Optocoupler device and switching devices

Abstract

An optocoupler device is configured to amplify an input signal by a predefined factor. The optocoupler device includes an enable pin, an input pin, a first output pin, and a second input pin. The enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground. The input pin is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and an input source and is further configured to receive the input signal from the input source. The first input pin is configured to provide an in-phase output signal when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground. The in-phase output signal is based on the input signal and the predefined factor. The second output pin is configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal based on the input signal and the predefined factor when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground.

Description

[0001] PA102951W002

[0002] OPTOCOUPLER DEVICE AND SWITCHING DEVICES

[0003] Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure generally relates to an optocoupler device. The present disclosure further relates to switching devices.

[0005] Background

[0006] Photoelectrical coupler or optocoupler devices are widely used as circuit isolating devices. However, due to inherent characteristics of the optocoupler devices, the optocoupler devices are not generally used as linear amplifier or switching components.

[0007] Summary

[0008] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides an optocoupler device configured to amplify an input signal by a predefined factor. The optocoupler device includes an enable pin, an input pin, a first output pin, and a second output pin. The enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground. The input pin is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and an input source. The input pin is further configured to receive the input signal from the input source. The first output pin is configured to provide an in-phase output signal when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground, and the in-phase output signal is based on the input signal and the predefined factor. The second output pin is configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal based on the input signal and the predefined factor when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a switching device. The switching device includes a plurality of optocoupler devices. Each of the plurality of optocoupler devices includes an enable pin, an input pin, and at least one output pin. The enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground. The input pin is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and an input source. The input pin is further configured to receive an input signal from the input source. The at least one output pin is configured to provide an output signal based on the input signal when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground. The switching device further includes an output port electrically connected to the at least one output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices. The enable pin of only one selected optocoupler device from the plurality of optocoupler devices is electrically connected to the electrical ground at a time. The output port is configured to provide the output signal from the at least one output pin of the selected optocoupler device.In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a switching device. The switching device includes a first optocoupler device, a second optocoupler device, a third optocoupler device, and a fourth optocoupler device. The first optocoupler device includes a first enable pin and a first input pin configured to be electrically connected to a first input source. The first input pin is further configured to receive a first input signal from the first input source. The first optocoupler device further includes a first output pin configured to provide a first output signal based on the first input signal. The second optocoupler device includes a second enable pin and a second input pin configured to be electrically connected to the first input source. The second input pin is further configured to receive the first input signal from the first input source. The second optocoupler device further includes a second output pin configured to provide the first output signal based on the first input signal. The third optocoupler device includes a third enable pin and a third input pin configured to be electrically connected a second input source. The third input pin is further configured to receive a second input signal from the second input source. The third optocoupler further includes a third output pin configured to provide a second output signal based on the second input signal. The fourth optocoupler includes a fourth enable pin and a fourth input pin configured to be electrically connected to the second input source. The fourth input pin is further configured to receive the second input signal from the second input source. The fourth optocoupler device further includes a fourth output pin configured to provide the second output signal based on the second input signal. The switching device further includes a first output port electrically connected to the first output pin and the third output pin and a second output port electrically connected to the second output pin and the fourth output pin. The first enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to a first control signal source and is configured to receive a first control signal from the first control signal source, the second enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to the first control signal source and is configured to receive the first control signal from the first control signal source, the third enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to a second control signal source and is configured to receive a second control signal from the second control signal source, and the fourth enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to the second control signal source and is configured to receive the second control signal from the second control signal source.

[0010] The present disclosure describes using optocouplers devices as linear switching and / or amplifying devices, in contrast to their common use as isolating devices.The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0011] Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

[0013] FIG. 1A illustrates a detailed schematic view of an optocoupler device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. IB illustrates exemplary respective graphs depicting an input signal, an in-phase output signal, and an out-of-phase output signal of the optocoupler device;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a switching device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 3A illustrates a schematic view of a switching device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed schematic view of the switching device of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate respective exemplary graphs depicting a first input signal, a second input signal, and an output signal of the switching device of FIGS. 3A and 3B;

[0019] FIG. 5A illustrates a schematic view of a switching device, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 5B illustrates a detailed schematic view of the switching device of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 6A illustrates exemplary respective graphs depicting a first input signal and output signals at a first output port and a second output port of the switching device of FIG. 5 A when only the first input signal is provided;

[0022] FIG. 6B illustrates exemplary respective graphs depicting a second input signal and output signals at the first output port and the second output port when only the second input signal is provided; andFIG. 6C illustrates exemplary respective graphs depicting the first input signal, the second input signal, and output signals at the first output port and the second output port when each of the first and second input signals is provided.

