Digital isolator with backhaul function and application circuit thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a digital isolator with feedback capability and its application circuit. The first isolation circuit of the digital isolator includes a first coupler, a first matching network, a first transmitter, an envelope detector, and a decoder; the second isolation circuit includes a second coupler, a second matching network, a second transmitter, a second receiver, and an encoder. The envelope detector is connected to the first isolated circuit through the decoder; the first transmitter and the envelope detector are respectively connected to the first matching network; the first matching network is connected to the first coupler; the first coupler is coupled to the second coupler; the second coupler is connected to the second matching network; the second receiver and the second transmitter are respectively connected to the second matching network; the second transmitter is connected to the second isolated circuit through the encoder. This invention enables the feedback of various types of abnormal signals from the second isolation circuit to the first isolation circuit using only a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of isolated communication technology, specifically to a digital isolator with backhaul function and its application circuit. Background Technology

[0002] Most existing digital isolators with feedback capability require at least two sets of TX-RX signals and two sets of coupling devices to achieve feedback of abnormal signals.

[0003] like Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(b) The diagram shown is a typical structural schematic of a digital isolator; Figure 2 The diagram shows the structure of a modern millimeter-wave isolator. The working principle of both types of isolators can be summarized as follows: In normal operation, the left low-voltage circuit transmits control signals to the right high-voltage circuit via the first transmission channel from left to right. The right high-voltage circuit detects voltage or timing status and generates a corresponding pulse signal when an anomaly is detected. This pulse signal is then transmitted back to the left low-voltage circuit via the second transmission channel from right to left to indicate the anomaly. The left low-voltage circuit adjusts the signal transmitted to the right high-voltage circuit or shuts off transmission based on this pulse signal. It is evident that both traditional digital isolators and modern millimeter-wave digital isolators require two channels: one dedicated to forward signal transmission and the other to return signal transmission, to enable the return of anomaly signals. The two-channel configuration of digital isolators not only requires a large area but also presents design complexity issues.

[0004] Specifically, some high-voltage isolated circuits may output multiple abnormal signals to address different abnormal conditions. For example, gate driver abnormal signals can be various, including but not limited to: undervoltage protection (UVP), overvoltage protection (OVP), overcurrent protection (OCP), and undervoltage lockout (UVLO). In this scenario, the digital isolator not only needs to support the feedback of multiple abnormal signals but also needs to be able to correctly interpret them so that the low-voltage isolated circuit can take corresponding protection measures for different abnormal signals. That is, a digital isolator that can only feedback a single signal cannot be applied to isolated transmission scenarios that require clear identification of specific abnormal types to solve the problem of feedback of multiple abnormal signals. Utility Model Content

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the aforementioned technologies. Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a digital isolator with a feedback function, capable of transmitting multiple abnormal signals based on a single channel.

[0006] The second objective of this invention is to propose an application circuit for a digital isolator with a feedback function, which can realize the feedback of multiple abnormal signals based on a single channel.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this utility model provides a digital isolator with a backhaul function, comprising a first isolation circuit and a second isolation circuit; the first isolation circuit includes a first coupler, a first matching network, a first transmitter, an envelope detector, and a decoder; the second isolation circuit includes a second coupler, a second matching network, a second transmitter, a second receiver, and an encoder.

[0008] The output of the envelope detector is connected to the first isolated circuit corresponding to the first isolation circuit via the decoder; the output of the first transmitter and the input of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the first matching network; the first matching network is also connected to the first coupler; the first coupler is coupled to the second coupler; the second coupler is connected to the second matching network; the input of the second receiver and the output of the second transmitter are respectively connected to the second matching network; the input of the second transmitter is connected to the second isolated circuit corresponding to the second isolation circuit via the encoder.

[0009] The encoder is configured to, upon receiving an abnormal signal from the second isolated circuit, encode the abnormal signal into a pulse signal of a corresponding specific length according to a preset encoding method, and send the pulse signal to the second transmitter.

[0010] The second transmitter is configured to modulate the received pulse signal into a corresponding high-frequency signal and then send it to the second matching network;

[0011] The second matching network is configured to mix the received high-frequency signal into the low-level region of the currently received normal signal, obtain the return signal, and send the return signal out through the second coupler;

[0012] The first matching network is configured to receive the feedback signal sent by the first coupler and then send it to the envelope detector.

[0013] The envelope detector is configured to, upon receiving the feedback signal, extract the high-frequency signal mixed in the low-level region, demodulate the high-frequency signal into a corresponding pulse signal, and then transmit it to the decoder.

