A programmable input/output device for use with a programmable logic
device (PLD) is presented comprising an input buffer, an output buffer
and programmable elements. The programmable elements may be programmed to
select a logic standard for the input/output device to operate at. For
instance, a given set of Select Bits applied to the programmable elements
may select TTL logic, in which case the input and output buffers would
operate according to the voltage levels appropriate for TTL logic (e.g.,
0.4 volts to 2.4 volts). For a different set of Select Bits, the GTL
logic standard would be applied (e.g., 0.8 volts to 1.2 volts). The
invention enables a single PLD to be used in conjunction with various
types of external circuitry.