Patent ID: 7148642
Filing Date: 2006-12-12
Classification: H02P

Abstract:
1. A control circuit, comprising: a single input terminal for receiving digital control signals and analog control signals; said digital signals being in a first digital state when below a first level, and being in a second digital state when above a second level; said analog signals being within a range that is greater than said first level and less than said second level; a comparator circuit coupled to said single input terminal for providing a first output when the level at said single input terminal is below said first level or when the level at said single input terminal is above said second level; said comparator circuit providing a second output when the level at said single input terminal is between said first level and said second level, said first output indicates that a signal at said single input terminal is a digital signal and said second output indicates that a signal at said single input terminal is an analog signal; and a power control circuit coupled to said single input terminal, said power control circuit operable to reduce power applied to said control circuit when a predetermined condition exists at said single input terminal for a predetermined period of time.