In computing, an eFuse (electronic fuse) is a microscopic fuse put into a computer chip. This technology was invented by IBM in 2004 to allow for the dynamic real-time reprogramming of chips. In the abstract, computer logic is generally "etched" or "hard-wired" onto a chip and cannot be changed after the chip has finished being manufactured. By utilizing a set of eFuses, a chip manufacturer can allow for the circuits on a chip to change while it is in operation.

Mechanism of action

eFuses can be made out of silicon or metal traces. In both cases, they work (blow) by electromigration, the phenomenon where electric flow causes the conductor material to move. Although electromigration is generally undesired in chip design as it causes failures, eFuses are made of weak traces that are designed to fail before others do.

Uses

eFuses were initially marketed by IBM as a way 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. Today, most eFuses are used to etch serialization or calibration data onto a chip thus making it a read-only value.

Descriptive term

eFuses are perhaps more commonly used as a one-time programmable ROM or write-restricted memory, and not actual physical electric fuses. This ranges from writing unique information onto CPUs, or in the case of game consoles and other restricted hardware, preventing downgrades by permanently recording a newer version. The Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, Pixel 6 and Samsung Galaxy S22 are known for using eFuses this way.

Implementations

eFuses used for performance adjustment or unique IDs: eFuses known to be used for hardware restriction:

Variants

Resettable eFuses are used for protecting circuits. They act similarly to resettable fuses, and are generally shipped as a standalone chip package. There are several ways of implementing an antifuse in silicon: see.