In a cache tag integrated on an SRAM with a memory cache, laser fuses are programmed
to indicate which, if any, tag subarrays in the cache tag are not functioning properly.
In addition, the burst length of the SRAM is increased to reduce the number of
tag subarrays necessary for operation of the cache tag so any nonfunctional tag
subarrays are no longer necessary. In accordance with the indications from the
programmed laser fuses and the increased burst length, logic circuitry disables
any nonfunctional tag subarrays, leaving only functional tag subarrays to provide
tag functionality for the memory cache. As a result, an SRAM that is typically
scrapped as a result of nonfunctional tag subarrays can, instead, be recovered
for sale and subsequent use.
