Patent ID: 6064254
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: H05K

Abstract:
An integrated circuit socket comprising:a plurality of pin sockets operable to receive and make electrical contact with corresponding pins of an integrated circuit;a plurality of socket pins operable to make electrical contact with a printed circuit board; andat least one active electronic component requiring electrical power for operation connecting at least one of said plurality of pin sockets to at least one corresponding socket pin of said plurality of socket pins,said at least one active electronic component including a single ended to differential input/output transceiver having a first input/output connected to a corresponding one of said plurality of pin sockets, a second input/output connected to a first corresponding one of said plurality of socket pins and a third input/output connected to a second corresponding one of said plurality of socket pins, said single ended to differential input/output transceiveroperating in an output mode to drive said second and third input/outputs in opposite phase corresponding to a voltage on said first input/output, andoperating in an input mode to drive a digital state at said first input/output corresponding to respective voltages on said second and third input/outputs,said single ended to differential transceiver further including an enable input, said single ended to differential transceiver operating in said output mode or in said input mode dependent upon a voltage at said enable input.