[0023] Detailed Description

[0024] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0025] In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

[0026] As used herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

[0027] As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within + / - 20 % for quantifiable properties).

[0028] The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0029] The term “about”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within + / - 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

[0030] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0031] As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

[0032] As used herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range as well as the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).As used herein, the terms(s) “electrically connecting” and / or “electrically connected” refer to direct coupling between components and / or indirect coupling between components via one or more intervening electric components, such that an electric signal can be passed between the two components. As an example of indirect coupling, two components can be referred to as being electrically connected, even though they may have an intervening electric component between them which still allows an electric signal to pass from one component to the other component. Such intervening components may comprise, but are not limited to, wires, traces on a circuit board and / or another electrically conductive medium / component.

[0033] As used herein, the term “linear region” refers to an active region of an optocoupler device in which an output voltage of the optocoupler device is linearly dependent on an input voltage.

[0034] Photoelectrical coupler or optocoupler devices are widely used as circuit isolating devices. However, due to inherent characteristics of the optocoupler devices, the optocoupler devices are not generally used as linear amplifier or switching components. This is because a linearity of a common photoelectric coupler may be poor. Further, a photoelectric isolation of analog signals may have signal distortion. The present disclosure describes using these optocouplers devices as linear switching and / or amplifying devices, in contrast to their common use as isolating devices as is mentioned.

[0035] The present disclosure relates to an optocoupler device configured to amplify an input signal by a predefined factor. The present disclosure further relates to switching devices including the optocoupler devices.

[0036] The optocoupler device includes an enable pin, an input pin, a first output pin, and a second output pin. The enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground. The input pin is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and an input source. The input pin is further configured to receive the input signal from the input source. The first output pin is configured to provide an in-phase output signal when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground, and the in-phase output signal is based on the input signal and the predefined factor. The second output pin is configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal based on the input signal and the predefined factor when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground.

[0037] The optocoupler device of the present disclosure may therefore be used in applications which require a linear amplification, such as the linear amplification of audio signals. Further, the optocoupler device may provide the in-phase output signal at the first output pin as well asthe out-of-phase output signal at the second output pin. Hence, the optocoupler device may provide a flexibility of using any of the in-phase output signal or the out-of-phase output signal, based on desired application attributes.

[0038] The switching device includes a plurality of optocoupler devices. Each of the plurality of optocoupler devices includes an enable pin, an input pin, and at least one output pin. The enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground. The input pin is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and an input source. The input pin is further configured to receive an input signal from the input source. The at least one output pin is configured to provide an output signal based on the input signal when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground. The switching device further includes an output port electrically connected to the at least one output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices. The enable pin of only one selected optocoupler device from the plurality of optocoupler devices is electrically connected to the electrical ground at a time. The output port is configured to provide the output signal from the at least one output pin of the selected optocoupler device.

[0039] Therefore, the switching device of the present disclosure including the plurality of optocoupler devices may be used in switching applications which require selection of signals, such as audio signals. Specifically, the switching device may allow a desired input signal to be passed to the output port and may amplify the desired input signal by either a non-inverting or an inverting gain to obtain the output signal.

