Patents Represented by Attorney Matthew A. Glenn
  • Patent number: 5079516
    Abstract: A post-assembly trim of a monolithic IC is set forth wherein selected package pins can be employed to address the on-chip trim circuit. Then, after the trim is completed, the circuit is addressed to provide a disconnect of the coupling between the trim pins and the post assembly trim circuit of the IC, while leaving the pins fully usable for other purposes. This means that following the post-assembly trim the trim pins cannot accidentally be employed for further trimming and the packaged IC is user-proof. A circuit that employs zener zapping for both trimming and disconnect is detailed and the invention is clearly usable for plastic encapsulated devices. However, when cavity containing packages are involved it is shown that a combination of zener zapping and fuse blowing can be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald W. Russell, Craig N. Lambert