[0014] The decoder is configured to demodulate the received pulse signal, obtain the corresponding abnormal signal, and send the abnormal signal to the first isolated circuit, so that the first isolated circuit can perform corresponding control on the first isolated circuit according to the received abnormal signal.

[0015] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a digital isolator with a feedback function encodes an abnormal signal output from a second isolated circuit into a corresponding pulse signal using an encoder in a second isolation circuit. This pulse signal is then fed back to a first isolation circuit using a low-level gap in the normally transmitted signal. An envelope detector in the first isolation circuit detects the pulse signal, and a decoder decodes it to obtain the corresponding abnormal signal. This allows the first isolated circuit to clearly identify the specific type of abnormal signal and take appropriate protective measures. Therefore, this utility model embodiment can achieve the feedback of multiple types of abnormal signals from the second isolation circuit to the first isolation circuit using only a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers. Compared to existing digital isolators that require dual channels for signal feedback, this utility model reduces design complexity and saves space requirements; more importantly, it can achieve feedback of multiple signal types, making it applicable to more scenarios.

[0016] In addition, the digital isolator with backhaul function proposed in the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0017] Optionally, the first isolation circuit is a first millimeter-wave isolation circuit; the second isolation circuit is a second millimeter-wave isolation circuit; the first coupling element is a first millimeter-wave antenna; and the second coupling element is a second millimeter-wave antenna.

[0018] Optionally, the first millimeter-wave isolation circuit and the second millimeter-wave isolation circuit are integrated and packaged into a single millimeter-wave isolation chip.

[0019] Optionally, the first isolation circuit is a first magnetic coupling isolation circuit or a first capacitive coupling isolation circuit; the second isolation circuit is a second magnetic coupling isolation circuit or a second capacitive coupling isolation circuit; the first coupling element is a first magnetic coupler or a first capacitive coupler; and the second coupling element is a second magnetic coupler or a second capacitive coupler.

[0020] Optionally, the abnormal signal is one of the following: undervoltage protection signal, overvoltage protection signal, overcurrent protection signal, and undervoltage lockout signal;

[0021] The encoder is specifically configured to encode the received abnormal signal into a corresponding 4-bit pulse signal according to a preset encoding method.

[0022] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of this utility model provides an application circuit for a digital isolator with a feedback function, including the aforementioned digital isolator with feedback function; it also includes a first isolated circuit and a second isolated circuit.

[0023] The first isolated circuit is also connected to a first transmitter in the digital isolator; the second isolated circuit is also connected to a second receiver in the digital isolator.

[0024] In addition, the application circuit of the digital isolator with feedback function proposed in the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:

[0025] Optionally, the encoder and the decoder are located outside the digital isolator; the second isolated circuit is connected to the second transmitter in the second isolated circuit via the encoder; the first isolated circuit is connected to the envelope detector in the first isolated circuit via the decoder.

[0026] Optionally, the second isolated circuit is a gate driver; the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage control circuit.

[0027] The gate of the gate driver is connected to the output of the second receiver and is configured to receive a drive signal sent from the first isolation circuit.

[0028] The FAULT terminal of the gate driver is connected to the input terminal of the encoder and is configured to output the corresponding undervoltage protection signal, overvoltage protection signal, overcurrent protection signal, or undervoltage lockout signal when an abnormal condition such as undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, or undervoltage lockout occurs. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(b) This is a schematic diagram of a typical digital isolator in the prior art;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel millimeter-wave isolator in the prior art;

[0031] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a digital isolator with a backhaul function is provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0032] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a millimeter-wave digital isolator with backhaul function provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0033] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a magnetically coupled digital isolator with a feedback function is provided for an embodiment of this utility model;

[0034] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the application circuit of a digital isolator with a feedback function provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the application circuit of another digital isolator with feedback function provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a digital isolator with a backhaul function applied to a gate driver scenario, which is a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0037] Icon labels:

[0038] 101. First isolated circuit; 102. Second isolated circuit;

[0039] 10. First isolation circuit; 20. Second isolation circuit;

[0040] 11. First coupler; 12. First matching network; 13. Envelope detector; TX L 14. Decoder;

[0041] 21. Second coupler; 22. Second matching network; TX H Second transmitter; RX H 1. Second receiver; 23. Encoder. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0043] In the field of isolated transmission technology, when the second isolated circuit detects an abnormal situation, it will issue a corresponding abnormal signal based on the current abnormal situation. For example, corresponding to several possible abnormal situations of the second isolated circuit, such as undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, etc., its output abnormal signals are respectively undervoltage protection signal UVP, overvoltage protection signal OVP, overcurrent protection signal OCP, and undervoltage lockout signal UVLO. These various types of abnormal signals are represented in the second isolated circuit by setting a specific pin / interface high / low, i.e., a high / low level signal. If the specific abnormal signal is directly isolated and transmitted to the first isolated circuit, the first isolated circuit cannot identify the specific abnormal type based solely on a high / low level signal.

