AN INPUT/OUTPUT DRIVER CIRCUIT FOR ISOLATING WITH MINIMAL POWER CONSUMPTION A PERIPHERAL COMPONENT FROM A CORE SECTION

摘要

Within an integrated circuit, an input/output driver circuit is provided. The input/output driver circuit is configured to provide electrical isolation and power savings when the integrated circuit is configured into a computer system such as a personal information device. By providing a mechanism permitting removal of power from the driver circuit, the integrated circuit inhibits current flow from the integrated circuit into a powdered-down peripheral device. A force term is activated, when electrical isolation is desired, to inhibit current flow into or from the integrated circuit via an input/output pad voltage level. A power savings is enabled by allowing the power down of peripheral devices coupled to the integrated circuit without the need for external buffer circuits.