Software programmable isolator

Abstract

Software programmable isolation devices are described herein. The isolation device may be programmable, as some characteristics of the isolation device may be set based on input provided by a user. The isolation device may allow a user to program the activation or deactivation of each channel independently of the activation and deactivation of other channels. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device may allow a user to program the transmission direction of each channel independently of the transmission directions of the other channels. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device may allow a user to program the data rate of each channel communication independently of the data rates of other channels. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device may allow a user to program a delay associated with each channel independently of delays associated with other channels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to software programmable isolators. Background Technology

[0002] For safety and / or data integrity reasons, galvanic isolation is typically provided between circuit components as well as for the transmission of data and power across the isolation barrier. Galvanic isolation is intended to prevent external signals from being inadvertently processed as status or control information and / or to protect electronic equipment from electric shock, or to allow devices on each side of the isolation barrier to operate at different power supply voltages. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document describes a software-programmable isolation device. The isolation device can be programmable because some characteristics of the isolation device can be set based on user-provided input. The isolation device allows the user to program the activation or deactivation of each channel independently of the activation and deactivation of other channels. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device allows the user to program the transmission direction of each channel independently of the transmission direction of other channels. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device allows the user to program the data rate of each channel communication independently of the data rate of other channels. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device allows the user to program the delay associated with each channel independently of the delay associated with other channels.

[0004] Some embodiments relate to an isolation device including an isolation barrier; a first serializer / deserializer (SerDes) and a second SerDes, the first SerDes being coupled to a first side of the isolation barrier and the second SerDes being coupled to a second side of the isolation barrier opposite to the first side; a plurality of programmable channels coupled to the first SerDes and the second SerDes, wherein each programmable channel, when activated, allows a signal to pass through the isolation barrier; and a controller configured to individually activate or deactivate each of the plurality of programmable channels.

[0005] In some implementations, the controller is configured to individually activate or deactivate each of a plurality of programmable channels based on input provided by the user of the isolation device.

[0006] In some implementations, the controller is further configured to select a transmission direction for each of a plurality of programmable channels between a first direction oriented from the first SerDes to the second SerDes and a second direction oriented from the second SerDes to the first SerDes.

[0007] In some implementations, the controller is configured to select the transmission direction for each channel based on input provided by the user of the isolation device.

[0008] In some implementations, the controller is further configured to select an operating mode between a high-speed mode and a low-speed mode for each of a plurality of programmable channels, wherein the high-speed mode results in a higher data rate than the low-speed mode.

[0009] In some implementations, the controller is configured to select an operating mode for each channel based on input provided by the user of the isolation device.

[0010] In some implementations, selecting a high-speed mode includes selecting an LVDS buffer, and selecting a low-speed mode includes selecting a CMOS buffer.

[0011] In some implementations, each of the multiple programmable channels includes a programmable delay unit, and the controller is further configured to individually control each delay unit associated with the respective channel to introduce a corresponding amount of delay in the channel.

[0012] In some implementations, the controller is configured to control each delay unit individually based on input provided by the user of the isolation device.

[0013] Some embodiments relate to an isolation device including an isolation barrier; a first transmitter and a first receiver, the first transmitter being coupled to a first side of the isolation barrier and the first receiver being coupled to a second side of the isolation barrier opposite to the first side; a second transmitter and a second receiver, the second transmitter being coupled to the second side of the isolation barrier and the second receiver being coupled to the first side of the isolation barrier; a first serializer having a plurality of inputs and an output coupled to the first transmitter; a second serializer having a plurality of inputs and an output coupled to the second transmitter; a first deserializer having an input coupled to the first receiver and a plurality of outputs coupled to the inputs of the second serializer; and a second deserializer having an input coupled to the second receiver and a plurality of outputs coupled to the inputs of the first serializer.

[0014] In some implementations, the isolation device further includes a first plurality of programmable delay units coupled to the output of the first deserializer and a second plurality of programmable delay units coupled to the output of the second deserializer.

[0015] In some implementations, the isolation device further includes a controller configured to set the delay by controlling a first plurality of programmable delay units and a second plurality of programmable delay units.

[0016] In some implementations, the isolation device further includes a controller configured to individually connect or disconnect each of the plurality of inputs of the first serializer to a first side of the isolation barrier.

