An integrated circuit for controlling a switching power supply includes a
signal input terminal in addition to a switching input terminal that is
also provided in a conventional integrated circuit and is a terminal to
switch IC operation modes using an external control signal. The switching
input terminal signal is made valid when the signal input terminal
voltage is higher than a threshold voltage, such that mode switching
using an external control signal is enabled. When the signal input
terminal voltage is lower than the threshold voltage, mode switching is
automatically conducted by switching a MOSFET ON or OFF using output
signals of portions of a comparator connected to a feedback terminal to
which an output voltage of a power supply device is applied.