Integrated communication module and electronic equipment
By integrating the digital isolator and CAN transceiver into the communication module and combining them with the injection-molded housing, the problems of large board space and complex authentication were solved, achieving miniaturization and cost reduction, while improving communication stability and security.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520434893.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-03-12
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, enhanced isolated CAN designs suffer from problems such as large board space requirements, large transformer size, and complex authentication.
It adopts an integrated communication module, including a digital isolator and a CAN transceiver, combined with injection molded housing encapsulation, to achieve signal isolation and emergency stop signal transmission, reduce board space, lower PCB contamination level, and simplify the certification process through PD1 certification.
It achieves miniaturization, reduces system costs, improves communication stability and security, simplifies the authentication process, and enhances product development efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN223843785U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an integrated communication module and electronic device. Background Technology
[0002] CAN (Controller Area Network) interfaces have become a widely used serial communication standard in the industry due to their excellent priority division and arbitration capabilities. In systems with different voltage domains, signal isolation technology is typically required to protect low-voltage side circuits from high-voltage side effects in the event of a fault. Isolation not only interrupts the ground loop, allowing only necessary signals to be transmitted, but also effectively improves signal quality.
[0003] In related technologies, for enhanced isolated CAN designs, the mainstream solution typically uses discrete components to build an isolated power supply and employs a two-stage isolated transceiver for protection. This solution has the following problems: 1) Large PCB space requirement: Due to the use of discrete isolated power supplies and two-stage isolated transceivers, the overall solution requires more PCB layout space, which is not conducive to miniaturization. 2) Large transformer size: The dual-isolation power supply architecture usually requires a larger transformer, resulting in an increase in the overall system height and limiting the stacking density of the circuit board. 3) Complex certification: Each isolated component requires individual certification, which is not conducive to the rapid advancement of product development.
[0004] Therefore, the relevant technologies need to be improved. Utility Model Content
[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide an integrated communication module and electronic device, so as to at least solve the technical problems of isolated CAN structures in related technologies, such as large board space occupation and the need for larger transformers.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an integrated communication module, which includes a digital isolator and a CAN transceiver. The digital isolator is configured with a primary-side input terminal, a secondary-side output terminal, and an emergency signal control terminal.
[0008] When the integrated communication module is in the first communication state, the primary side input terminal of the digital isolator is used to receive the primary side input signal, and to isolate the primary side input signal to obtain the first communication signal. The first communication signal is then output to the CAN transceiver through the secondary side output terminal. The CAN transceiver is used to transmit the first communication signal to an external device.
[0009] When the integrated communication module is in emergency stop control state, the emergency signal control terminal is used to receive emergency stop signals, isolate the emergency stop signals, and transmit the isolated emergency stop signals to the primary side external processor.
[0010] Based on the first aspect, the digital isolator is also equipped with a primary-side output terminal and a secondary-side input terminal;
[0011] When the integrated communication module is in the second communication state, the secondary input terminal of the digital isolator is used to receive the secondary input signal received by the CAN transceiver, and to isolate the secondary input signal to obtain the second communication signal, which is then transmitted to an external device through the primary output terminal.
[0012] Based on the first aspect, the digital isolator is configured with a primary-side power supply terminal and a secondary-side power supply terminal;
[0013] The primary-side power supply terminal is used to receive the primary-side power supply input signal; wherein, the primary-side power supply input signal is used to provide operating power to the primary-side circuit of the digital isolator;
[0014] The secondary power supply terminal is the output terminal of the integrated isolation power supply inside the digital isolator. The output terminal of the isolation power supply is used to output the secondary power supply output signal; wherein, the secondary power supply output signal provides operating power for the secondary circuit of the digital isolator and the secondary CAN transceiver.
[0015] Based on the first aspect, the integrated communication module further includes a voltage regulator module, the input of which is used to receive a real-time emergency stop signal, and the output of which is electrically connected to the emergency signal control terminal of the digital isolator.
[0016] The voltage stabilization module is used to stabilize the real-time emergency stop signal and transmit the resulting emergency stop signal to the emergency signal control terminal of the digital isolator.
[0017] Based on the first aspect, the voltage regulator module includes an LDO chip.
[0018] In addition to the first aspect, the integrated communication module further includes an injection-molded housing for encapsulating the digital isolator and the CAN transceiver.
