Analog interface for a microprocessor-based device
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising:
- an integrated circuit comprising a processor and a driver, the integrated circuit being fabricated by a process establishing a nominal maximum voltage for components of the integrated circuit,wherein the driver is adapted to selectively electrically couple a voltage higher than the nominal maximum voltage to an external terminal of the integrated circuit,wherein the processor is adapted to control the driver to selectively couple together power supply rails, at least one of the power supply rails being external to the integrated circuit.
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Abstract
An apparatus includes an integrated circuit, which includes a processor and a driver. The integrated circuit is fabricated by a process that establishes a nominal maximum voltage for components of the integrated circuit. The driver is adapted to selectively electrically couple a voltage that is higher than the nominal maximum voltage to an external terminal of the integrated circuit.
19 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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an integrated circuit comprising a processor and a driver, the integrated circuit being fabricated by a process establishing a nominal maximum voltage for components of the integrated circuit, wherein the driver is adapted to selectively electrically couple a voltage higher than the nominal maximum voltage to an external terminal of the integrated circuit, wherein the processor is adapted to control the driver to selectively couple together power supply rails, at least one of the power supply rails being external to the integrated circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method comprising:
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using an integrated circuit comprising a processor and a driver to control provision of power to a load external to the integrated circuit, the integrated circuit being fabricated by a process establishing a nominal maximum voltage for circuit components of the integrated circuit; and selectively operating the driver to couple a voltage higher than the nominal maximum voltage to the load, wherein operating the driver comprises executing at least one instruction by the processor to selectively couple together power supply rails, at least one of the power supply rails being external to the integrated circuit. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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Specification