The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 14, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 13, 1998
John O'Dowd, Limerick, IE;
John Wynne, Limerick, IE;
Analog Devices, Inc., Norwood, MA (US);
Abstract
An integrated circuit comprises means responsive to a normally changing signal at an input of the integrated circuit to implement a primary function of the circuit, and means for monitoring this normally changing signal at the input in question of the integrated circuit. This monitoring means is responsive to suspension of the normally changing signal to communicate a signal for implementation of a secondary function of the circuit. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention is directed towards implementation of power-down of the circuit, without using an explicit power-down or reset pin. An input signal which normally changes at minimum rate, e.g. preferably a clock signal, is held in a fixed state for a minimum duration to invoke the reset or power-down mode. An integrated circuit may thus be powered-down or reset where no explicit power-down or reset pin is available.