Apparatus and methods for selectively disabling outputs in integrated circuit devices

摘要

Output driver stages and operation modes for selectively disabling device outputs are adapted for use in integrated circuit devices and in the testing of such integrated circuit devices. A device output is disabled by disabling its associated output driver. A first control signal is generated that is indicative of whether an output driver should be responsive to a second control signal or disabled regardless of the second control signal. The first control signal may be provided directly to one or more output drivers. Alternatively, the first control signal may be combined with the second control signal. The first control signal may be common to all coupled output drivers or a separate first control signal may be provided for each output driver. Selective disabling of output drivers can be used to force a device time-out during testing. Selective disabling of output drivers can also be used to reduce device power requirements.