Digital isolator capable of returning abnormality and application circuit thereof
By employing a single-pair coupled transmission structure and envelope detector in the digital isolator, single-channel backhaul of abnormal signals is achieved, solving the problems of high design complexity and large area requirements in the existing technology, and improving the design efficiency of the digital isolator.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DECO SEMICON(SHENZHEN) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
Smart Images
Figure CN224385496U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of isolated communication technology, specifically to a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies and its application circuit. Background Technology
[0002] Most existing digital isolators and their application circuits (such as half-bridge drivers, DC / DC inverters, ADCs or DACs, etc.) require at least two sets of TX-RX and two sets of coupling devices to achieve the return 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 a first transmission channel from left to right. The right high-voltage circuit detects voltage or timing conditions 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 a 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, enabling the return of anomaly signals. The two-channel configuration of digital isolators not only requires a large area but also presents design complexity issues. Utility Model Content
[0004] This invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the aforementioned technologies. Therefore, one objective of this invention is to provide a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, which can achieve anomaly feedback based on a single-pair coupled transmission structure.
[0005] The second objective of this invention is to propose an application circuit for a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, which can achieve anomaly feedback based on a single-pair coupled transmission structure.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this utility model provides a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, 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, and an envelope detector; the second isolation circuit includes a second coupler, a second matching network, a second transmitter, and a second receiver.
[0007] The output terminal of the first transmitter and the input terminal of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the first matching network, and the first matching network is connected to the first coupler; the first coupler is wirelessly 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.
[0008] The second transmitter is configured to receive an abnormal signal from the second isolated circuit, modulate the abnormal signal into a high-frequency signal, and then send it to the second matching network.
[0009] 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;
[0010] The first matching network is configured to receive the feedback signal sent by the first coupler and then send it to the envelope detector.
[0011] The envelope detector is configured to, upon receiving the feedback signal, if it can detect a high-frequency signal in the low-level region therein, prompt the first isolated circuit corresponding to the first isolation circuit so that, upon receiving the prompt, it can control the first transmitter to shut down or adjust the transmission power of the first transmitter.
[0012] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies is configured in a second isolation circuit. A second transmitter and a second matching network are configured in the second isolation circuit to modulate the abnormal signal emitted by the second isolated circuit into a corresponding high-frequency signal, which is then mixed into the low-level region of the currently received normal signal to obtain the transmitted signal. This transmitted signal is then sent back to the first isolation circuit via the normal signal transmission channel. An envelope detector is configured in the first isolation circuit to receive and detect the transmitted signal. If the mixed high-frequency signal can be extracted, the first isolated circuit is alerted that an anomaly has occurred in the second isolated circuit. This allows the transmission of anomalies from the second isolated circuit to the first isolation circuit using only a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers, prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared to existing digital isolators that require dual channels for data transmission, this utility model reduces design complexity and saves space requirements.
[0013] In addition, the digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies according to the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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; and the first coupling element is a first magnetic coupler or a first capacitive coupler.
[0017] The second coupling element is a second magnetic coupler or a second capacitive coupler.
[0018] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of this utility model provides an application circuit for a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, including the aforementioned digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies; it also includes a first isolated circuit and a second isolated circuit.
[0019] The input terminal of the first transmitter and the output terminal of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the first isolated circuit; the output terminal of the second receiver and the input terminal of the second transmitter are respectively connected to the second isolated circuit.
[0020] In addition, the application circuit of the digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies according to the above embodiments of this utility model may also have the following additional technical features:
[0021] Optionally, the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage circuit; the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage circuit.
