Patent ID: 6463544
Filing Date: 2002-10-08
Classification: G11C,H03K

Abstract:
A method for powering down configuration circuits to minimize power consumption, said method comprising the steps of:providing a peripheral module with at least one first configuration circuit; enabling and disabling said peripheral module with a second configuration circuit; and powering down said at least one first configuration circuit with said second configuration circuit by holding a programming state of said second configuration circuit with a second configuration circuit memory cell, providing a programming current to said second configuration circuit memory cell with a second configuration circuit current source coupled to said second configuration circuit memory cell, wherein current flow is substantially prevented when said second configuration circuit memory cell is not programmed, and controlling said second configuration circuit current source with a second configuration circuit control logic coupled to said second configuration circuit current source; wherein current consumption of said at least one first configuration circuit is minimized when said peripheral module is disabled.