[0017] In some implementations, the controller is further configured to individually connect or disconnect each of the plurality of outputs of the second deserializer from the first side of the isolation barrier.

[0018] In some implementations, the isolation barrier includes a first isolator and a second isolator, the first isolator being coupled to a first transmitter and a first receiver, and the second isolator being coupled to a second transmitter and a second receiver.

[0019] Some embodiments relate to a method for controlling an isolation device including an isolation barrier, a first serializer / deserializer (SerDes) coupled to a first side of the isolation barrier, a second SerDes coupled to a second side of the isolation barrier opposite to the first side, and a plurality of programmable channels coupled to the first SerDes and the second SerDes. The method includes: individually activating or deactivating each of the plurality of programmable channels to connect or disconnect the first SerDes from the second SerDes through the isolation barrier; and for each activated channel, selecting a transmission direction between a first direction oriented from the first SerDes to the second SerDes and a second direction oriented from the second SerDes to the first SerDes.

[0020] In some implementations, the individual activation or deactivation of each channel and the selection of the transmission direction for each activated channel are performed based on input provided by the user of the isolation device.

[0021] In some implementations, the method further includes selecting an operating mode between a high-speed mode and a low-speed mode for each active channel, wherein the high-speed mode results in a higher data rate than the low-speed mode.

[0022] In some implementations, selecting a high-speed mode includes selecting an LVDS buffer, and selecting a low-speed mode includes selecting a CMOS buffer.

[0023] In some implementations, each of the plurality of programmable channels includes a programmable delay unit, and the method further includes: individually controlling each delay unit associated with the respective channel to introduce a corresponding amount of delay in the channel. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Various aspects and embodiments of this application will be described with reference to the following accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Items appearing in multiple drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals in all the drawings in which they appear.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a conventional isolation device.

[0026] Figure 2 The block diagram illustrates a software-programmable isolation device based on some implementation schemes.

[0027] Figure 3 The flowchart illustrates a method for controlling a software-programmable isolation device, based on some implementation schemes.

[0028] Figure 4 This is an example of a specific state based on some implementation schemes. Figure 2 A block diagram of the isolation device. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This document describes a software-programmable isolation device. Developed by the inventors and described herein, the isolation device comprises multiple programmable channels sharing a common isolator, which can be programmed in one or more ways. In one example, the isolation device allows the user to program the activation or deactivation of each channel independently of the activation and deactivation of other channels, even though the channels share the same isolator. The ability to program channel activation allows the user to activate only those channels beneficial to the application at hand, while deactivating others. Therefore, power can be reduced. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device allows the user to program the transmission direction of each channel independently of the transmission direction of other channels. For example, a first subset of channels can be programmed to allow signals to travel from a first terminal to a second terminal, while a second subset of channels can be programmed to allow signals to travel from the second terminal to the first terminal. The ability to program the direction of each channel allows the user to customize the signal flow according to the needs of the application at hand. Additionally or alternatively, the isolation device allows the user to program the data rate of each channel communication independently of the data rate of other channels. For example, the user can decide to set the data rate of a signal propagating in one direction to a high rate, while setting the data rate of a signal propagating in the opposite direction to a low rate. This can be helpful in applications where signals travel in one direction to carry data and in the opposite direction to carry control signals. Additionally or alternatively, isolation devices can allow the user to program the delay associated with each channel independently of the delays associated with other channels. This allows the user to set the delay according to the needs of the application at hand.

[0030] Compared to conventional designs, the software programmable nature of these isolation devices leads to several benefits. First, it provides users with greater flexibility. Users can program the characteristics of each channel (e.g., activation / deactivation, direction, speed, and / or delay) independently of the other channels, according to the application's needs. Additionally, it allows manufacturers of isolation devices to commercialize flexible products that can be adapted to various settings. In some settings, the isolation device can be used in conjunction with motor controllers or power converters to drive high-power transistors such as MOSFETs or IGBTs. In other settings, the isolation device can be used for communication interfaces requiring safe communication across different voltage domains, such as UART, SPI, I2C, or USB. In yet another setting, the isolation device can protect patients and sensitive electronic equipment by isolating patient interfaces (which may experience electrical noise or surges) from the system's internal electronics. In yet another setting, the isolation device separates noisy high-voltage sensor environments from sensitive data acquisition systems, protecting measurement accuracy and processing circuitry. Given its software programmability, the same isolation device can be adapted to meet any of the settings listed above.

