Analog Devices,inc.

Mediatek Corporation

Sean M FitzPatrick

Frederic Boutaud

Paul D Krivacek

Described is an apparatus and a method for pulling an integrated circuit I/O pad to a known state and providing a current path between the pad and a source of potential during periods when an I/O voltage is likely to be floating. At least one I/O transistor coupled between the I/O pad and a source of potential is provided. Also provided is a combinatorial circuit connected to the I/O transistor to turn on the I/O transistor during periods that the I/O voltage is likely to be floating.

Method and an apparatus to actively sink current in an integrated circuit with a floating I/O supply voltage

Described is a Schmitt trigger cell that can be disabled under conditions of unknown gate voltages (e.g., floating or toggling input) such that the core is isolated from the Schmitt trigger input. This is accomplished by circuitry that disables current flow through those transistors whose gate voltages are unknown during such conditions and that forces a known output onto the output terminal.

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Westford, MA, United States of America

Sean M FitzPatrick