A system and method for maintaining values on output pads of an integrated
circuit during entry, exit, and while a portion of the integrated circuit
is in a power conservation or deep power down mode. The method for
entering a power conservation mode includes determining a power
conservation mode value which will be maintained at an output pad while a
portion of an integrated circuit is in a power conservation mode. The
power conservation mode value may then be selected for output and the
power conservation mode value is held at the output pad. The portion of
the integrated circuit to enter the power conservation mode is then
electrically decoupled from the output pad. The portion of the integrated
circuit may then be placed in the power conservation mode without output
signal slighting while maintaining the output value.