Multi-mode pin usage in a power supply control integrated circuit
US8412923B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 16, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An integrated circuit resides on a circuit board. During operation, the digital controller integrated circuit produces control signals to control a power supply for delivery of power to a load. The integrated circuit can include multiple connectivity ports, on-board memory, and mode control logic. The multiple connectivity ports such as pins, pads, etc., of the integrated circuit can be configured to provide connections between internal circuitry residing in the integrated circuit and external circuitry residing on a circuit board to which the integrated circuit is attached. The mode control logic monitors a status of one or more connectivity ports of the integrated circuit to detect when a board handler places the digital controller in a power island mode in which the integrated circuit is powered so that the board handler can access (e.g., read/write) the memory in the digital controller integrated circuit while other portions of the board are unpowered.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.