[0019] Based on the first aspect, the digital isolator integrates an isolation module, which is used to isolate the signals between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit through capacitive isolation, magnetic isolation or optical isolation.
[0020] Based on the first aspect, the digital isolator includes a digital isolation chip.
[0021] Based on the first aspect, the digital isolator and the CAN transceiver are potted with AB glue to achieve PCB contamination level 1.
[0022] A second aspect of this utility model provides an electronic device, the electronic device comprising a device body and an integrated communication module as described in the first aspect.
[0023] This utility model discloses an integrated communication module and electronic device. By integrating a digital isolator and a CAN transceiver, it satisfies CAN communication and emergency stop signal transmission functions without requiring an additional transformer, thus reducing PCB space (which is more conducive to miniaturization) and lowering system costs. Simultaneously, the use of injection-molded housing effectively reduces PCB contamination levels, shortens the electrical clearances and creepage distances required for isolation, and further reduces PCB footprint. Furthermore, this integrated communication module has completed PD1 (contamination level 1) certification; when used in power modules, only random certification is required, eliminating the need for individual certification of each isolation component, thereby simplifying the certification process and accelerating product development. Attached Figure Description
[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0025] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of the integrated communication module provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0026] Figure 2 A block diagram of the integrated communication module provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal circuit connection of the integrated communication module provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0028] Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the injection-molded housing of the integrated communication module provided in the embodiments of this application;
[0029] Figure 5 Figure 4 A cross-sectional view along section line AA. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.
[0031] It should be noted that related terms such as "first" and "second" can be used to describe various components, but these terms do not limit the component. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of this utility model, the first component can be referred to as the second component, and the second component can similarly be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" refers to any one or more combinations of related and descriptive terms.
[0032] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 This embodiment provides an integrated communication module, which includes a digital isolator 10 and a CAN transceiver 20. The digital isolator 10 is configured with a primary-side input terminal (…). Figure 3 The fourth pin (INB) of the middle side, and the secondary output terminal ( Figure 3 Pin 9 (OUTB) and emergency signal control terminal ( Figure 3 Pin 7 (IND).
[0033] In this integrated communication module, the digital isolator 10 can process communication signals and emergency stop signals under different states, achieving dual-channel isolated transmission of data and safety signals. Furthermore, the CAN transceiver 20 is a core component of the Controller Area Network (CAN) communication system. Its main function is to perform signal conversion between the CAN bus and the MCU (microcontroller) or other digital devices, ensuring reliable data transmission. Specifically, it provides signal conversion functionality, converting received signals into signals conforming to the CAN protocol for external devices to parse, ensuring system compatibility and stability.
[0034] The integrated communication module in this embodiment uses an integrated digital isolator 10 and a CAN transceiver 20 to realize signal transmission from the primary side to the secondary side, and then to external devices via the CAN transceiver 20. Specifically, when the integrated communication module is in the first communication state (unidirectional primary-to-secondary side transmission), the primary-side input terminal (pin INB, fourth pin) of the digital isolator 10 is used to receive the primary-side input signal transmitted by the CPU 40, and to isolate the primary-side input signal to obtain the first communication signal. The first communication signal is then output to the CAN transceiver 20 through the secondary-side output terminal (pin OUTB, ninth pin), and the CAN transceiver 20 is used to transmit the first communication signal to external devices.
[0035] In addition, the integrated communication module in this embodiment can also transmit emergency stop signals in emergency situations. Specifically: when the integrated communication module is in emergency stop control state (safety signal isolation transmission), the emergency signal control terminal (pin 7 IND) is used to receive the emergency stop signal, isolate the emergency stop signal, and transmit the isolated emergency stop signal through the primary side emergency stop output terminal (…). Figure 3 The sixth pin (OUTD) is transmitted to the primary-side external processor (primary-side external DSP).
[0036] The integrated communication module in this application integrates a digital isolator and a CAN transceiver to satisfy both CAN communication and emergency stop signal transmission functions. Since it eliminates the need for an additional transformer, it reduces PCB space requirements and lowers system costs. Furthermore, the injection-molded housing effectively reduces PCB contamination levels, shortens the required electrical clearances and creepage distances for isolation, and further reduces PCB footprint. It ensures both normal data communication and emergency stop signal transmission, enhancing system safety and reliability.
[0037] In an optional embodiment of this example, the digital isolator 10 is further configured with a primary-side output terminal ( Figure 3 Pin 5 (OUTC) and secondary input terminal ( Figure 3 Pin 8 (INC).