[0044] This invention, by configuring codecs at both ends of a digital isolator, an envelope detector in the first isolation circuit, and a second transmitter in the second isolation circuit, not only enables the transmission of specific abnormal signals so that the first isolated circuit can clearly identify the specific abnormal type of the second isolated circuit and take more targeted protective measures, but more importantly, it also enables the transmission of specific abnormal signals using only a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers, thereby reducing the design complexity of the digital isolator and saving space requirements.

[0045] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present invention and to fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a digital isolator with a backhaul function provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment of the present invention provides a digital isolator with a backhaul function, which includes a first isolation circuit 10 and a second isolation circuit 20; the first isolation circuit 10 includes a first coupler 11, a first matching network 12, and a first transmitter TX. L The second isolation circuit 20 includes an envelope detector 13 and a decoder 14; the second isolation circuit 20 includes a second coupler 21, a second matching network 22, and a second transmitter TX. H Second receiver RX H And encoder 23;

[0048] The output of the envelope detector 13 is connected to the first isolated circuit 101 corresponding to the first isolation circuit 10 through the decoder 14; the first transmitter TX L The output terminal and the input terminal of the envelope detector 13 are respectively connected to the first matching network 12; the first matching network 12 is also connected to the first coupler 11; the first coupler 11 is coupled to the second coupler 21; the second coupler 21 is connected to the second matching network 22; the second receiver RX H The input terminal and the second transmitter TX H The output terminals of the second transmitter TX are respectively connected to the second matching network 22; H The input terminal is connected to the second isolated circuit 102 corresponding to the second isolation circuit 20 through the encoder 23.

[0049] The encoder 23 is configured to, upon receiving an abnormal signal from the second isolated circuit, encode the abnormal signal into a pulse signal of a corresponding specific length according to a preset encoding method, and then send the pulse signal to the second transmitter.

[0050] In some specific embodiments, the encoder 23 is specifically configured to encode the received abnormal signal into a corresponding 4-bit pulse signal according to a preset encoding method. That is, the abnormal signal is encoded into a pulse signal using 4 level signals for representation. It can be understood that, according to the preset encoding method, different abnormal signals will result in different pulse signals. Of course, the encoder can also encode pulse signals of other lengths, as long as the length of the pulse signal is sufficient to represent all abnormal signal types that may occur in the second isolated circuit, and can be completely filled into the low-level gap area of ​​the normal signal for feedback, so as to ensure that the first isolated circuit can accurately extract a complete pulse signal from the low-level area.

[0051] Second transmitter TX H It is configured to modulate the received pulse signal into a corresponding high-frequency signal and then send it to the second matching network;

[0052] The second matching network 22 is configured to mix the received high-frequency signal into the low-level region of the currently received normal signal, obtain the return signal, and send the return signal out through the second coupler;

[0053] The first matching network 12 is configured to receive the feedback signal sent by the first coupler and then send it to the envelope detector.

[0054] The envelope detector 13 is configured to extract the high-frequency signal mixed in the low-level region after receiving the feedback signal, and then demodulate the high-frequency signal into the corresponding pulse signal and transmit it to the decoder.

[0055] The decoder 14 is configured to demodulate the received pulse signal, obtain the corresponding abnormal signal, and send the abnormal signal to the first isolated circuit, so that the first isolated circuit can perform corresponding control on the first isolated circuit according to the received abnormal signal.

[0056] The digital isolator with backhaul function provided in this embodiment works as follows:

[0057] Under normal transmission conditions, such as Figure 3 As shown in the purple transmission link, the first isolated circuit transmits a normal signal (pulse-modulated signal, such as Pulse Width Modulation, PWM) to the first isolation circuit of the digital isolator; the first transmitter of the first isolation circuit receives the normal signal and modulates its carrier to a high frequency (blue signal in the figure), and then sends it to the first matching network; after receiving the high-frequency normal signal, the first matching network converts the output impedance of the first coupler so that the first transmitter can send the high-frequency normal signal out through the first coupler at maximum power; after receiving the high-frequency normal signal, the second coupler of the second isolation circuit transmits it to the second receiver through the second matching network; the second receiver demodulates the high-frequency normal signal to restore it to the original frequency normal signal and outputs it to the second isolated circuit.