[0040] The switching device includes a first optocoupler device, a second optocoupler device, a third optocoupler device, and a fourth optocoupler device. The first optocoupler device includes a first enable pin and a first input pin configured to be electrically connected to a first power supply and a first input source. The first input pin is further configured to receive a first input signal from the first input source. The first optocoupler device further includes at least one first output pin configured to provide a first output signal based on the first input signal. The second optocoupler device includes a second enable pin and a second input pin configured to be electrically connected to the first power supply and the first input source. The second input pin is further configured to receive the first input signal from the first input source. The second optocoupler device further includes at least one second output pin configured to provide the first output signal based on the first input signal. The third optocoupler device includes a third enable pin and a third input pin configured to be electrically connected a second power supply and a second input source. The third input pin is further configured to receive a secondinput signal from the second input source. The third optocoupler further includes at least one third output pin configured to provide a second output signal based on the second input signal. The fourth optocoupler includes a fourth enable pin and a fourth input pin configured to be electrically connected to the second power supply and the second input source. The fourth input pin is further configured to receive the second input signal from the second input source. The fourth optocoupler device further includes at least one fourth output pin configured to provide the second output signal based on the second input signal. The switching device further includes a first output port electrically connected to the at least one first output pin and the at least one third output pin and a second output port electrically connected to the at least one second output pin and the at least one fourth output pin. The first enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to a first electrical ground, the second enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to the second input source, the third enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to the first input source, and the fourth enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to a second electrical ground.

[0041] Therefore, the switching device of the present disclosure including the first, second, third, and fourth optocoupler devices may be used in analog switching applications which require selection of signals, such as audio signals. Specifically, the switching device may provide same or different output signals from the first and second output ports based on a presence of the first and second input signals.

[0042] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1A shows a detailed schematic view of an optocoupler device 100 configured to amplify an input signal IS by a predefined factor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The predefined factor may be a gain provided by the optocoupler device 100.

[0043] The optocoupler device 100 includes an enable pin 102 and an input pin 104. The enable pin 102 may facilitate activation of the optocoupler device 100. The enable pin 102 is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground Gnd. In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 100 further includes a switch 126 disposed between the enable pin 102 and the electrical ground Gnd. Therefore, the enable pin 102 may be selectively connected to an active low state. In some embodiments, the enable pin 102 is a cathode pin of the optocoupler device 100.

[0044] The input pin 104 configured to be electrically connected to a power supply 106 and an input source 108. The input pin 104 is further configured to receive the input signal IS fromthe input source 108. In some embodiments, the input pin 104 is an anode pin of the optocoupler device 100.

[0045] The optocoupler device 100 further includes a first output pin 112 and a second output pin 114. The first output pin 112 is configured to provide an in-phase output signal OS2 when the enable pin 102 is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gnd. The in-phase output signal OS2 is based on the input signal IS and the predefined factor. The in-phase output signal OS2 may be a non-inverting output signal. Accordingly, the first output pin 112 may be a noninverting terminal of the optocoupler device 100.

[0046] The second output pin 114 is configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal OS4 based on the input signal IS and the predefined factor when the enable pin 102 is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gnd. The out-of-phase output signal OS4 may be an inverting output signal. In some embodiments, the out-of-phase signal OS4 may have a phase difference of about 180 degrees with respect to the in-phase output signal OS2. Accordingly, the second output pin 114 may be an inverting terminal of the optocoupler device 100.

[0047] In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 100 further includes an input resistor 115 electrically connected between the input source 108 and the input pin 104 of the optocoupler device 100. In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 100 further includes a first resistor 116 and a second resistor 118. The first resistor 116 is electrically connected to the first output pin 112 of the optocoupler device 100 and the second resistor 118 is electrically connected to the second output pin 114 of the optocoupler device 100.

[0048] In some embodiments, the predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor 115 and the first resistor 116 if the in-phase output signal OS2 is obtained from the first output pin 112. In some embodiments, the predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor 115 and the second resistor 118 if the out-of-phase output signal OS4 is obtained from the second output pin 114. Specifically, the predefined factor may be based on a ratio of the input resistor 115 and the first resistor 116 if the in-phase output signal OS2 is obtained from the first output pin 112 and a ratio of the input resistor 115 and the second resistor 118 if the out-of-phase output signal OS4 is obtained from the second output pin 114. Therefore, the predefined factor or the gain may be set based on the input resistor 115, the first resistor 116, and the second resistor 118.

