Configurable integrated circuit for use in a multi-function handheld device

A configurable general purpose input/output (GPIO) comprises:

• a first GPIO cell operably coupled to a first pin of an integrated circuit to receive first input signals from the first pin and provide the first input signals to a first circuit when a mode selection signal is in a first state and to provide the first input signals to a first register when the mode selection signal is in a second state, wherein the first GPIO is further operably coupled to provide first output signals from a second circuit to the first pin when the mode selection signal is in a third state and to provide first alternate output signals from a second register to the first pin when the mode selection signal is in a fourth state;
• and
• a second GPIO cell operably coupled to a second pin of the integrated circuit to receive second input signals from the second pin and provide the second input signals to a third circuit when a second mode selection signal is in a first state and to provide the second input signals to a third register when the second mode selection signal is in a second state, wherein the second GPIO is further operably coupled to provide second output signals from a fourth circuit to the second pin when the second mode selection signal is in a third state and to provide second alternate output signals from a fourth register to the second pin when the second mode selection signal is in a fourth state.

A multiple function system on a chip integrated circuit comprises:

• a processing module;
• on-chip memory operably coupled to the processing module;
• memory interface for accessing off-chip memory, wherein at least of the on-chip memory and the off-chip memory store operational instructions that cause the processing module to perform at least one of a data file storage function, audio storage function, and audio playback function;
• a plurality of functional modules operably coupled to the processing module;
• and
• at least one general purpose input/output (GPIO) interface module operably coupled to the plurality of functional modules and the processing module, wherein the at least one GPIO includes a plurality of GPIO cells, wherein a GPIO cell of the plurality of GPIO cells is operably coupled to a corresponding pin of the multiple function system of a chip integrated circuit, wherein, when the multiple function system of a chip integrated circuit is in a first functional mode, the GPIO cell is operably coupled to the corresponding pin such that the corresponding pin functions as a digital input pin and when the multiple function system of a chip integrated circuit is in a second functional mode, the GPIO cell is operably coupled to the corresponding pin such that the corresponding pin functions as a digital output pin.