Patent ID: 6446212
Filing Date: 2002-09-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A microcontroller processor unit having an extended operating voltage range comprising, in combination on a single chip:a processing unit; a processing unit voltage regulator coupled to said processing unit for controlling an operating voltage of said processing unit; a control unit coupled to said processing unit voltage regulator and said processing unit for setting a regulated voltage level of said processing unit voltage regulator, said control unit further comprises a register having a plurality of bits for setting said regulated voltage level of said processing unit voltage regulator; and a voltage supply coupled to said processing unit voltage regulator for supplying said operating voltage for said processing unit wherein said operating voltage will have an upper and lower operating voltage level, and said processing unit voltage regulator functions as a voltage regulator for voltages above said regulated voltage level and said regulator passes said operating voltage for voltages below said regulated voltage level; wherein said processor draws substantially the same current at said upper and said lower operating voltage levels.