Chip & Processor
Application Summary
Device configurability lets one chip (for example an SoC with a range of processing and I/O options) be used in several systems that have variations in their feature sets. This provides a set of products with variations in features or customization of a standard product. An example would be automotive entertainment system modules using a processor that is used in different cars from the same manufacturer, each with different audio subsystem hardware that requires different settings. The system configuration is done in this case by setting the operation of the chip at the factory and storing parameters in OTP memory. Another example is device configuration to adjust a microprocessor’s parameters based on the type and speed of the data it will be processing in a target application. Sidense’s fast, field-programmable and low-power OTP is well suited to these configuration applications.
OTP Requirements for Chip and Processor Configuration
- Small area
- Low power
- Field-programmable
- Fast read access times
Sidense OTP Features and Benefits
- 1T bit cell for a very small macro footprint and minimal additional silicon cost
- Low read and standby currents result in low power operation
- Integrated charge pump supports field programming without special equipment or an external programming source
- Sidense OTP features read access times down to 10ns
Example
The following diagram illustrates an SoC with standard and optional blocks that can be disabled or enabled with configuration settings.
Example of an SoC with optional I/O blocks