Circuit having a low power mode

摘要

Embodiments of the invention include an IC that includes a core used for ordinary operation and a thin power circuit. The thin power circuit can be configured to use very little power. The IC can also include a digital interface and a connection 5 thereto. The IC can initiate transition to low power mode during which the core and various I/O pads can be shut down. However, the thin power circuit can be kept powered up. The thin power circuit can monitor the digital interface for a predefined wake up signal. When the wake up signal is detected, the thin power circuit can power up the core and any powered down I/O pads. The thin power circuit can also 10 include a dedicated power on reset (POR) cell. This POR cell can be distinct than other POR cells used for the IC and can be specifically designed to for efficient operation. CDo C)~ C/Jj C/CJ C/Jj