[0038] Specifically, when the integrated communication module is in the second communication state (unidirectional secondary-to-primary side transmission), the secondary-side input terminal (pin 8 INC) of the digital isolator 10 receives the secondary-side input signal received by the CAN transceiver 20, isolates the secondary-side input signal to obtain the second communication signal, and transmits the second communication signal to the CPU 40 and external devices through the primary-side output terminal (pin 5 OUTC). That is, the integrated communication module can also realize reverse isolation transmission of signals. This mechanism ensures that the system has bidirectional isolated communication capabilities, improving communication stability while also enhancing the flexibility of data interaction.
[0039] In an optional embodiment of this example, the digital isolator is configured with a primary-side power supply terminal ( Figure 3 The first pin VCC1, the second pin GND1) and the secondary power supply terminal ( Figure 3 Pin 12 (VCC2) and pin 11 (GND2) are connected.
[0040] Specifically, the primary-side power supply terminal receives the primary-side power input signal from power supply 30, providing operating power to the primary-side circuit of the digital isolator; and the secondary-side power supply terminal can be the output terminal of the integrated isolation power supply inside the digital isolator, which outputs the secondary-side power supply output signal; the secondary-side power supply output signal provides operating power to the secondary-side circuit of the digital isolator and the secondary-side CAN transceiver. It can be seen that this optional implementation, by adding independent power supply design for the primary and secondary sides, enables the integrated communication module to have higher signal transmission stability in various operating states (first communication state, second communication state, emergency stop control state), while further improving the system's security and anti-interference capability.
[0041] It should be noted that the secondary isolation power supply in this embodiment is provided by a digital isolator. It can be replaced with a digital isolator without a power supply according to actual needs. In that case, the integrated communication module needs to be used with another independent power supply.
[0042] In an optional embodiment of this example, the integrated communication module further includes a voltage regulator module.
[0043] Specifically, the input terminal of the voltage regulator module is used to receive real-time emergency stop signals, perform voltage regulation on the real-time emergency stop signals, and transmit the obtained emergency stop signals to the emergency signal control terminal of the digital isolator.
[0044] Therefore, when the integrated communication module is in emergency stop control mode, the emergency stop signal is regulated by the voltage regulator module. The regulated emergency stop signal is then transmitted to the emergency signal control terminal of the digital isolator, and after isolation, it is transmitted to the primary-side external processor. This ensures that the system can respond quickly and enter a safe state in an emergency. It is evident that the voltage regulator module further ensures signal amplitude stability, preventing emergency stop function malfunctions due to signal voltage fluctuations.
[0045] It should be noted that the voltage regulator module can be an LDO module or an LDO chip (power management unit). An LDO module (Low Dropout Regulator Module) is an electronic component used for voltage regulation and power supply management. Its main function is to stably convert the input voltage into the target output voltage to meet the stable power requirements of subsequent circuits.
[0046] In an optional embodiment of this example, the digital isolator integrates an isolation module, which is used to isolate the signals between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit through capacitive isolation, magnetic isolation, or optical isolation.
[0047] Specifically, this optional implementation integrates an isolation module within the digital isolator to isolate signals between the primary and secondary circuits through capacitive, magnetic, or optical isolation. This further enhances the signal isolation capability of the integrated communication module, enabling it to adapt to a wider range of industrial control, automotive electronics, and high-security communication scenarios, ensuring the stability and security of data transmission.
[0048] Among them, the digital isolator can be a digital isolation chip, that is, a dedicated digital isolation chip is used to improve the stability and integration of signal isolation.
[0049] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The integrated communication module also includes an injection-molded housing 100, which is used to encapsulate the digital isolator 10 and the CAN transceiver 20.
[0050] Specifically, this optional embodiment encapsulates the digital isolator 10 and the CAN transceiver 20 using an injection-molded housing 100, and completes the mechanism PD1 (contamination level 1) certification through the encapsulation process. This shortens the electrical clearance and creepage distance required for isolation and simplifies the certification complexity of the power module. AB glue or other suitable adhesives can be used during encapsulation to optimize the encapsulation effect and improve the reliability of the communication module.
[0051] This embodiment also provides an electronic device, which includes a device body and an integrated communication module as described in the above embodiment.
