Abstract: An identification circuit for establishing and sensing the state of a fusible element used in on chip identification of the chip's type comprising: a circuit establishing control signals for turning the identification circuit on and off; dual paths energized by the control signals generated by the level setting circuit to energize one path through the fusible element to provide a state level and the other path through a reference path which provides a reference voltage level which is distinguishable from both the blown and unblown states of the fusible element; a differential sensing circuit for comparing the reference voltage level to the state level to provide a signal indicating the state of the fusible element; and protection circuitry to protect the circuit during an operation in which the state of the fusible element is set.