Integrated circuit feature definition using one-time-programmable (OTP) memory

• Main Authors: ULERY KREG D, HOLDER, JR. CLINTON H, LEE KANG W, ARCHIBALD JAMES L, MUTH EDWIN A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 31.03.2009
• Subjects: INFORMATION STORAGE; PHYSICS; STATIC STORES

In one embodiment, a integrated circuit (IC) configurable to have any one of a plurality of different feature sets, the IC including (a) one or more feature blocks adapted to be independently enabled or disabled, (b) a one-time-programmable (OTP) memory cell for each feature block, the OTP memory cell storing a value, and (c) a feature control module for each feature block, each feature control module connected between the corresponding OTP memory cell and the corresponding feature block, and adapted to enable or disable the corresponding feature block based on the value stored in the corresponding OTP memory cell. The OTP memory cells are programmed by a vendor to select the particular feature set for the IC which is to be available to a purchaser.