Derek Lamar Davis

US Patent:

57367779, Apr 7, 1998

Filed:

Dec 29, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/581436

Inventors:

David J. Shield - El Dorado Hills CA
Derek L. Davis - Phoenix AZ

Assignee:

Intel Corporation - Santa Clara CA

International Classification:

H01L 2900

US Classification:

257529

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for fast electronic self-destruction of a CMOS integrated circuit. The present invention electrically destroys devices containing semiconductor components, securing the components from inspection by detecting the initiation of an attempt to inspect the component and, responsive thereto, electrically destroying the component. In some embodiments of the present invention, a switcheable pad having a destruct state and an operating state is connected to a well or to the substrate of the semiconductor device. When in destruct state, the switcheable pad drives the voltage of the well or substrate to a voltage that induces latch-up of the semiconductor device, allowing very large currents to flow through active or passive elements fabricated on the surface of the semiconductor device. In some embodiments, a fusible link having an open state and a closed state connects the switcheable pad to one power supply, so that when the switcheable pad is switched to the destruct state, the fusible link opens, thereby redirecting current through the parasitic PNPN junction of the semiconductor device, thus inducing large latch-up currents through the cell's fusible link and causing it to open, thus destroying the ability of that logic element to function or process data.