[0058] When the second isolated circuit experiences an abnormal condition (such as undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, etc.) and outputs a corresponding abnormal signal (one of the following: undervoltage protection signal UVP, overvoltage protection signal OVP, overcurrent protection signal OCP, undervoltage lockout signal UVLO, etc.), such as... Figure 3 As shown in the orange transmission link, the abnormal signal will be output to the encoder in the second isolation circuit; after the encoder encodes the received abnormal signal into a pulse signal of a specific length according to a preset encoding method, the pulse signal is sent. Figure 3 The green signal in the signal is sent to the second transmitter of the second isolation circuit; the second transmitter processes the received pulse signal through carrier modulation to obtain the corresponding high-frequency signal. Figure 3 After receiving the high-frequency signal (the red signal in the signal), it is sent to the second matching network; after receiving the high-frequency signal, the second matching network first mixes the high-frequency signal with the currently forward-transmitting normal signal (i.e., the red signal in the signal) and sends it ... Figure 3 In the low-level gap region of the blue signal in the image, the return signal is obtained. Figure 3The blue and red signals in the signal are converted, and then the output impedance of the second coupler is changed so that the second transmitter can send the return signal out through the second coupler at maximum power. After receiving the return signal sent by the first coupler, the first matching network of the first isolation circuit sends it to the envelope detector. After receiving the return signal, the envelope detector extracts the high-frequency signal in the low-level region (i.e., the high-frequency signal in the low-level region) from it. Figure 3 The red signal in the image is then demodulated and restored to the corresponding pulse signal. Figure 3 After receiving the green signal, the signal is output to the decoder. The decoder decodes the received pulse signal according to the decoding method corresponding to the encoding method used by the decoder, obtains the abnormal signal output by the second isolated circuit, and sends it to the first isolated circuit so that the first isolated circuit can control the first isolated circuit accordingly based on the specific abnormal signal received.

[0059] In some specific implementations, the encoding and decoding logic agreed upon between the encoder and decoder can be as follows: different numbers of high-level pulses in the pulse signal correspond to different abnormal signals. For example, one pulse corresponds to the UVP signal, two pulses correspond to the OVP signal, etc.

[0060] In some specific embodiments, the control includes changing the signal duty cycle and turning off the first transmitter TX. L For example, if the specific abnormal signal obtained by the first isolated circuit is an undervoltage supply to the second isolated circuit (i.e., the UV signal is valid), the corresponding protection measure is to pull down the input signal of the second isolated circuit and set the preparation signal RDY of the first isolated circuit low, so that the duty cycle of the output signal of the first isolated circuit is zero, until the UV signal is detected as invalid; if the specific abnormal signal is an overcurrent of the external power device (i.e., the DS signal is valid), the corresponding protection measure is to cut off the input of the second isolated signal, start the soft shutdown procedure of the second isolated circuit, and similarly set the preparation signal RDY of the first isolated circuit low, so that the duty cycle of the output signal of the first isolated circuit is zero. After RDY is set low for a fixed time MUTE TIME, the system re-attempts to send the signal.

[0061] This embodiment provides a digital isolator with feedback capability. On one hand, by configuring an encoder and a decoder at each end of the digital isolator, various types of abnormal signals output by the second isolated circuit can be encoded into specific pulse signals and coupled to the first isolated circuit. These signals are then decoded to recover the corresponding abnormal signals, enabling the first isolated circuit to receive specific types of abnormal signals and take more targeted and precise protection measures. On the other hand, the pulse signals encoded from the specific abnormal signals utilize the low-level gaps of normal signals to be fed back to the first isolated circuit through the normal signal transmission channel. This allows for the feedback of various types of abnormal signals from the second isolated circuit to the first isolated circuit using only a single channel composed of a single pair of coupling elements. Compared to existing digital isolators that require dual channels for signal feedback, the digital isolator of this embodiment eliminates the need for a set of coupling transmission elements and a receiver (the first receiver located in the first isolated circuit) and its control circuit, significantly reducing design complexity and saving space requirements. More importantly, it also enables the feedback of multiple types of abnormal signals.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the digital isolator is in the form of a circuit module. During the fabrication of the digital isolator, the encoder and decoder, together with other components of the digital isolator, are assembled to form a circuit module-type digital isolator.

[0063] In some other embodiments, the digital isolator is in the form of an integrated chip. During the fabrication of the digital isolator, the encoder and decoder, along with other components of the digital isolator, are produced using standard packaging processes to obtain an integrated chip form of the digital isolator.

[0064] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a millimeter-wave digital isolator with backhaul function provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a magnetically coupled digital isolator with a feedback function provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, this utility model in Figure 3 Based on the previous embodiment, a millimeter-wave digital isolator with backhaul function is provided.

