Abstract: An integrated circuit having a normal operating mode and a special operating mode, such as a special test mode, is disclosed. The special test mode is enabled by a series of signals, such as overvoltage excursions at a terminal, rather than by a single such excursion, so that is is less likely that the special test mode is entered inadvertently, such as due to noise or power-down and power-up of the device. The circuit for enabling the test mode includes a series of D-type flip-flops, each of which are clocked upon detection of the overvoltage condition together with a particular logic level applied at another terminal; multiple series of flip-flops may be provided for multiple special test modes. Additional features include the provision of a power-on reset circuit which locks out the entry into the test mode during power-up of the device.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having a normal operating mode and a special operating mode, such as a special test mode, is disclosed. The special test mode is enabled by a series of signals, such as overvoltage excursions at a terminal, rather than by a single such excursion, so that it is less likely that the special test mode is entered inadvertently, such as due to noise or power-down and power-up of the device. The circuit for enabling the test mode includes a series of D-type flip-flops, each of which are clocked upon detection of the overvoltage condition together with a particular logic level applied at another terminal; multiple series of flip-flops may be provided for multiple special test modes. In addition, sequential codes may be used for further security. Logic for evaluating both a sequence of codes received in parallel from a number of address terminals, and also a sequence of serial codes received at single address terminal, are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved substrate bias generator for MOS integrated circuits is described. The generator includes circuitry for generating two trains of periodic pulses which are approximately phase opposite, one of the pulse trains being slightly delayed as compared to the other pulse train. The two pulse trains are applied to a pumping circuit which generates a target voltage and initially transfers a positive charge into the substrate, and thereafter transfers a positive charge out of the substrate. The positive charge transferred out of the substrate is greater than the positive charge transferred into the substrate when the absolute value of the potential on the substrate is less than the target voltage. Otherwise, a net positive charge is transferred into the substrate. In this manner, the absolute value of the potential on the substrate is driven towards the target voltage.