Appeal No. 1997-2057
Application No. 08/287,670
to the functional circuit when the functional circuit ceases
to perform its useful function such that power is saved while
information stored in the integrated circuit is retained. The
apparatus also
includes I/O switches which protect the integrated circuit
against externally induced latch-up and provide for the
effective electrical isolation of the internal functional
circuit from external circuitry. Claim 7 is illustrative of
the claimed invention, and it reads as follows:
7. A power management apparatus for regulating the use of
electrical energy in an internal functional circuit, the power
management apparatus comprising:
an integrated circuit substrate whereon electrical
circuits which perform the functions of 1) the internal
functional circuit, 2) a variable power source means, and 3) a
switching means are constructed, wherein electrical power is
controllably passed from an external power supply through the
variable power source means to the internal functional
circuit, wherein one or more first electrical signals are
controllably passed between an external functional circuit and
the internal functional circuit via the switching means, and
wherein a second externally generated electrical signal
controls the value of the electrical power output by the
variable power source means via a first control input of the
variable power source means and further controls the coupling
action in the switching means via a second control input of
the switching means,
2
Page: Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next
Last modified: November 3, 2007