[0031] Secondly, it reduces the overall area of ​​the isolation device. For example, consider an isolation device comprising sixteen channels. Instead of having sixteen isolators, this method allows multiple channels to share the same isolator. For example, sixteen channels can be implemented using at most one or two isolators, thus reducing the device area. Thirdly, it allows users to program the device in a way that can improve jitter performance. Jitter is a quantity that indicates rapid changes in the timing of a signal. Jitter can affect the quality and accuracy of data transmission or processing. It manifests as periodic deviations in the signal, typically related to the timing of clock signals or data pulses. These fluctuations can lead to synchronization errors, resulting in data loss, incorrect communication between components, and performance degradation, especially in systems requiring precise timing, such as network equipment, communication systems, or high-speed data transmission equipment. As described in further detail below, the ability to independently program the direction of each channel allows users to send a clock signal from the receiver back to the transmitter using one (or more) channels. The transmitter can use this clock to re-timing data transmission in a way that reduces jitter (e.g., using an adjustable delay). In one example, jitter can be reduced by up to ten times compared to a conventional isolation device. For example, jitter can be reduced from approximately 400 ps to approximately 40 ps. Fourth, the ability to program the speed of each channel allows users to reduce the speed of channels that do not necessarily require high-speed communication, which in turn reduces power consumption. In one example, a high-speed channel can consume up to 0.24 mA / Mbps of current per bit rate, while a low-speed channel can consume as little as 0.012 mA / Mbps of current per bit rate.

[0032] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating a conventional isolation device. The device includes six isolation channels. Each channel extends from an input port to an output port. For example, the first channel extends from input port 2 to output port 15 (the voltage defined at port 2 is V). IA And the voltage defined at port 15 is V. OA Other channels extend from input ports 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 to output ports 14, 13, 12, 11, and 10 (input voltage is V). IB V IC V ID V IE and V IF And the output voltage is V OB V OC V OD V OE and V OF Ports 1 and 16 are connected to the power supply voltage (V). DD1 and V DD2 Ports 8 and 9 are connected to ground (GND1 and GND2). Each channel includes a transmitter (TX) 50, an encoder 51, an isolator 52, a decoder 53, and a receiver (RX) 54. Notably, each channel includes a dedicated isolator 52.

[0033] The inventor has recognized and realized that Figure 1 The type of isolation device shown has limited applicability due to its static characteristics. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating a software-programmable isolation device according to some implementation schemes. The isolation device is programmable because some characteristics of the isolation device can be set based on user input. Figure 1 The isolation devices are different. Figure 2 The isolation devices consist of fewer than one isolator per channel. This is made possible by the existence of programmable serializers / deserializers (SerDes). SerDes are hardware components that convert data from serial to parallel and vice versa. The use of SerDes enables efficient data transmission over a limited number of isolators. Therefore, relative to… Figure 1 The implementation method allows for a reduction in the number of isolators.

[0034] Due to the presence of isolation barrier 102, isolation device 101 connects terminal 100 to terminal 200 in an isolated manner. Isolation barrier 102 represents electrical isolation, which is designed to prevent direct electrical conduction between the two parts of isolation device 101 while still allowing communication via other means such as magnetic coupling, capacitive coupling, or optical coupling. In some embodiments, the isolation barrier is defined by more than one isolator (e.g., one isolator per transmission direction), such as... Figure 2As shown in the example. In other embodiments, isolation device 101 may include a single isolator defining the entire isolation barrier 102. The single isolator supports bidirectional communication.

[0035] In one example, terminal 100 represents the high-voltage side (e.g., terminal 100 may include an input power source and / or switching circuitry), while terminal 200 represents the low-voltage side (e.g., terminal 200 may include a microcontroller or logic circuitry). In this implementation, isolation device 101 supports sixteen channels, although other numbers of channels are also possible. Each channel defines a signal path connecting a port of terminal 100 to a port of terminal 200 (e.g., connecting port P1 of terminal 100 to port P1 of terminal 200).