[0022] Optionally, the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage half-bridge circuit; the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage half-bridge circuit; the low-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a low-voltage half-bridge controller; the high-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a high-voltage half-bridge controller; the input terminal of the first transmitter and the output terminal of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the low-voltage half-bridge controller; the output terminal of the second receiver and the input terminal of the second transmitter are respectively connected to the high-voltage half-bridge controller. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1(a)-Figure 1(b) This is a schematic diagram of a typical digital isolator in the prior art;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a novel millimeter-wave isolator in the prior art;
[0025] Figure 3A schematic diagram of the structure of a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies is provided for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a millimeter-wave isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, provided for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetically coupled digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, provided for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the application circuit structure of a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies is provided for an embodiment of this utility model;
[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the application circuit structure of a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, provided for a specific embodiment of this utility model.
[0030] Icon labels:
[0031] 101. First isolated circuit; 102. Second isolated circuit;
[0032] 10. First isolation circuit; 20. Second isolation circuit;
[0033] 11. First coupler; 12. First matching network; 13. Envelope detector; TX L First transmitter;
[0034] 21. Second coupler; 22. Second matching network; TX H Second transmitter; RX H Second receiver. Detailed Implementation
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] It is understandable that when the second isolated circuit malfunctions, there is a need to promptly notify the first isolated circuit that controls the second isolated circuit so that the first isolated circuit can take timely protective measures to prevent unexpected situations. In other words, the digital isolator needs to send a feedback signal when the second isolated circuit malfunctions.
[0038] In the second isolated circuit, the detection of an abnormal condition (such as overheat protection, signal loss, undervoltage protection UVP, overvoltage protection OVP, overcurrent protection OCP, undervoltage lockout UVLO, etc.) is mostly indicated by setting a specific pin / interface high. In other words, the actual abnormal signal received by the second isolated circuit for different abnormal conditions is essentially just a high-level signal or a short-segment signal. For the second isolated circuit, this abnormal signal, combined with the corresponding pin / interface, allows for correct identification of the corresponding abnormality type; however, for the first isolated circuit, a single high-level signal or short-segment signal is insufficient to determine the corresponding abnormality type.
[0039] This invention uses the second isolation circuit of a digital isolator to mix abnormal signals into the low-level region of normal signals, forming a feedback signal. This feedback signal is then transmitted back to the first isolation circuit via the normal signal's transmission channel. The envelope detector in the first isolation circuit can detect the abnormal signal mixed in the low-level region of the feedback signal, thus indicating an abnormality in the second isolated circuit. Therefore, the digital isolator provided by this invention can achieve the transmission of abnormalities from the second isolated circuit to the first isolation circuit using only a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers, prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared to existing digital isolators that require dual channels for data feedback, this invention reduces design complexity and saves space requirements.
[0040] To better understand the above technical solutions, the following will provide a detailed explanation of the technical solutions in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.
[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment of the present invention provides a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, 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. LAnd envelope detector 13; the second isolation circuit 20 includes second coupler 21, second matching network 22, and second transmitter TX. H and the second receiver RX H ;
[0043] First transmitter TX L The input terminal of the first transmitter TX and the output terminal of the envelope detector 13 are respectively connected to the first isolated circuit 101 corresponding to the first isolation circuit 10; L The output terminal and the input terminal of the envelope detector 13 are respectively connected to the first matching network 12, and the first matching network 12 is connected to the first coupler 11; the first coupler 11 is wirelessly 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; the second receiver RX H The output terminal and the second transmitter TX H The input terminals are respectively connected to the second isolated circuit 102 corresponding to the second isolation circuit 20.
[0044] Among them, the second transmitter TX H It is configured to receive an abnormal signal from the second isolated circuit, modulate the abnormal signal into a high-frequency signal, and then send it to the second matching network.
[0045] 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;
[0046] 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.
[0047] The envelope detector 13 is configured to, upon receiving the feedback signal, detect a high-frequency signal in the low-level region therein, and then provide a prompt to the first isolated circuit corresponding to the first isolation circuit.
[0048] The first isolated circuit 101 is configured to, upon receiving a prompt from the first isolated circuit, determine that an abnormality has occurred in the second isolated circuit, and control the shutdown of the first transmitter or adjust the transmission power of the first transmitter.
