Dual feature input/timing pin
AssigneeMaxim Integrated Products, Inc.
InventorsMichael A. Grimm, Bruce D. Moore
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus for enabling an IC pin to function in a dual mode, which apparatus includes a first switch for coupling the IC pin to an input terminal when the IC pin operates in an input mode, and a charging circuit for sourcing current to the IC pin during a charging cycle of a timer mode. The inventive apparatus further includes a discharging circuit for sinking current from the IC pin during a discharging cycle of the timer mode. In one embodiment, the inventive apparatus further includes a comparator for generating an activation signal, the activation signal being activated when a potential at the IC pin equals or exceeds a predefined voltage in the timer mode. In another embodiment, the comparator is disabled during the input mode.
Claims20
An apparatus for enabling an IC pin to function in a dual mode, comprising:
- a first switch for coupling said IC pin to an input terminal when said IC pin operates in an input mode;
- a charging circuit for sourcing current to said IC pin during a charging cycle of a timer mode;
- and
- a discharging circuit for sinking current from said IC pin during a discharging cycle of said timer mode.
A method for enabling an IC pin to function in a dual mode, comprising:
- providing a first switch, said first switch coupling said IC pin to an input terminal when said IC pin operates in an input mode;
- providing a charging circuit for sourcing current to said IC pin in a charging cycle of a timer mode;
- and
- providing a discharging circuit for sinking current from said IC pin in a discharging cycle of said timer mode.
A method for using an IC pin as a dual mode pin, comprising:
- coupling said IC pin to an input pad during an input mode;
- coupling said IC pin to a charging circuit during a charging cycle of a timer mode;
- decoupling said IC pin from said charging circuit during a discharging cycle of said timer mode;
- and
- coupling said IC pin to a discharging circuit during said discharging cycle of said timer mode.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.