Patent ID: 8122165

Claim:
A circuit for selectively connecting an integrated circuit to a plurality of external paths, the plurality of external paths including a first signal path and an external power supply, the circuit comprising: a second signal path internal to the integrated circuit; a power network internal to the integrated circuit; and an input/output element configured to switch amongst a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode, said input/output element having a first, second, third, and fourth connectors, said first connector connecting said input/output element to the first signal path, said second connector connecting said input/output element to the external power supply, said third connector connecting said input/output element to said second signal path, and said fourth connector connecting said input/output element to said power network, the first mode connecting the first signal path to said second signal path via said first connection and said third connection of said input/output element, the second mode connecting said power network to the external power supply via said second connection and said fourth connection of said input/output element.