[0049] In some embodiments, the in-phase output signal OS2 obtained from the first output pin 112 and the out-of-phase output signal OS4 obtained from the second output pin 114 havesubstantially equal magnitude when the first and second resistors 116, 118 have equal values of resistance.

[0050] In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 100 defines a ratio of an output current Hout received at the first output pin 112 or an output current I2out received at the second output pin 114 to an input current lin measured at the input pin 104.

[0051] In some embodiments, “predefined factor” denotes the overall linear gain produced by the optocoupler device in its linear region and is determined by combination of external resistor ratios and the optocoupler’s Current Transfer Ratio (CTR). For the in-phase output taken at the first output pin, the predefined factor is approximately +(first resistor / input resistor) x CTR. For the out-of-phase output taken at the second output pin, it is approximately -(second resistor / input resistor) x CTR.

[0052] CTR can be a unitless ratio of output transistor current to input diode current specified for the optocoupler and is typically about 20% to 300%. By way of example, with an input resistor of about 1 kQ. an output resistor of about 3.3 kQ. and CTR of about 0.5, the predefined factor is about ±1.65 (positive for the in-phase output and negative for the out-of-phase output) . The predefined factor can be selected, set, or calibrated by choosing resistor values and device type, and may account for CTR variations with conditions such as temperature, input current, and aging.

[0053] In some embodiments, the predefined factor is further based on the ratio. The ratio for the optocoupler device 100 may be within a range of 0.5 to 5. In some embodiments, the ratio is Current Transfer Ratio (CTR). The CTR is a defined parameter for a particular optocoupler device.

[0054] An exemplary calculation of the predefined factor is shown as below. For the ratio of 0.5, the input resistor 115 of a value 1 Kilo Ohms (KOhms) and each of the first resistor 116 and the second resistor of a value 3.3 KOhms, the predefined factor may be calculated as below:

[0055] a predefined factor (PFN) at the first output terminal 112 is calculated as:

[0056] PFN = + the value of the first resistor 116 / the value of the input resistor 115 * (the ratio)

[0057] = ± (3.3 / 1) * 0.5

[0058] = ±1.65

[0059] a predefined factor (PFI) at the second output terminal 114 is calculated as:PFI = - the value of the second resistor 118 / the value of the input resistor 115 * (the ratio)

[0060] = - (3.3 / 1) * 0.5

[0061] = - 1.65

[0062] Hence, for the ratio of 0.5, the input resistor 115 of the value 1 Kilo Ohms (KOhms) and each of the first resistor 116 and the second resistor of the value 3.3 KOhms, the predefined factor of the optocoupler device 100 is 1.65. In other words, a magnitude of each of the first output signal OS2 and the second output signal OS4 is 1.65 times greater than a magnitude of the input signal IS.

[0063] In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 100 further includes an additional resistor 120 electrically connected between a first point 122 and a second point 124. The first point 122 is electrically disposed between the input resistor 115 and the input pin 104 of the optocoupler device 100. The second point 124 is disposed between the power supply 106 and the second resistor 118 of the optocoupler device 100.

[0064] The optocoupler device 100 is configured to operate in a linear region. The linear region of the optocoupler device 100 is defined as an active region of the optocoupler device 100 in which at least one of the in-phase output signal OS2 and the out-of-phase output signal OS4 is linearly proportional to the input signal IS. In some embodiments, a value of the additional resistor 120 is selected based on a diode current of an input diode of the optocoupler device 100 such that the optocoupler device 100 operates in the linear region.

[0065] The additional resistor 120 is configured to adjust a linearity of the amplification of the input signal IS by adjusting the input current lin at the input pin 104.

[0066] In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 100 is a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) optocoupler device. In such embodiments, the first output pin 112 is an emitter pin of the BJT optocoupler device, and the second output pin 114 is a collector pin of the BJT optocoupler device.

[0067] In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 100 is a Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) optocoupler device. In such embodiments, the first output pin 112 is a source pin of the MOSFET optocoupler device, and the second output pin 114 is a drain pin of the MOSFET optocoupler device.