[0066] This embodiment and Figure 3The difference in the embodiments is that the first isolation circuit is specifically a first millimeter-wave isolation circuit; the second isolation circuit is a second millimeter-wave isolation circuit; the first coupling element is a first millimeter-wave antenna; and the second coupling element is a second millimeter-wave antenna. Optionally, the first millimeter-wave antenna and the second millimeter-wave antenna can be a pair of near-field millimeter-wave antennas, constituting a single-ended antenna; or they can be as follows: Figure 4 The two pairs of near-field millimeter-wave antennas shown constitute a differential antenna.

[0067] In some specific embodiments, the first millimeter-wave isolation circuit and the second millimeter-wave isolation circuit are integrated and packaged into a single millimeter-wave isolation chip. That is, the millimeter-wave digital isolator with feedback capability described in this embodiment is preferably in the form of a millimeter-wave digital isolation chip. This achieves miniaturization of the digital isolator, making it better suited for small device scenarios; at the same time, it also improves the reliability of the digital isolator and facilitates connection to external circuits.

[0068] It is understood that the digital isolator in this embodiment is based on millimeter-wave technology for isolated transmission. Therefore, the first isolation circuit and the second isolation circuit of the digital isolator in this embodiment have higher transmission speed, higher bandwidth, and higher isolation. More importantly, the millimeter-wave digital isolator in this embodiment can achieve the transmission of various types of abnormal signals from the second isolation circuit to the first isolation circuit using only a single millimeter-wave channel composed of a single pair of millimeter-wave antennas. Compared with the existing millimeter-wave digital isolators that must be configured with dual channels to achieve signal return, this embodiment can simultaneously eliminate the configuration of a set of millimeter-wave antennas and a receiver and its control circuit, thus reducing design complexity and area requirements, and thus having good application prospects; more importantly, it can also achieve the return of multiple types of abnormal signals.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, this utility model in Figure 3 Based on the previous embodiment, a magnetically coupled digital isolator with a feedback function is provided.

[0070] This embodiment and Figure 3 The difference in the embodiments is that the first isolation circuit is a first magnetic coupling isolation circuit or a first capacitive coupling isolation circuit (not shown in the figure); the second isolation circuit is a second magnetic coupling isolation circuit or a second capacitive coupling isolation circuit (not shown in the figure); the first coupling element is a first magnetic coupler or a first capacitive coupler (not shown in the figure); and the second coupling element is a second magnetic coupler or a second capacitive coupler (not shown in the figure).

[0071] The digital isolator in this embodiment is based on magnetic coupling technology for isolated transmission. It can transmit various types of abnormal signals from the second isolation circuit to the first isolation circuit using only a single magnetic coupling channel composed of a single pair of magnetic couplers. Compared to existing magnetic coupling digital isolators that require dual channels for signal return, this embodiment eliminates the need for a set of magnetic couplers and a receiver and its control circuit, thus reducing design complexity and area requirements, and thus possessing good application prospects. More importantly, it can also achieve the return of multiple types of abnormal signals.

[0072] Optionally, Figure 3 The digital isolator with feedback capability provided in the embodiment can also use other coupling transmission methods, such as capacitive coupling, inductive coupling, electromagnetic coupling, and electrical coupling, which will not be listed here. That is to say, Figure 3 The digital isolator with backhaul function provided in the embodiment can be used in scenarios with arbitrary coupling transmission methods. It has a wide range of applications and strong practicality.

[0073] Please see Figures 6 to 8 ,in, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the application circuit of a digital isolator with a feedback function provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the application circuit of another digital isolator with feedback function provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Figure 2 ; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a digital isolator with a backhaul function applied to a gate driver scenario, which is a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0074] This utility model embodiment is a further extension of any prior embodiment, providing two application circuits for digital isolators with feedback function.

[0075] In this embodiment, the encoder and decoder of the digital isolator with backhaul function provided in any of the previous embodiments can be selected to be set inside the digital isolator as needed; or they can be selected to be set outside the digital isolator as its peripheral circuit.

