Integrated circuit comprising a mixed signal single-wire interface and method for operating the same

The invention relates to an integrated circuit which comprises a novel bidirectional mixed signal single-wire interface via which the circuit receives command information from a host and transmits conditioned analog signals to the host. In order to implement the mixed signal interface, the integrated circuit is provided with means for analog signal conditioning, command detection, and digital control. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, current detectors are used for command detection and respond to the current flowing through the interface connection so that commands can be given even when analog signals are present on the bus. The invention relates to several methods of operation, especially methods for operating a plurality of the integrated circuits on the same mixed signal bus, and methods for the compatible operation with conventional integrated circuits. The invention especially provides an inexpensive method for producing intelligent sensors in conjunction with a conventional microcontroller having an ADC as the host. Sensors can be connected via raw signal inputs or can reside on the integrated circuit itself.