System for implementing a column redundancy scheme for arrays with controls that span multiple data bits

摘要

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is a system for implementing a column redundancy scheme for arrays with controls that span multiple data bits. The system includes an array of data bits for receiving data inputs, a spare data bit and a field control input line. Also included in the system is circuitry to separate a field control signal from the field control input line into one or more individual control signals for activating a corresponding data bit in the array or for input to a multiplexor. The system further comprises circuitry to steer around a defective data bit in the array. This circuitry includes: a field control signal multiplexor corresponding to each field control signal; a spare control signal multiplexor to activate the spare data bit; a data multiplexor corresponding to each of the data bits in the array; and a spare data multiplexor to steer one of the data inputs to the spare data bit. The system also includes programmable logic in communication with the field control signal multiplexor, the spare control signal multiplexor, the data multiplexor and the spare data multiplexor to cause the steer around to take place in response to detecting a defective data bit in the array.