[0076] Below, we will explain in detail the two application circuits for the two optional digital isolators (whether or not they include encoders and decoders):

[0077] like Figure 6 As shown, the application circuit of the first type of digital isolator with feedback function includes... Figure 3The digital isolator described in the embodiment has the encoder and decoder located inside it. The application circuit also includes a first isolated circuit 101 and a second isolated circuit 102; the output of the first isolated circuit 101 is connected to the first transmitter TX in the digital isolator. L Connections: The input terminal of the first isolated circuit 101 is connected to the decoder 14 in the digital isolator; the output terminal of the second isolated circuit 102 is connected to the encoder 23 in the digital isolator, and the input terminal of the second isolated circuit 102 is connected to the second receiver RX in the digital isolator. H connect.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the application circuit of the second type of digital isolator with feedback function includes... Figure 3 The digital isolator described in this embodiment includes all structures except for the encoder and decoder; that is, the digital isolator does not include the encoder and decoder. Specifically, the encoder and decoder are external components of the digital isolator. Therefore, the application circuit, in addition to the aforementioned digital isolator, also includes an encoder 23, a decoder 14, a first isolated circuit 101, and a second isolated circuit 102. The input terminal of the first isolated circuit 101 is connected to the envelope detector 13 in the digital isolator through the decoder 14, and the output terminal of the first isolated circuit 101 is connected to the first transmitter TX in the digital isolator. L Connection; the output of the second isolated circuit 102 is connected to the second transmitter TX in the digital isolator via the encoder 23. H The connection is made so that the input terminal of the second isolated circuit 102 is connected to the second receiver RX in the digital isolator. H connect.

[0079] This embodiment provides an application circuit for a digital isolator with feedback capability. When an anomaly is detected by the second isolated circuit, the feedback-enabled digital isolator can transmit the specific abnormal signal back to the first isolated circuit using only a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers. This allows the first isolated circuit to take precise protection measures based on the specific abnormal information. Compared to existing technologies where digital isolators used in abnormal signal feedback scenarios must be configured with dual channels, this embodiment reduces design complexity and saves area requirements. More importantly, it can be applied to scenarios with multiple types of signal feedback requirements, such as applications that transmit and receive various gate driver abnormal signals.

[0080] In some specific embodiments of this example, the second isolated circuit is typically a high-voltage circuit, such as a gate driver circuit; the first isolated circuit is typically a low-voltage circuit, such as a low-voltage control circuit.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, when applied in a gate driver scenario, the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage control circuit, such as a low-voltage half-bridge circuit control circuit; the second isolated circuit is a gate driver; the gate of the gate driver is connected to the output terminal of the second receiver to receive the drive signal sent from the first isolated circuit; the FAULT terminal of the gate driver is connected to the input terminal of the encoder to output the corresponding undervoltage protection signal, overvoltage protection signal, overcurrent protection signal, or undervoltage lockout signal to the encoder when an abnormal situation of undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, or undervoltage lockout occurs.

[0082] In existing digital isolator applications for gate drivers, two channels are required: one for forward signal transmission (normal signal) and the other for feedback signal transmission, which represents the specific abnormal signal of the gate driver. This is because there are various abnormal signals for gate drivers, including but not limited to: undervoltage protection (UVP), overvoltage protection (OVP), overcurrent protection (OCP), undervoltage lockout (UVLO), and so on.

[0083] The digital isolator application circuit for gate drivers provided in this embodiment of the invention only requires a single channel, eliminating the need for a first receiver and its control circuit in the first isolation circuit, while still being able to transmit specific abnormal signals generated by the gate driver. Unlike the above-mentioned circuits that require two channels to transmit specific abnormal signals from the gate driver, this significantly reduces the design complexity and area requirements of the digital isolator application circuit for gate drivers.

[0084] This utility model embodiment also provides an isolated communication method with backhaul function, which is implemented based on the digital isolator with backhaul function described in any of the prior embodiments. Here, the specific structure and connection relationships of the digital isolator will not be repeated; please refer to the description in the prior embodiments for details.

[0085] Combination Figure 3 To understand, this utility model provides an isolated communication method with a return function, comprising:

[0086] Under normal transmission conditions, such as Figure 3As shown in the purple communication link, the first isolated circuit transmits a normal signal (pulse-modulated signal, such as Pulse Width Modulation, PWM) to the first isolated circuit of the digital isolator; the first transmitter of the first isolated circuit receives the normal signal and modulates its carrier to a high frequency (…). Figure 3 The blue signal in the signal is then sent to the first matching network. After receiving the high-frequency normal signal, the first matching network converts the output impedance of the first coupler so that the first transmitter can send the high-frequency normal signal out through the first coupler at maximum power. After receiving the high-frequency normal signal, the second coupler of the second isolation circuit transmits it to the second receiver through the second matching network. The second receiver demodulates the high-frequency normal signal and restores it to the original frequency normal signal before outputting it to the second isolated circuit.