[0036] As described in further detail below, isolation device 101 allows the user to program each channel independently of the other channels. External processor 160 transmits user input to isolation device 101. User input may include i) data indicating which channels will be activated and which will be deactivated, and / or ii) data indicating the desired direction for each channel, and / or iii) data indicating the desired transmission speed for each channel, and / or iv) data indicating the desired delay associated with each channel. A controller 150 within isolation device 101 receives the input data and controls the channels accordingly.

[0037] The isolation device 101 further includes serializers 112 and 122, deserializers 114 and 124, transmitters (TX) 116 and 128, receivers (RX) 118 and 126, and a delay unit 130. Serializer 112 and deserializer 114 form SerDes 110, while serializer 122 and deserializer 124 form SerDes 120. SerDes 110 and SerDes 120 are coupled to opposite sides of the isolation barrier 102. As disclosed herein, the two sides of the isolation barrier are considered to be opposite each other to indicate that the two sides are electrically isolated from each other by the barrier, whether the barrier is implemented magnetically, capacitively, optically, acoustically, or otherwise. Depending on the size of the isolator, the opposite sides may be spatially adjacent to each other (e.g., in a capacitive isolator) or spatially separated (e.g., in an optical isolator in which the barrier is implemented using a light guide or optical fiber). In either case, the opposite sides are electrically isolated from each other.

[0038] Serializer 112 includes multiple inputs, each coupled to a port of terminal 100 (see, for example, ports P1, P2…P16). Serializer 112 converts parallel input data into a single serial data stream at its output. The output of serializer 112 is coupled to TX 116, which includes circuitry configured to generate a signal that can pass through an isolation barrier. For example, in an embodiment where isolator 106 is essentially optical, TX 116 includes a light-emitting diode (LED). RX 126 includes circuitry configured to detect a signal that has passed through the isolation barrier. For example, in an embodiment where isolator 106 is essentially optical, RX 126 includes a photodetector. The output of RX 126 is coupled to the input of deserializer 124, which converts serial input data into a parallel data stream at its output. Each output of deserializer 124 is coupled to a port of terminal 200. In some implementations, programmable delay units 130 are inserted between each output of deserializer 124 and each port of terminal 200 (see, for example, delay units “D1”, “D2”...“D16”). The ports of terminals 100 and 200 can be used as inputs or outputs, depending on the desired transmission direction associated with each channel.

[0039] Similarly, serializer 122 includes multiple inputs, each coupled to a port of terminal 200. Serializer 122 converts parallel input data into a single serial data stream at its output. The output of serializer 122 is coupled to isolator 108 via TX 128. The output of RX 118 is coupled to the input of deserializer 114, which converts serial input data into a parallel data stream at its output. Each output of deserializer 114 is coupled to a port of terminal 100 (see, for example, ports P1, P2…P16). In some embodiments, programmable delay units 130 are inserted between each output of deserializer 114 and each port of terminal 100 (see, for example, delay units “D17”, “D18”…“D32”).

[0040] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a software-programmable isolation device according to some embodiments. Method 300 can be executed using controller 150 or another controller external to isolation device 101. At action 301, the controller receives an instruction for the i-th channel of the isolation device (where in Figure 2 In the example, i can be the user input of the desired characteristics (1, 2...16). The controller can receive user input from an external processor (e.g., processor 160).

[0041] At action 302, the controller determines, based on user input, whether to activate (action 312) or deactivate (322) the i-th channel. Based on this determination, the controller activates the channel (at action 312) or deactivates the channel (action 322). When activated, the channel allows signals to pass through the isolation barrier; when deactivated, the channel does not allow signals to pass through the isolation barrier. Channel activation and deactivation can be performed in any of a variety of ways. In one example, the controller can close a switch (for activation) or open a switch (for deactivation), the switch being positioned along the signal path of the channel. In some implementations, the switch may be internal to SerDes 110 or SerDes 120, positioned between the input of serializer 112 and the port of terminal 100 (and / or between the input of serializer 122 and the port of terminal 200), and / or positioned between the output of deserializer 114 and the port of terminal 100 (and / or between the output of deserializer 124 and the port of terminal 200).