[0049] The digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies provided in this embodiment works as follows:
[0050] Under normal transmission conditions, such as Figure 3 As shown in the purple transmission link, the first isolated circuit 101 transmits a normal signal (pulse-modulated signal, such as Pulse Width Modulation, PWM) to the first isolation circuit 10 of the digital isolator; the first transmitter TX of the first isolation circuit 10 L After receiving the normal signal, its carrier is modulated to a high frequency (blue signal in the figure) and then sent to the first matching network 12; after receiving the high-frequency normal signal, the first matching network 12 converts the output impedance of the first coupler 11 to enable the first transmitter to transmit via TX. L The high-frequency normal signal can be transmitted at maximum power through the first coupler 11; after the second coupler 21 of the second isolation circuit 20 receives the high-frequency normal signal (the blue signal in the figure changes from "long" to "short" due to wireless transmission loss), it is transmitted to the second receiver RX via the second matching network 22. H Second receiver RX H After demodulating the high-frequency normal signal to restore it to the original frequency normal signal, it is output to the second isolated circuit 102.
[0051] When any abnormal condition occurs in the second isolated circuit 102, a corresponding abnormal signal will be output to the digital isolator. For example... Figure 3 As shown in the orange transmission link, the abnormal signal will be output to the second transmitter TX in the second isolation circuit 20. H For the second transmitter TX H In other words, what is received is actually a high-level signal or a short segment of a level signal (such as...). Figure 3 (green signal in the middle); second transmitter TX H The received abnormal signal is processed by 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 22; after receiving the high-frequency signal, the second matching network 22 first mixes the high-frequency signal into the currently forward-transmitting normal signal (i.e., the red signal in the signal) and sends it to the second matching network 22; after receiving the high-frequency signal, the second matching network 22 first mixes the high-frequency signal into the currently forward-transmitting normal signal (i.e., the red signal 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 then converted, and the output impedance of the second coupler 21 is changed so that the second transmitter TX... HThe return signal can be transmitted through the second coupler 21 at maximum power. After receiving the return signal from the first coupler 11, the first matching network 12 of the first isolation circuit 10 sends it to the envelope detector 13. After receiving the return signal, if the envelope detector 13 can detect a high-frequency signal in the low-level region of the return signal (it will amplify the high-frequency signal through its amplifier to obtain the green signal in the figure), it will prompt the first isolated circuit 101 connected to it. After receiving the prompt, the first isolated circuit 101 determines that the second isolated circuit 102 has malfunctioned and promptly controls the shutdown of the first transmitter TX. L Or adjust the first transmitter TX L Transmission power (by changing the signal duty cycle).
[0052] The digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies provided in this embodiment can directly utilize a single channel composed of a single pair of couplers to transmit an anomaly signal from the second isolated circuit to the first isolated circuit when the second isolated circuit needs to transmit the anomaly signal back through the digital isolator to the first isolated circuit, thereby prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared to existing digital isolators that require dual channels to achieve data transmission, the digital isolator in this embodiment can simultaneously eliminate the need for a set of transmission couplers and a receiver (the first receiver located in the first isolated circuit) and its control circuit, thus reducing design complexity and area requirements, and thus possessing good application prospects.
[0053] In some specific embodiments of this example, the first isolated circuit and the second isolated circuit can be any two circuits requiring communication isolation. The most common application is communication isolation between high-voltage and low-voltage circuits. Specifically, the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage circuit, and the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage circuit. This can be applied to devices such as half-bridge drivers, DC / DC inverters, ADCs, or DACs to provide safe and reliable communication isolation between high and low voltage levels.
[0054] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ,in, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a millimeter-wave digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, provided for an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetically coupled digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.
[0055] 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.
[0056] This embodiment and Figure 3 The 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.
[0057] 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 capable of transmitting anomalies as 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; simultaneously, it improves the reliability of the digital isolator and facilitates connection to external circuits.