[0068] FIG. IB shows respective exemplary graphs 150a, 150b, 150c depicting the input signal IS, the in-phase output signal OS2, and the out-of-phase output signal OS4 of the optocouplerdevice 100 of FIG. 1A.

[0069] As can be seen in FIG. IB, the input signal IS as shown in the graph 150a is amplified by the predefined factor to obtain the in-phase output signal OS2 as shown in the graph 150b and the out-of-phase output signal OS4 as shown in the graph 150c. The in-phase output signal OS2 and the out-of-phase output signal OS4 are substantially equal in magnitude. However, the in-phase output signal OS2 is the non-inverting signal and the out-of-phase output signal OS4 is the inverting signal.

[0070] The optocoupler device 100 may therefore be used in applications which require a linear amplification, such as the linear amplification of audio signals. Further, the optocoupler device 100 may provide the in-phase output signal OS2 at the first output pin 112 as well as the out-of-phase output signal OS4 at the second output pin 114. Hence, the optocoupler device 100 may provide a flexibility of using any of the in-phase output signal OS2 or the out-of-phase output signal OS4, based on desired application attributes.

[0071] FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a switching device 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] The switching device 200 includes a plurality of optocoupler devices 201. Each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 includes an enable pin 202 and configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground (e.g., the electrical ground Gnd shown in FIG.

[0073] 1A).

[0074] Each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 further includes an input pin 204 configured to be electrically connected to a power supply (e.g., the power supply 106 shown in FIG. 1A) and an input source (e.g., the input source 108 shown in FIG. 1A). The input pin 204 is further configured to receive an input signal (e.g., the input signal IS shown in FIG. 1A) from the input source.

[0075] Each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 further includes at least one output pin 210 configured to provide an output signal OS based on the input signal when the enable pin 202 is electrically connected to the electrical ground. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the at least one output pin 210 includes one output pin.

[0076] The switching device 200 further includes an output port 220. The output port 220 is electrically connected to the at least one output pin 210 of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201. The enable pin 202 of only one selected optocoupler device 201 from the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 is electrically connected to the electrical ground at a time. The enable pins 202 of the other optocoupler devices 201 from the plurality of optocoupler devices201 may be left open as floating elements.

[0077] The output port 220 is configured to provide the output signal OS from the at least one output pin 210 of the selected optocoupler device 201. In some embodiments, the at least one output pin 210 of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 is connected to a wired OR device 225 to select the output signal OS for the output port 220.

[0078] It is to be noted that the wired OR device 225 is shown for illustration purposes. The at least one output pin 210 of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 are connected together and only one selected optocoupler device 201 from the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 is enabled or electrically connected to the electrical ground at a time. In this case with analog signals (i.e., from the output ports 220), the wired OR device 225 simply connects the analog signals directly together.

[0079] In some embodiments, the at least one output pin 210 includes a first output pin (e.g., the first output pin 112 shown in FIG. 1A, or another suitable output pin) configured to provide an in-phase output signal and a second output pin (e.g., the second output pin 114 shown in FIG. 1A, or another suitable output pin) configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal. In some embodiments, the output port 220 is electrically connected to the first output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 or the second output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201. When the output port 220 is electrically connected to the first output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201, the output signal OS is the in-phase output signal and when the output port 220 is electrically connected to the second output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 , the output signal OS is the out-of-phase output signal.

[0080] Therefore, the switching device 200 may allow a desired input signal to be passed to the output port 220 and may amplify the desired input signal by either a non-inverting or an inverting gain to obtain the output signal OS.

[0081] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 further includes an input resistor (e.g., the input resistor 115 shown in FIG. 1A, or another suitable input resistor) electrically connected between the input source and the input pin 204 of the optocoupler device 201. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 further includes a first resistor (e.g., the first resistor 116 shown in FIG. 1A, or another suitable resistor) electrically connected to the first output pin of the optocoupler device 201 and a second resistor (e.g., the second resistor 118 shown in FIG. 1A, or another suitable resistor) electrically connected to the second output pin of the optocoupler device 201.Each optocoupler device 201 from the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 is configured to amplify the input signal by a predefined factor. The predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor and the first resistor if the in-phase output signal is obtained from the first output pin, and the predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor and the second resistor if the out-of-phase output signal is obtained from the second output pin.

