Minimizing end boundary resistance in a programmable resistor of an integrated circuit
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United States of America Patent
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-
Jan 9, 2007
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
Mar 2, 2005
filing date -
Apr 3, 2003
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A programmable resistor includes a variety of taps. Selection of any of a variety of tap combinations establishes a path through which current will flow, thus, setting the resistance value of the programmable resistor. The programmable resistor minimizes the effects of parasitic end boundary resistances, R.sub.end/w, between contacts and resistive areas by limiting the contribution of the end boundary resistances to 2R.sub.end/w, regardless of the programmed tap combination. By fabricating a contiguous region of impedance material, only the R.sub.end/w end boundary resistances associated with selected taps affect the value of the programmed resistance. A notched tap structure provides predictability of the resistance value of each tap combination. Taps are narrowed to form a notch which establishes a well-defined current flow path, thus providing the resistance predictability. Additionally, notches also allow for a wider contact-resistive area end boundary, thus, further minimizing the parasitic effect of R.sub.end.
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