Patent attributes
A pin-limited device includes a pattern-recognition circuit that detects a predetermined signal pattern transmitted on a supply pin of the device. The predetermined signal pattern is generated within the acceptable operating voltage range of the IC device (e.g., between the minimum and maximum acceptable system voltage levels utilized to control the internal circuitry of the device). Accordingly, the pin-limited IC device continues to operate within specifications while the predetermined signal pattern is transmitted on the selected power supply pin or pins. A test mode circuit generates a switch control signal in response to the predetermined signal pattern to connect an output pin of the device, for example, to an internal node of the device. The pattern recognition circuit sets a latch when the predetermined signal pattern is detected, and the latch is reset when the device is powered down then powered up.
