eFUSE

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In computing, eFUSE is a technology invented by IBM which allows for the dynamic real-time reprogramming of computer chips. Speaking abstractly, computer logic is generally 'etched' or 'hard-coded' onto a chip and cannot be changed after the chip has finished being manufactured. By utilizing an eFUSE (or more realistically, a number of individual eFUSEs), a chip manufacturer can allow for the circuits on a chip to change while it is in operation.
The primary application of this technology is to provide in-chip performance tuning. If certain sub-systems fail, or are taking too long to respond, or are consuming too much power, the chip can instantly change its behavior by 'blowing' an eFUSE.
[edit]Implementations
POWER5 and POWER6 high end RISC processors
IBM System z9 and System z10 mainframe processors.
Cell microprocessor used in PlayStation 3
Xenon CPU in the Xbox 360 game console.
Texas Instruments OMAP3 based cellphones and other devices [1]
[edit]See also
Programmable logic device
FPGA
Antifuse
[edit]References

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"IBM introduces chip morphing technology". IBM. 2004-07-30. Retrieved 2009-09-17.
"IBM delivers Power-based chip for Microsoft Xbox 360 worldwide launch". IBM. 2005-10-25. Retrieved 2007-02-28.
Rizzolo, R. F.; Foote, T. G., et al. (2007-02-13). "IBM System z9 eFUSE applications and methodology". doi:10.1147/rd.511.0065. Retrieved 2007-02-28.
Speedy22 (2006-03-07). "XBOX 360 CPU Datasheet. Version 1.5." (PDF). Retrieved 2007-02-28.
Port, Otis (2005-06-06). "Mighty Morphing Power Processors". BusinessWeek.
Categories: Power Architecture