[0082] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 defines a ratio of an output current measured at the first output pin or the second output pin to an input current measured at the input pin. The predefined factor is further based on the ratio.

[0083] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of optocoupler devices 201 further includes an additional resistor (e.g., the additional resistor 120 shown in FIG. 1A, or another suitable resistor) electrically connected between a first point and a second point. The first point is electrically disposed between the input resistor and the input pin of a corresponding optocoupler device 201. The second point is disposed between the power supply and the second resistor of the corresponding optocoupler device. The additional resistor is configured to adjust a linearity of the amplification of the input signal by adjusting the input current at the input pin of the corresponding optocoupler device.

[0084] FIG. 3 A shows a schematic view of a switching device 300, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3B illustrates a detailed schematic view of the switching device 300 of FIG. 3A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the switching device 300 includes an optocoupler device 300a and an optocoupler device 300b.

[0086] The optocoupler device 300a includes an enable pin 302a, an input pin 304a, and at least one output pin 310a (shown in FIG. 3A). Similarly, the optocoupler device 300b includes an enable pin 302b, an input pin 304b, and at least one output pin 310b (shown in FIG. 3A).

[0087] The enable pin 302a is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground Gndl (shown in FIG. 3B). Similarly, the enable pin 302b is configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground Gnd2 (shown in FIG. 3B).

[0088] The input pin 304a is configured to be electrically connected to a power supply 306 (shown in FIG. 3B) and an input source 308a. The input pin 304a is further configured to receive an input signal ISa from the input source 308a. Similarly, the input pin 304b is configured to be electrically connected to the power supply 306 and an input source 308b. The input pin 304b is further configured to receive an input signal ISb from the input source 308b.

[0089] The at least one output pin 310a is configured to provide an output signal OSa basedon the input signal ISa when the enable pin 302a is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gndl. Similarly, the at least one output pin 310b is configured to provide an output signal OSb based on the input signal ISb when the enable pin 302b is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gnd2.

[0090] The switching device 300 includes an output port 320 electrically connected to the at least one output pin 310a, 310b of each of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b. The enable pin 302a, 302b of only one the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gndl, Gnd2 at atime. The output port 320 is configured to provide the output signal OSa, OSb from the at least one output pin 310a, 310b of the only one the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b.

[0091] For example, when the enable pin 302a of the optocoupler device 300a is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gndl, the output port 320 is configured to provide the output signal OSa from the at least one output pin 310a of the optocoupler device 300a.

[0092] In some embodiments, the at least one output pin 310a, 310b of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b is connected to a wired OR device 325 to select the output signal OSa, OSb for the output port 320. It is to be noted that the wired OR device 325 is shown for illustration purposes. The at least one output pin 310a, 310b of each of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b are connected together and only one selected optocoupler device 300a, 300b from the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b is enabled or electrically connected to the electrical ground at a time. In this case with analog signals (i.e., the output signals OSa, OSb), the wired OR device 325 simply connects the analog signals directly together.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, the at least one output pin 310a, 310b (shown in FIG. 3 A) includes a first output pin 312a, 312b and a second output pin 314a, 314b. Specifically, the at least one output pin 310a includes the first output pin 312a and the second output pin 314a and the at least one output pin 310b includes the first output pin 312b and the second output pin 314b.

[0094] The first output pin 312a, 312b is configured to provide an in-phase output signal and the second output pin 314a, 314b is configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal.

[0095] The output port 320 is electrically connected to the first output pin 312a, 312b of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b or the second output pin 314a, 314b of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b. When the output port 320 is electrically connected to the first output pin 312a, 312b of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b, the output signal OSa, OSb is the in-phase output signal. Further, when the output port 320 is electrically connected to the second output pin314a, 314b of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b, the output signal OSa, OSb is the out-of-phase output signal.