[0042] At action 304, the controller, based on user input, selects the transmission direction of the i-th channel between a first direction oriented from terminal 100 to terminal 200 (action 314) and a second direction oriented from terminal 200 to terminal 100 (action 324). The selected transmission direction determines whether terminal 100 transmits a signal toward terminal 200, or vice versa. The selection of the transmission direction can be performed in any of a variety of ways. For example, if the controller selects the direction oriented from terminal 100 to terminal 200, the signal path associated with the channel passes through serializer 112, TX 116, isolator 106, RX 126, and deserializer 124. In contrast, if the controller selects the direction oriented from terminal 200 to terminal 100, the signal path associated with the channel passes through serializer 122, TX 128, isolator 108, RX 118, and deserializer 114. (The switch...) Figure 2 (Not shown) can be used to selectively connect the terminal's port to the input of the serializer or the output of the deserializer.

[0043] At action 306, the controller selects the operating mode of the i-th channel between high-speed mode (action 316) and low-speed mode (action 326) based on user input. In high-speed mode, the channel is configured to transmit data at a higher rate than in low-speed mode. This allows the user to set only those channels requiring high speed to high-speed mode. Channels for which high speed is less important can be set to low-speed mode, thus saving power. In some implementations, the data rate associated with high-speed mode can be between 100 Mb / s and 1 Gb / s, and the data rate associated with low-speed mode can be between 1 Mb / s and 100 Mb / s. In some implementations, for each channel, the SerDes can have two different types of buffers: a low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) buffer and a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) buffer. In high-speed mode, the controller selects the LVDS buffer, while in low-speed mode, the controller selects the CMOS buffer. The main difference between CMOS and LVDS buffers lies in how they handle data transmission, particularly in terms of signal type, speed, and power consumption. Compared to LVDS buffers, CMOS buffers typically operate at slower speeds, making them more suitable for low-frequency applications. LVDS buffers are designed for high-speed data transmission, making them ideal for applications such as video transmission, high-speed communication interfaces, and data buses.

[0044] At action 308, the controller sets the delay to be introduced along the signal path associated with the i-th channel. This can be performed by controlling the delay unit 130 to produce the desired delay. Allowing users to select different delays for different channels can be particularly beneficial in reducing jitter.

[0045] Figure 4 This is an example of a specific state based on some implementation schemes. Figure 2 A block diagram of the isolation device. A first channel extends between port P1 of terminal 100 and port P1 of terminal 200; a second channel extends between port P2 of terminal 100 and port P2 of terminal 200; a third channel extends between port P3 of terminal 100 and port P3 of terminal 200; a fourth channel extends between port P4 of terminal 100 and port P4 of terminal 200; and a sixteenth channel extends between port P16 of terminal 100 and port P16 of terminal 200. Other channels are not shown for clarity. In this example, the controller has activated the first, second, fourth, and sixteenth channels and deactivated the third channel. Furthermore, the controller has selected a first direction (from terminal 100 to terminal 200) for the first and fourth channels and a second direction (from terminal 200 to terminal 100) for the second and sixteenth channels. Although in Figure 4The controller can be set individually for the operating mode and the amount of delay associated with each channel, though not shown in the diagram.

[0046] In one example, at least some of the channels oriented from terminal 100 to terminal 200 can be set to high-speed mode and can support data transmission. Furthermore, at least one channel oriented from terminal 200 to terminal 100 can be set to low-speed mode and can support clock transmission. The ability to send the clock back to terminal 100, combined with the ability to individually control the latency associated with each channel, helps the user reduce jitter present in each channel.

[0047] The use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., to modify a claim element does not imply any priority, order of precedence, or sequence of actions of a method relative to another claim element. Rather, it serves only as a label to distinguish one claim element with a certain name from another element with the same name (but using ordinal terms), thus differentiating the claim elements.

[0048] Several aspects of at least one embodiment have been described, and it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the principles described herein. Therefore, the foregoing description and figures are merely examples.

[0049] The terms "coupled," "coupled," and "coupling," when used in conjunction with electrical components, should be interpreted broadly to include both direct and indirect coupling. Two electrical components are considered directly coupled if no intermediate component exists between them. Conversely, two electrical components are considered indirectly coupled if at least one intermediate component exists between them, provided that the intermediate component does not alter the general nature of the interaction between the electrical components.

Claims

1. An isolation device, the isolation device comprising: Isolation barrier; A first serializer / deserializer (SerDes) and a second SerDes, wherein the first SerDes is coupled to a first side of the isolation barrier and the second SerDes is coupled to a second side of the isolation barrier opposite to the first side; Multiple programmable channels coupled to the first SerDes and the second SerDes, wherein each programmable channel allows a signal to pass through the isolation barrier when activated; as well as A controller configured to individually activate or deactivate each of the plurality of programmable channels.