[0087] When the second isolated circuit experiences an abnormal condition (such as undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, etc.) and outputs a corresponding abnormal signal (one of the following: undervoltage protection signal UVP, overvoltage protection signal OVP, overcurrent protection signal OCP, undervoltage lockout signal UVLO, etc.), such as... Figure 3 As shown in the orange communication link, a specific abnormal signal will be output to the encoder; the encoder encodes this received abnormal signal into a pulse signal of a specific length according to a preset encoding method, and then sends the pulse signal. Figure 3 The green signal in the signal is sent to the second transmitter of the second isolation circuit; the second transmitter processes the received pulse signal through carrier modulation to obtain the corresponding high-frequency signal. Figure 3 After receiving the high-frequency signal (the red signal in the signal), it is sent to the second matching network; after receiving the high-frequency signal, the second matching network first mixes the high-frequency signal with the currently forward-transmitting normal signal (i.e., the red signal in the signal) and sends it ... Figure 3 In the low-level gap region of the blue signal in the image, the return signal is obtained. Figure 3 The blue and red signals in the signal are converted, and then the output impedance of the second coupler is changed so that the second transmitter can send the return signal out through the second coupler at maximum power. After receiving the return signal sent by the first coupler, the first matching network of the first isolation circuit sends it to the envelope detector. After receiving the return signal, the envelope detector extracts the high-frequency signal in the low-level region (i.e., the high-frequency signal in the low-level region) from it. Figure 3 The red signal in the image is then demodulated and restored to the corresponding pulse signal. Figure 3After receiving the green signal, the signal is output to the decoder. The decoder decodes the received pulse signal according to the decoding method corresponding to the encoding method used by the decoder, obtains the abnormal signal output by the second isolated circuit, and sends it to the first isolated circuit so that the first isolated circuit can control the first isolated circuit accordingly based on the specific abnormal signal received.

[0088] In some specific implementations, the encoding and decoding logic agreed upon between the encoder and decoder can be as follows: different numbers of high-level pulses in the pulse signal correspond to different abnormal signals. For example, one pulse corresponds to the UVP signal, two pulses correspond to the OVP signal, etc.

[0089] In some specific implementations, the control includes changing the signal duty cycle, shutting down the first transmitter TXL, etc. For example, if the specific abnormal signal obtained by the first isolated circuit is an undervoltage supply to the second isolated circuit (i.e., the UV signal is valid), the corresponding protection measure is to pull down the input signal of the second isolated circuit and set the preparation signal RDY of the first isolated circuit low, so that the duty cycle of the output signal of the first isolated circuit is zero, until the UV signal is detected as invalid; if the specific abnormal signal is an overcurrent of an external power device (i.e., the DS signal is valid), the corresponding protection measure is to cut off the input of the second isolated signal, start the soft shutdown procedure of the second isolated circuit, and similarly set the preparation signal RDY of the first isolated circuit low, so that the duty cycle of the output signal of the first isolated circuit is zero. After RDY is set low for a fixed time MUTE TIME, the system re-attempts to send the signal.

[0090] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, the encoder encodes the received abnormal signal into a corresponding 4-bit pulse signal. That is, the abnormal signal is encoded into a pulse signal using 4 level signals. Of course, the encoder can also encode it into a pulse signal of other lengths, as long as the length of the pulse signal is sufficient to represent all abnormal signal types that may occur in the second isolated circuit, and can be completely filled into the low-level gap area of ​​the normal signal for feedback, so as to ensure that the first isolated circuit can accurately extract a complete pulse signal from the low-level area.

[0091] In some specific embodiments of this example, the encoder and decoder can be selected to be located inside the digital isolator, such as integrated inside the digital isolator, or they can be selected to be located outside the digital isolator.

[0092] In some specific embodiments of this example, the second isolated circuit is a gate driver; the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage control circuit.

[0093] In some specific embodiments of this example, the first isolator and the second isolator are isolated from each other based on millimeter-wave wireless transmission technology. That is, the digital isolator is a millimeter-wave digital isolator to achieve higher transmission speed, higher bandwidth, and higher isolation.

[0094] This embodiment provides an isolated communication method with backhaul functionality. Based on a digital isolator with backhaul functionality provided in any prior embodiment, it encodes and decodes specific abnormal signals and uses the gaps in normal signals for backhaul. This allows for the backhaul of multiple types of abnormal signals using only a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers. Compared to existing technologies that require a dual-channel digital isolator to achieve backhaul of multiple types of abnormal signals, the isolated communication method provided in this embodiment significantly reduces implementation costs and has a wider range of applications.

[0095] Those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments of this invention can be provided as methods, systems, or computer program products. Therefore, this invention can take the form of a completely hardware embodiment, a completely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, this invention can take the form of a computer program product embodied on one or more computer-usable storage media (including but not limited to disk storage, CD-ROM, optical storage, etc.) containing computer-usable program code.

