Dual feature input/timing pin
US5508650A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K19/1732
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.