2. The isolation device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to individually activate or deactivate each of the plurality of programmable channels based on input provided by a user of the isolation device.

3. The isolation device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to select a transmission direction for each of the plurality of programmable channels between a first direction oriented from the first SerDes to the second SerDes and a second direction oriented from the second SerDes to the first SerDes.

4. The isolation device of claim 3, wherein the controller is configured to select the transmission direction for each channel based on input provided by a user of the isolation device.

5. The isolation device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to select an operating mode between a high-speed mode and a low-speed mode for each of the plurality of programmable channels, wherein the high-speed mode results in a higher data rate than the low-speed mode.

6. The isolation device of claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to select the operating mode for each channel based on input provided by a user of the isolation device.

7. The isolation device of claim 5, wherein selecting the high-speed mode includes selecting an LVDS buffer, and selecting the low-speed mode includes selecting a CMOS buffer.

8. The isolation device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of programmable channels includes a programmable delay unit, and wherein the controller is further configured to individually control each delay unit associated with a respective channel to introduce a corresponding amount of delay in the channel.

9. The isolation device of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to individually control each delay unit based on input provided by a user of the isolation device.

10. An isolation device, the isolation device comprising: Isolation barrier; A first transmitter and a first receiver, wherein the first transmitter is coupled to a first side of the isolation barrier and the first receiver is coupled to a second side of the isolation barrier opposite to the first side; A second transmitter and a second receiver, the second transmitter being coupled to a second side of the isolation barrier and the second receiver being coupled to a first side of the isolation barrier; A first serializer, the first serializer having multiple input terminals and an output terminal coupled to the first transmitter; The second serializer has multiple input terminals and an output terminal coupled to the second transmitter; A first deserializer has an input coupled to the first receiver and a plurality of outputs coupled to the input of the second serializer; as well as A second deserializer has an input coupled to the second receiver and a plurality of outputs coupled to the input of the first serializer.

11. The isolation device according to claim 10, wherein the isolation device further comprises a first plurality of programmable delay units coupled to the output terminal of the first deserializer and a second plurality of programmable delay units coupled to the output terminal of the second deserializer.

12. The isolation device of claim 11, further comprising a controller configured to set a delay by controlling the first plurality of programmable delay units and the second plurality of programmable delay units.

13. The isolation device of claim 10, further comprising a controller configured to individually connect or disconnect each of the plurality of inputs of the first serializer to or from the first side of the isolation barrier.

14. The isolation device of claim 13, wherein the controller is further configured to individually connect each of the plurality of outputs of the second deserializer to or disconnect from the first side of the isolation barrier.

15. The isolation device of claim 10, wherein the isolation barrier comprises a first isolator and a second isolator, the first isolator being coupled to the first transmitter and the first receiver, and the second isolator being coupled to the second transmitter and the second receiver.

16. A method for controlling an isolation device, the isolation device comprising an isolation barrier, a first serializer / deserializer (SerDes) coupled to a first side of the isolation barrier, a second SerDes coupled to a second side of the isolation barrier opposite to the first side, and a plurality of programmable channels coupled to the first SerDes and the second SerDes, the method comprising: Each of the plurality of programmable channels can be individually activated or deactivated to connect or disconnect the first SerDes from the second SerDes through the isolation barrier; as well as For each active channel, a transmission direction is selected between a first direction oriented from the first SerDes to the second SerDes and a second direction oriented from the second SerDis to the first SerDis.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein individually activating or deactivating each channel and selecting a transmission direction for each activated channel are performed based on input provided by a user of the isolation device.

18. The method of claim 16, the method further comprising selecting an operating mode between a high-speed mode and a low-speed mode for each active channel, wherein the high-speed mode results in a higher data rate than the low-speed mode.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein selecting the high-speed mode includes selecting an LVDS buffer, and selecting the low-speed mode includes selecting a CMOS buffer.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of programmable channels includes a programmable delay unit, and wherein the method further comprises: Each delay unit associated with a corresponding channel is individually controlled to introduce a corresponding amount of delay into the channel.

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