Techniques are disclosed to select functional parameters and/or operating modes of a circuit based on a time measurement are disclosed. One example integrated circuit includes a threshold detection and timing circuit that is coupled to measure a signal during an initialization period of the integrated circuit from a multifunction capacitor that is to be coupled to a first terminal of the integrated circuit. A selection circuit is coupled to the threshold detection and timing circuit to select a parameter/mode of the integrated circuit in response to the measured signal from the multifunction capacitor during the initialization period of the integrated circuit. The multifunction capacitor is coupled to provide an additional function for the integrated circuit after the initialization period of the integrated circuit is complete.