[0058] 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 transmit anomalies in the second isolated circuit back to the first isolation circuit using only a single millimeter-wave channel composed of a single pair of millimeter-wave antennas, thereby prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared to existing millimeter-wave digital isolators that require dual channels to achieve signal feedback, this embodiment can simultaneously eliminate the need for a set of millimeter-wave antennas and a receiver and its control circuit, thus reducing design complexity and area requirements, and thus possessing good application prospects.
[0059] like Figure 5 As shown, this utility model in Figure 3 Based on the previous embodiment, a magnetically coupled digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies is provided.
[0060] 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).
[0061] The digital isolator in this embodiment is based on magnetic coupling technology for isolated transmission. It can transmit anomalies from the second isolated circuit back to the first isolated circuit using only a single magnetic coupling channel composed of a single pair of magnetic couplers, thus prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared to existing magnetic coupling digital isolators that require dual channels for signal feedback, this embodiment eliminates the need for a set of magnetic couplers and a receiver and its control circuit, thereby reducing design complexity and area requirements, and thus possessing good application prospects.
[0062] Optionally, Figure 3 The digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies 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 provided in this embodiment, capable of transmitting anomalies, can be applied in scenarios employing arbitrary coupling transmission methods. It has a wide range of applications and is highly practical.
[0063] Please see Figure 6 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the application circuit of a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, provided as an embodiment of the present invention.
[0064] This utility model embodiment is a further extension of any prior embodiment, providing an application circuit for a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the application circuit includes the digital isolator described in any of the above embodiments, and further includes a first isolated circuit 101 and a second isolated circuit 102; the output terminal 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 envelope detector 13 in the digital isolator; the output terminal of the second isolated circuit 102 is connected to the second transmitter TX in the digital isolator. H The input terminal of the second isolated circuit 102 is connected to the input terminal of the second receiver RX in the digital isolator. H connect.
[0065] This embodiment can, when an anomaly occurs in the second isolated circuit, directly transmit the anomaly of the second isolated circuit through a single channel composed of a single pair of coupling elements using the digital isolator described in the previous embodiment, thereby prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared to existing technologies where digital isolators used in signal feedback scenarios must be configured with dual channels, this embodiment can simultaneously reduce design complexity and shrink the footprint of the digital isolator, thus contributing to a reduction in the overall design complexity and area of the application circuit.
[0066] In some specific embodiments of this example, the second isolated circuit is typically a high-voltage circuit; the first isolated circuit is typically a low-voltage circuit.
[0067] In some further embodiments of this example, when the digital isolator described in the prior embodiment is applied to a half-bridge drive design, the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage half-bridge circuit; the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage half-bridge circuit; the low-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a low-voltage half-bridge controller; and the high-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a high-voltage half-bridge controller.
[0068] like Figure 7 As shown, the input terminal of the first transmitter and the output terminal of the envelope detector in the low-voltage region are connected to the low-voltage half-bridge controller, respectively; the output terminal of the second receiver and the input terminal of the second transmitter in the high-voltage region are connected to the high-voltage half-bridge controller, respectively.
[0069] The half-bridge driver design for a digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies, as described in the above-described specific implementation, enables the digital isolator to transmit high-voltage area anomalies with only a single channel, prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared to existing half-bridge drivers that require dual channels to transmit high-voltage area anomalies, this significantly reduces the overall circuit design complexity and area requirements of the half-bridge driver.
[0070] This embodiment also provides an isolated communication method capable of transmitting anomalies, which is implemented based on the digital isolator described in any of the prior embodiments. Here, the specific structural composition and connection relationships of the digital isolator will not be repeated; please refer to the descriptions in the prior embodiments for details.
[0071] Combination Figure 3 To understand, this utility model provides an isolated communication method capable of transmitting anomalies, comprising:
[0072] 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.
