Patent ID: 7543164
Filing Date: 2009-06-02
Classification: G06F,H02J,H02M,Y02B,Y02D

Abstract:
1. A method comprising: generating a first signal that indicates a state of reduced work capability in an integrated circuit (IC) that is being powered by a switching voltage supply; applying the first signal while the supply is powering the IC in the reduced work capability state, to reduce leakage current through a power switching transistor of the switching voltage supply by turning off a further transistor that (1) is in series with said power switching transistor and (2) has lower leakage current than said power switching transistor; and applying said first signal when deasserted, wherein the first signal when deasserted indicates a state of increased work capability in the IC, to turn on said further transistor while the supply is powering the IC in the increased work capability state.