초록 ▼

The present invention provides a programmable pin that may be selectively configured to operate as a signal pin or a power pin. A programmable pin provides increased flexibility in the design of integrated circuit devices. Programmable pins may also be used to provide better performance of the entir

The present invention provides a programmable pin that may be selectively configured to operate as a signal pin or a power pin. A programmable pin provides increased flexibility in the design of integrated circuit devices. Programmable pins may also be used to provide better performance of the entire integrated circuit device and reduce noise in the pins of the integrated circuit device that are signal pins. The programmable pin may also include the function of retaining the last asserted state on the pin. Memory provides further functionality and flexibility in the design of integrated circuit devices.

대표청구항 ▼

The present invention provides a programmable pin that may be selectively configured to operate as a signal pin or a power pin. A programmable pin provides increased flexibility in the design of integrated circuit devices. Programmable pins may also be used to provide better performance of the entir

The present invention provides a programmable pin that may be selectively configured to operate as a signal pin or a power pin. A programmable pin provides increased flexibility in the design of integrated circuit devices. Programmable pins may also be used to provide better performance of the entire integrated circuit device and reduce noise in the pins of the integrated circuit device that are signal pins. The programmable pin may also include the function of retaining the last asserted state on the pin. Memory provides further functionality and flexibility in the design of integrated circuit devices. target. 11. The sensor assembly of claim 10, wherein the magnet defines a length, the target defines a length, and the signal output by the magnetic sensor is linear over a range between one to two millimeters (1 mm-2 mm) smaller than the length of the target or the length of the magnet, whichever is smaller. 12. The sensor assembly of claim 11, wherein the magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor or a semiconductor magnetoresistor, the sensor defining a surface that is oriented parallel to the direction of motion of the target. 13. The sensor assembly of claim 11, wherein the magnetic sensor is a permalloy magnetoresistor or giant magnetoresistor, the sensor defining a surface that is oriented perpendicular to the direction of motion of the target. 14. The sensor assembly of claim 1, wherein the magnet defines a side and the magnetic sensor is placed adjacent to the side of the magnet, the target defining a linear direction of motion, the magnet being oriented so that the magnetic field is parallel to the direction of motion of the target, the target forming a slot that changes the magnetic flux density sensed by the magnetic sensor as the target moves. 15. The sensor assembly of claim 14, wherein the magnet defines a length, the slot defines a length, and the signal output by the magnetic sensor is linear over a range between one to two millimeters (1 mm-2 mm) smaller than the length of the slot or the length of the magnet, whichever is smaller. 16. The sensor assembly of claim 15, wherein the magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor or a semiconductor magnetoresistor, the sensor defining a surface that is oriented perpendicular to the direction of motion of the target. 17. The sensor assembly of claim 15, wherein the magnetic sensor is a permalloy magnetoresistor or a giant magnetoresistor, the sensor defining a surface that is oriented parallel to the direction of motion of the target. 18. A method for linearly determining the position of a moving part relative to a stationary part, comprising the acts of: establishing a target on the moving part; disposing one and only one magnetic sensor on or adjacent to the stationary part; and disposing a stationary magnet on or adjacent to the stationary part, the magnet defining a magnetic field permeating the magnetic sensor, the magnetic sensor sensing changes in magnetic flux density as the target moves linearly relative to the stationary magnet. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the magnet defines a bottom, and the target defines a linear direction of motion, the method further comprising the act of: disposing the magnetic sensor on or adjacent to the bottom of the magnet; and orienting the magnet so that the magnetic field is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the target. 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the act of: establishing a slot in the target, the slot changing the magnetic flux density sensed by the magnetic sensor as the target moves. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the slot defines a length, and the signal output by the magnetic sensor is linear over a range between one to two millimeters (1 mm-2 mm) smaller than the length of the slot. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the magnetic sensor is a Hall effect sensor or a semiconductor magnetoresistor, the sensor defining a surface, the method further comprising the act of: orienting the sensor so that the surface is perpendicular to the direction of motion of the target. 23. The method of claim 21, wherein the magnetic sensor is a permalloy magnetoresistor or a giant magnetoresistor, the sensor defining a surface, the method further comprising the act of: orienting the sensor so that the surface is parallel to the direction of motion of the target. 24. The method of claim 18, wherein the magnet defines a bottom, and the target defines a linear direction of motion, the method further comprising the act of: disposing the magnetic sensor on or adjacent to the botto