Electrically and mechanically programmable electrical apparatus

摘要

An apparatus in the form of an electrical connector which permits electrical programming of circuits, such as an integrated circuit component, and subsequent mechanical reprogramming of the same circuitry is disclosed. The connector includes a plurality of signal terminals and at least one ground terminal adapted to engage printed circuit board traces joining leads of an integrated circuit component. A fusible wire initially joins selected signal terminals to ground. Portions of the wire can be severed by application of an electrical potential between selected signal terminals and ground sufficient to generate a current in excess of the current carrying capacity of the wire. The terminals are held in place by an insulative body and are inserted into an insulative housing where contact can be made with a pin header having detachable pins for mechanically reprogramming the device.