[0073] When any abnormal condition occurs in the second isolated circuit, a corresponding abnormal signal will be output to the digital isolator. For example... Figure 3 As shown in the orange transmission link, the abnormal signal will be output to the second transmitter in the second isolation circuit; for the second transmitter, what it receives is actually a high-level signal or a short-segment level signal (such as...). Figure 3 The green signal in the image); the second transmitter receives the abnormal signal and processes it through carrier modulation to obtain the corresponding high-frequency signal (the green signal in the image); 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, if the envelope detector can detect a high-frequency signal in its low-level region, it will prompt the first isolated circuit connected to it. After receiving the prompt, the first isolated circuit determines that the second isolated circuit has malfunctioned and promptly controls the shutdown of the first transmitter TX. L Or adjust the first transmitter TX L Transmission power (by changing the signal duty cycle).
[0074] In some specific embodiments of this example, the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage circuit; the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage circuit.
[0075] In some specific embodiments of this example, the first isolated circuit is a low-voltage half-bridge circuit; the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage half-bridge circuit; the low-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a low-voltage half-bridge controller; and the high-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a high-voltage half-bridge controller.
[0076] In some specific embodiments of this example, the prompting of the first isolated circuit corresponding to the first isolation circuit specifically includes: the envelope detector prompting the first isolated circuit (i.e., the low-voltage half-bridge controller) and the second isolated circuit (i.e., the high-voltage half-bridge circuit) to malfunction; the first isolated circuit (i.e., the low-voltage half-bridge controller) controlling the shutdown of the first transmitter or adjusting the transmission power of the first transmitter (e.g., changing the signal duty cycle).
[0077] The isolated communication method with feedback capability provided in this embodiment, based on the digital isolator capable of feedback of anomalies provided in previous embodiments, achieves feedback of anomalies of the second isolated circuit to the first isolated circuit using only a single channel composed of a single pair of coupling elements, thereby prompting the first isolated circuit to take protective measures. Compared with the prior art digital isolators that must be configured with dual channels to achieve data feedback, the isolated communication method provided in this embodiment reduces design complexity and saves area requirements.
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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 capable of returning exceptions, comprising: 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, and an envelope detector; the second isolation circuit includes a second coupler, a second matching network, a second transmitter, and a second receiver; The output terminal of the first transmitter and the input terminal of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the first matching network, the first matching network is connected to the first coupler, and the first coupler is wirelessly 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; The second transmitter is configured to receive an abnormal signal from the second isolated circuit, modulate the abnormal signal into a 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, if it can detect a high-frequency signal in the low-level region therein, prompt the first isolated circuit corresponding to the first isolation circuit so that, upon receiving the prompt, it can control the first transmitter to shut down or adjust the transmission power of the first transmitter.
2. The digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies 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; the second coupling element is a second millimeter-wave antenna.
3. The digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies 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 capable of returning exceptions of claim 1, wherein, 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. An application circuit of a digital isolator capable of returning abnormality, characterized by, Includes the digital isolator capable of transmitting anomalies as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; further includes a first isolated circuit and a second isolated circuit; The input terminal of the first transmitter and the output terminal of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the first isolated circuit; the output terminal of the second receiver and the input terminal of the second transmitter are respectively connected to the second isolated circuit.
6. The application circuit of a digital isolator capable of returning exceptions as recited in claim 5, wherein, The first isolated circuit is a low-voltage circuit; the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage circuit.
7. The application circuit of claim 5 capable of returning exceptions of a digital isolator, wherein, The first isolated circuit is a low-voltage half-bridge circuit; the second isolated circuit is a high-voltage half-bridge circuit; the low-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a low-voltage half-bridge controller; the high-voltage half-bridge circuit includes a high-voltage half-bridge controller; the input terminal of the first transmitter and the output terminal of the envelope detector are respectively connected to the low-voltage half-bridge controller; the output terminal of the second receiver and the input terminal of the second transmitter are respectively connected to the high-voltage half-bridge controller.