[0096] This invention is described with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of this invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, embedded processor, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart illustrations and / or one or more blocks of the block diagrams.

[0097] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium produce an article of manufacture including instruction means that implement the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0098] These computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus, provide steps for implementing the functions specified in one or more flowcharts and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0099] It should be noted that any reference signs placed between parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of components or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding a component does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such components. This invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different components and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In a unit claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names.

[0100] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art, upon learning the basic inventive concept, can make other changes and modifications to these embodiments. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to be interpreted as including the preferred embodiments as well as all changes and modifications falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0101] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model and their equivalents, this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.

[0102] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0103] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0104] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0105] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms should not be construed as necessarily referring to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0106] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A digital isolator with backhaul function, characterized in that, It includes a first isolation circuit and a second isolation circuit; the first isolation circuit includes a first coupler, a first matching network, a first transmitter, an envelope detector, and a decoder; the second isolation circuit includes a second coupler, a second matching network, a second transmitter, a second receiver, and an encoder; The output of the envelope detector is connected to the first isolated circuit corresponding to the first isolation circuit through the decoder; the output of the first transmitter and the input of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the first matching network; the first matching network is also connected to the first coupler; the first coupler is coupled to the second coupler. The second coupler is connected to the second matching network; the input terminal of the second receiver and the output terminal of the second transmitter are respectively connected to the second matching network; the input terminal of the second transmitter is connected to the second isolated circuit corresponding to the second isolation circuit through the encoder; The encoder is configured to, upon receiving an abnormal signal from the second isolated circuit, encode the abnormal signal into a pulse signal of a corresponding specific length according to a preset encoding method, and send the pulse signal to the second transmitter. The second transmitter is configured to modulate the received pulse signal into a corresponding high-frequency signal and then send it to the second matching network; The second matching network is configured to mix the received high-frequency signal into the low-level region of the currently received normal signal, obtain the return signal, and send the return signal out through the second coupler; The first matching network is configured to receive the feedback signal sent by the first coupler and then send it to the envelope detector. The envelope detector is configured to, upon receiving the feedback signal, extract the high-frequency signal mixed in the low-level region, demodulate the high-frequency signal into a corresponding pulse signal, and then transmit it to the decoder. The decoder is configured to demodulate the received pulse signal, obtain the corresponding abnormal signal, and send the abnormal signal to the first isolated circuit, so that the first isolated circuit can perform corresponding control on the first isolated circuit according to the received abnormal signal.

2. The digital isolator with backhaul function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first isolation circuit is a first millimeter-wave isolation circuit; the second isolation circuit is a second millimeter-wave isolation circuit; the first coupling element is a first millimeter-wave antenna; and the second coupling element is a second millimeter-wave antenna.

3. The digital isolator with backhaul function as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first millimeter-wave isolation circuit and the second millimeter-wave isolation circuit are integrated and packaged into a millimeter-wave isolation chip.

4. The digital isolator with backhaul function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first isolation circuit is a first magnetic coupling isolation circuit or a first capacitive coupling isolation circuit; the second isolation circuit is a second magnetic coupling isolation circuit or a second capacitive coupling isolation circuit; the first coupling element is a first magnetic coupler or a first capacitive coupler; the second coupling element is a second magnetic coupler or a second capacitive coupler.

5. The digital isolator with backhaul function as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The abnormal signal is one of the following: undervoltage protection signal, overvoltage protection signal, overcurrent protection signal, and undervoltage lockout signal; The encoder is specifically configured to encode the received abnormal signal into a corresponding 4-bit pulse signal according to a preset encoding method.

6. An application circuit for a digital isolator with feedback function, characterized in that, It includes a digital isolator with a backhaul function as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; it also includes a first isolated circuit and a second isolated circuit; The first isolated circuit is also connected to a first transmitter in the digital isolator; the second isolated circuit is also connected to a second receiver in the digital isolator.

7. The application circuit of the digital isolator with feedback function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The encoder and the decoder are located outside the digital isolator; the second isolated circuit is connected to the second transmitter in the second isolated circuit through the encoder; The first isolated circuit is connected to the envelope detector in the first isolated circuit via the decoder.

8. The application circuit of the digital isolator with feedback function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second isolated circuit is a gate driver; the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage control circuit. The gate of the gate driver is connected to the output of the second receiver and is configured to receive a drive signal sent from the first isolation circuit. The FAULT terminal of the gate driver is connected to the input terminal of the encoder and is configured to output the corresponding undervoltage protection signal, overvoltage protection signal, overcurrent protection signal, or undervoltage lockout signal when an abnormal condition such as undervoltage, overvoltage, overcurrent, or undervoltage lockout occurs.

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