Antifuse

Anti-fuses (English for anti - fuses) are switching elements in microelectronics. They are often for programming PLDs or one-time programmable ( One Time Programmable - OTP) FPGAs used. They operate inversely to fuses ( fuses ), which by melt irreversibly when activated, thus interrupting an existing contact. Antifuses in the insulation layer is blown irreversibly by applying a programming voltage and there is a low impedance connection with lower capacity.

Compared to the original fuses used an FPGA only 2-4% responded ( = programmed) must now generally be to implement the desired logic circuit. The speed of the programming process is substantially higher than the setting of the configuration in EEPROM or SRAM cells, however, which can be reset again.

The information necessary for programming high voltages and currents are provided by peripheral circuit elements of the FPGA, which occupy due to the power required considerably more space than the actual circuit itself Compared to fuse technology are lower currents needed for programming.

Because SRAM and (E) EPROM cells are sensitive to high-frequency cosmic radiation, antifuse logic devices are often used in satellites.

• Programmable Logic