Embedded I/O PAD Circuit Design for OTP Memory Power-Switch Functionality

Abstract

An additional high-voltage pad is generally applied for one-time-programming (OTP) memory product applications. This may increase the complexity of input/output (I/O) pad arrangement and the area penalty. In this paper, a novel approach of I/O circuit embedded with the power-switch function is proposed for multifunction integrations in one I/O pad. The capabilities of high-voltage programming, I/O signal handling, electrostatic discharge protection and latch-up prevention for this novel circuit are well examined from silicon verifications.