Abstract: A pin-checking system configured to check for one or more fault types across any number of pins (any terminal). A pin fault detector circuit may be coupled to a given terminal to check for each of the fault types on the terminal. In an example, the pin fault detector includes a first voltage regulator and a second voltage regulator each coupled to the given terminal, and at least one fault comparison block for each fault type configured to receive a test current from the first voltage regulator and/or the second voltage regulator, determine if a given fault type is present on the terminal based on the received test current, and generate an appropriate fault signal. The fault signal may be provided, for example, to a fault response block, which may include any number of pre-determined fault responses to execute based on which terminals exhibit which fault types.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for providing communication of an over-current protection signal and current mode control signals between a controller chip and a power chip in an integrated circuit device that comprises a plurality of integrated circuit chips. The controller chip sends pulse width modulation signals and a reference current signal to the power chip. Current flow status detection circuitry in the power chip detects a current flow status in the power chip and provides a current flow status signal to the controller chip. The current flow status signal may comprise an over-current protection signal or current mode control signals. One advantageous embodiment of the invention comprises a switch mode power supply integrated circuit.