Service pin on microcontroller?

[bosskardo]

Hi
What is a service pin used for. In the datasheet it says:
I/O (Built-In Configurable Pull up) Service pin (active LOW). Alternates between input and output at a 76-Hz rate.
But I don't get what its used for and how.

 

[betwixt]

which microcontroller are you referring to?

Brian.

 

[bosskardo]

This one:
https://www.cypress.com/?docID=48634

edit: just realised: can this be called a microcontroller?

 

[betwixt]

It is a microcontroler but with dedicated use. It would not be suitable for general purpose applications.

The data sheet makes no mention of what "Service" is for but as it connects to the clock and control section of the device I suspect it has something to do with recognizing requests from attached network interfaces, something like an interrupt or DMA request pin on a conventional device. You would probably need application notes or programming information to see examples of its use.

Brian.