Patent ID: 8645583

Claim:
A method for controlling performance of an integrated circuit using a zero-pin serial interface, comprising: identifying a desired performance characteristic of an integrated circuit; transmitting a first change mode signal into the integrated circuit through a first pin, wherein the first change mode signal causes the integrated circuit to enter an instruction reception mode; transmitting a digital performance adjusting instruction into the integrated circuit through a second pin when the integrated circuit is in the instruction reception mode, wherein the second pin is coupled to a data detection circuit configured to acquire data from the digital performance adjusting instruction when the integrated circuit is in the instruction reception mode, wherein the integrated circuit changes an output performance for the integrated circuit as specified by the acquired data by blowing fuses out of order; transmitting a second change mode signal into the integrated circuit through the first pin, wherein the second change mode signal causes the integrated circuit to enter the normal operation mode, wherein the integrated circuit outputs a signal through the second pin when the integrated circuit is in the normal operation mode; comparing the output performance of the integrated circuit to the desired performance characteristic, wherein the output performance is the performance of the integrated circuit during the normal operation mode and comprises the signal transmitted out of the integrated circuit through the second pin; and setting the integrated circuit to permanently provide the output performance when the output performance is within a desired tolerance of the desired performance characteristic.