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Chip Morphing Technology: Introduction

IBM unveiled its eFuse chip-morphing technology, designed to enable processors to dynamically adjust themselves in response to problems or systems demands. eFuse uses software algorithms and microscopic electrical fuses integrated into computer chips to form a built-in self-repair system that constantly monitors chip functionality. If imperfections or changes in demands are detected, eFuse can reconfigure circuits by tripping fuses to increase performance or avoid problems. eFuse has been implemented in IBM POWER5/6 and System z9/z10 processors as well as the Sony/Toshiba/IBM Cell processor used in the PlayStation 3.

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339 views4 pages

Chip Morphing Technology: Introduction

IBM unveiled its eFuse chip-morphing technology, designed to enable processors to dynamically adjust themselves in response to problems or systems demands. eFuse uses software algorithms and microscopic electrical fuses integrated into computer chips to form a built-in self-repair system that constantly monitors chip functionality. If imperfections or changes in demands are detected, eFuse can reconfigure circuits by tripping fuses to increase performance or avoid problems. eFuse has been implemented in IBM POWER5/6 and System z9/z10 processors as well as the Sony/Toshiba/IBM Cell processor used in the PlayStation 3.

Uploaded by

Ansuman Sahoo
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Chip Morphing

Technology
Introduction: Designed to enable processors to dynamically
adjust themselves in response to problems or
systems demands.

What is an EFuse?
eFUSE is a technology invented by IBM which
allows for the dynamic real-time
reprogramming of computer chips.
eFUSE uses software algorithms and microscopic electrical fuses to
form a built-in-repair system that constantly monitors a chip's
functionality.

E-Fuse role in chip morphing:IBM unveiled its eFuse chip-morphing technology, designed to
enable processors to dynamically adjust themselves in response to problems
or systems demands. In computing, eFUSE is a technology invented by IBM
which allows for the dynamic real-time reprogramming
of computer chips. eFuse is a patented technology that combines software
algorithms and microscopic electrical fuses that will produce chips that can
adapt on the fly to increase performance or avoid problems.
eFuse uses software algorithms and microscopic electrical fuses to form
a built-in-repair system that constantly monitors a chip's functionality. If an
imperfection is found, corrective actions are initiated by tripping the
fuses.The technology can sense when the chip needs to increase
performance or avoid a potential problem, and then can reconfigure the chip
to meet the demands by tripping electrical fuses integrated into the chip. It
can monitor and manage power consumption, repair problems and sense
changes in demands on the chip.
Chip makers can use the morphing technology to alter chips for systems
makers depending on the needs of end-users. Future uses could include

autonomic processors that can self-monitor, self-heal and reconfigure


themselves dynamically after theyve been put into systems.
Electromigration is used to program the fuses without
damaging other parts of the chip. The activated fuses help the chip control
individual circuit speed to manage power consumption and repair
unexpected flaws. If a malfunction is caused by individual circuits running
too fast or too slow, the eFuse technology can throttle down these circuits or
speed them up by monitoring the local voltage.
The said technology will ship under the name eFuse, so
called because it employs millions of electrical fuses that are built into the
chip's circuitry. Together, the microfuses act as a kind of autonomous traffic
control network, responding to the changing demands placed on the
microprocessor to switch individual circuits on and off as required.
Indeed, "eFuse is part of a built-in self-repair system that
constantly monitors a chip's functionality. If an imperfection is detected, this
technology 'instinctively' initiates corrective actions by tripping inexpensive
electrical fuses that are designed into the chip. The fuses help the chip
control individual circuit speed to manage power consumption and repair
unexpected, and potentially costly flaws", says IBM.
Overclockers, beware
"If the technology detects that the chip is malfunctioning because individual
circuits are running too fast or too slow, it can 'throttle down' these circuits
or speed them up by controlling the appropriate local voltage".
eFuse appears to operate at several levels. There's an element of pre-ship
tuning, in which IBM allows eFuse to adapt processors for the customer's
anticipated application load. On site, the technology continues to adapt
according to ongoing workloads.
So how does is work? Essentially, the system uses the phenomenon of
'electromigration', in which moving electrons - current - transfer momentum
to the surrounding crystal lattice. That causes the lattice to vibrate and can
ultimately induce changes in the microstructure that in turn cause a circuit to
fail - the chip equivalent of a light-bulb filament fusing. The greater the
vibrations, the hotter the circuit and the hotter the circuit gets, the more it

vibrates and the more likely electrons are to hit the lattice, imparting more
momentum.

Features of EFuse: Can self-monitor


Can self-heal
Can reconfigure themselves

Electromigration: Electromigration is used to program the fuses without damaging other


parts of the chip.
The activated fuses help to chip control individual circuit speed to
manage power consumption and repair unexpected flows.
eFuse technology can throttle down these circuits or speed them up by
monitoring the local voltage.

Implementation Of Efuse: IBM POWER5 and POWER6 high-end RISC processors .


IBM System z9 and System z10 mainframe processors.
Sony/Toshiba/IBM Cell used in PlayStation 3 .

CONCLUSION:

This phenomena has traditionally been detrimental to chip


performance and was avoided even at
significant cost and effort.

IBM has perfected a technique that


harnesses electromigration and uses it
program a fuse without damaging other
parts of the chip.

to

Previous implementations of on-chip fuse technology in the industry


often involved rupturing fuses, which had resulted in unwanted
performance and reliability problems.

References: http://focus.ti.com/general/docs/wtbu/wtbugencontent.tsp?
templateId=6123&navigationId=12316&contentId=4629&DCMP=WTB
U&HQS=Other+EM+m-shield
http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/16/motorola-responds-to-droid-xbootloader-controversy-says-efuse
http://phys.org/news/2004-08-ibm-chip-morphingtechnology-selfmanaging.html

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