Programmable logic devices (PLDs) that can be repeatedly erased and
reprogrammed, e.g., during the testing and/or design phases, and then
converted to one-time programmable (OTP) devices on a permanent basis,
and methods of converting a PLD to an OTP device. In some embodiments,
only the erase function is disabled in the device. Because programming
data cannot then be erased from the device, the addition of new
programming data is very unlikely to yield an operable design. Therefore,
the programming function is also effectively disabled. The programming
function can be directly disabled in addition to or instead of the erase
function, if desired. The erase and/or programming functions can be
disabled, for example, by blowing one or more fuses included in the erase
and/or programming circuitry of the PLD.