Patent ID: 7120035

Claim:
An inverter controller integrated circuit (IC) for generating power to a load, comprising: an overvoltage protection circuit configured to receive a voltage feedback signal from the load and configured to generate a protection signal to discontinue power to the load; a dimming circuit configured to receive a dimming signal and configured to generate a dimming signal to control the power delivered to the load; a current control circuit configured to receive a current feedback signal from the load and configured to generate an error signal; and an output circuit configured to receive said error signal and said dimming signal and configured to generate drive signals for driving said load; wherein said IC further comprises a pin configured to receive said voltage feedback signal and said dimming signal, wherein said voltage feedback signal and said dimming signal each comprise independent signals that are used by said IC during operation of said IC, and wherein said IC further comprises a multiplexer coupled to said pin and configured to direct said voltage feedback signal to said overvoltage protection circuit or said dimming signal to said dimming circuit, based on the value of said current feedback signal.