[0052] In related technologies, for enhanced isolated CAN structures, using discrete components to build isolated power supplies and adding two-stage isolated transceivers for protection requires a large PCB space. Furthermore, the two-stage isolation requires two power supplies, resulting in large transformers and increased height, limiting the compactness of the PCB stack. This invention uses a powered digital isolator that integrates CAN communication and emergency stop signal transmission, reducing the required PCB space and eliminating the need for additional transformers, thus lowering costs. Additionally, discrete component solutions require individual certification for each isolation element, hindering product development. This invention uses an injection-molded shell to encapsulate the module, reducing contamination levels, shortening required electrical clearances and creepage distances, further reducing PCB space requirements. The module itself has already achieved PD1 (contamination level 1) certification; when used in power modules, only random certification is needed, eliminating the need for individual certification of each isolation element and accelerating product development.
[0053] In summary, the integrated communication module and electronic device of this invention, by integrating a digital isolator and a CAN transceiver, satisfies CAN communication and emergency stop signal transmission functions while reducing PCB space, eliminating the need for additional transformers, and lowering system costs. Simultaneously, the use of injection-molded housings effectively reduces PCB contamination levels, shortens the required electrical clearances and creepage distances for isolation, and further reduces PCB footprint. Furthermore, this integrated communication module has completed PD1 (contamination level 1) certification; when used in power modules, only random certification is required, eliminating the need for individual certification of each isolation component, thus simplifying the certification process and accelerating product development.
[0054] The specific embodiments of the utility model have been described in detail above, but they are only examples, and the utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. For those skilled in the art, any equivalent modifications or substitutions to the utility model are also within the scope of the utility model. Therefore, all equivalent transformations, modifications, and improvements made without departing from the spirit and principles of the utility model should be covered within the scope of the utility model.
Claims
1. An integrated communication module, characterized in that, The integrated communication module includes a digital isolator and a CAN transceiver. The digital isolator is configured with a primary-side input terminal, a secondary-side output terminal, and an emergency signal control terminal. When the integrated communication module is in the first communication state, the primary side input terminal of the digital isolator is used to receive the primary side input signal, and to isolate the primary side input signal to obtain the first communication signal. The first communication signal is then output to the CAN transceiver through the secondary side output terminal. The CAN transceiver is used to transmit the first communication signal to an external device. When the integrated communication module is in emergency stop control state, the emergency signal control terminal is used to receive emergency stop signals, isolate the emergency stop signals, and transmit the isolated emergency stop signals to the primary side external processor.
2. The integrated communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The digital isolator is also equipped with a primary-side output terminal and a secondary-side input terminal; When the integrated communication module is in the second communication state, the secondary input terminal of the digital isolator is used to receive the secondary input signal received by the CAN transceiver, and to isolate the secondary input signal to obtain the second communication signal, which is then transmitted to an external device through the primary output terminal.
3. The integrated communication module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The digital isolator is equipped with a primary-side power supply terminal and a secondary-side power supply terminal; The primary-side power supply terminal is used to receive the primary-side power supply input signal; wherein, the primary-side power supply input signal is used to provide operating power to the primary-side circuit of the digital isolator; The secondary power supply terminal is the output terminal of the integrated isolation power supply inside the digital isolator. The output terminal of the isolation power supply is used to output the secondary power supply output signal; wherein, the secondary power supply output signal provides operating power for the secondary circuit of the digital isolator and the secondary CAN transceiver.
4. The integrated communication module as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The integrated communication module also includes a voltage regulator module. The input terminal of the voltage regulator module is used to receive real-time emergency stop signals, and the output terminal of the voltage regulator module is electrically connected to the emergency signal control terminal of the digital isolator. The voltage stabilization module is used to stabilize the real-time emergency stop signal and transmit the resulting emergency stop signal to the emergency signal control terminal of the digital isolator.
5. The integrated communication module as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The voltage regulator module includes an LDO chip.
6. The integrated communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The integrated communication module also includes an injection-molded housing for encapsulating the digital isolator and the CAN transceiver.
7. The integrated communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The digital isolator integrates an isolation module, which is used to isolate signals between the primary circuit and the secondary circuit through capacitive isolation, magnetic isolation, or optical isolation.
8. The integrated communication module as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The digital isolator includes a digital isolation chip.
9. The integrated communication module as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The digital isolator and the CAN transceiver are encapsulated with AB glue to achieve PCB contamination level 1.
10. An electronic device, characterized in that, The electronic device includes a device body and an integrated communication module as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.