to the first, second, and third supply voltage lines and by turning on the selector to thereby change the OTP element into a different logic state.

A method for operating an OTP memory, the method comprises:

• providing a plurality of OTP cells, at least one of the OTP cells includes at least (i) an OTP element coupled to a first supply voltage line, (ii) a selector including at least a first active region and a second active region built upon at least one fin structure divided by at least one MOS gate, the first active region providing a first terminal of the selector, the second active region providing a second terminal of the selector, the MOS gate providing a third terminal of the selector;
• the second active region coupled to the OTP element;
• the first terminal coupled to a second voltage supply line, and the MOS gate coupled to a third voltage supply line, (iii) both the first and second active regions residing in a common CMOS well or isolated substrate, and
• one-time programming a logic state into the at least one of the OTP cells by applying voltage to the first, second, and third voltage lines and by turning on the selector.