Same pin as output and input

Question

In the 7447 BCD to 7-segment decoder chip, pin 4 is BI'/RBO'. That pin acts both as input and output. I would like to understand how exactly the internal circuitry works to make this possible. On page 7 of this datasheet, there is a schematic showing the internal circuitry for the BI'/RBO' connection. Can somebody please explain how exactly this works?

Does the dashed line on the right carry the pin signal fed to the rest of the chip circuitry? If so, how can the signal there ever attain the logical "high" state? The two diodes in series will always clamp down the voltage there to be the sum of two diode forward voltages (i.e., max ~1.4V total).

Answer 1

Yes, the dashed lines show the connections to the rest of the IC.

the left half shows an open-collector output. you can't force it high without risking damage to the chip but it can be forced low, the right half represents the input circuit

see notes at the bottom of page 3

Answer 2

Taking a stab at this, I may be completely wrong on my reasoning. First, notice that the BI/RBO Input side is exactly like the standard inputs:

Yes, the dashed line on the right goes to the internal circuitry.

Now notice the Voltage Input High minimum in the specs:

It taks at least 2 Volts for the circuitry to be a voltage high. This is because the input uses a NPN transistor. The input is at the Emitter, while the Base is pulled High and the Collector pulled low by the 2 diodes you mentioned. When both the emitter and base are pulled a diode higher than the collector, the voltage at the floating collector is pulled high. The 2 diodes clamp the voltage down to prevent damage.