[0096] For example, the output port 320 is electrically connected to the second output pin 314a of the optocoupler device 300a. Therefore, the output signal OSa will be the out-of-phase output signal from the output port 320 when the optocoupler device 300a is selected. Further, the output port 320 is electrically connected to the first output pin 312b of the optocoupler device 300b. Therefore, the output signal OSb will be the in-phase output signal from the output port 320 when the optocoupler device 300b is selected.

[0097] In some embodiments, each of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b further includes an input resistor 315a, 315b electrically connected between the input source 308a, 308b and the input pin 304a, 304b of the optocoupler device 300a, 300b. Specifically, the optocoupler device 300a includes the input resistor 315a electrically connected between the input source 308a and the input pin 304a of the optocoupler device 300a and the optocoupler device 300b includes the input resistor 315b electrically connected between the input source 308b and the input pin 304b of the optocoupler device 300b.

[0098] In some embodiments, each of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b further includes a first resistor 316a, 316b electrically connected to the first output pin of 312a, 312b the optocoupler device 300a, 300b. Specifically, the optocoupler device 300a includes the first resistor 316a electrically connected to the first output pin of 312a the optocoupler device 300a and the optocoupler device 300b includes the first resistor 316b electrically connected to the first output pin of 312b the optocoupler device 300b.

[0099] In some embodiments, each of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b further includes a second resistor 318a, 318b electrically connected to the second output pin 314a, 314b of the optocoupler device 300a, 300b. Specifically, the optocoupler device 300a includes the second resistor 318a electrically connected to the second output pin 314a of the optocoupler device 300a and the optocoupler device 300b includes the second resistor 318b electrically connected to the second output pin 314b of the optocoupler device 300b.

[0100] In some embodiments, each optocoupler device 300a, 300b from the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b is configured to amplify the input signal ISa, ISb by a predefined factor. The predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor 315a, 315b and the first resistor 316a, 316b if the in-phase output signal is obtained from the first output pin 312a, 312b. Further, the predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor 315a, 315b and the second resistor 318a, 318b if the out-of-phase output signal is obtained from the second output pin314a, 314b. Therefore, the switching device 300 may also be used for linear amplification of analog signals, such as audio signals.

[0101] In some embodiments, each of the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b defines a ratio of an output current measured at the first output pin 312a, 312b or the second output pin 314a, 314b to an input current measured at the input pin 304a, 304b. The predefined factor is further based on the ratio.

[0102] In some embodiments, the optocoupler device 300a further includes an additional resistor 320a electrically connected between a first point 322a and a second point 324a, and an additional resistor 320b electrically connected between a first point 322b and the second point 324a.

[0103] The first point 322a is electrically disposed between the input resistor 315a and the input pin 304a of the optocoupler device 300a and the first point 322b is electrically disposed between the input resistor 315b and the input pin 304b of the optocoupler device 300b.

[0104] The second point 324a is disposed between the power supply 306 and the second resistor 318a of the optocoupler device 300a and between the power supply 306 and the second resistor 318b of the optocoupler device 300b. As shown in FIG. 3B, the second point 324a may be a common point between the power supply 306 and the second resistors 318a, 318b. The additional resistor 320a, 320b is configured to adjust a linearity of the amplification of the input signal ISa, ISb by adjusting the input current at the input pin 304a, 304b of the corresponding optocoupler device 300a, 300b.

[0105] FIGS. 4A to 4C show respective exemplary graphs 350, 352, 354 depicting the first input signal ISa, the second input signal ISb, and an output signal of the switching device 300 of FIGS. 3A and 3B. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows the graph 350 depicting the first input signal ISa, FIG. 4B shows the graph 352 depicting the second input signal ISb, and FIG. 4C shows the graph 354 depicting the output signal.

[0106] As can be seen from FIGS. 4A-4C, for a first time period Ta, the output signal corresponds to the first input signal ISa and provides the first output signal OSa, and for a second time period Tb, the output signal corresponds to the second input signal ISb and provides the second output signal OSb.

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4C, during the first time period Ta, the enable pin 302a is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gndl, and during the second time period Tb, the enable pin 302b is electrically connected to the electrical ground Gnd2.Accordingly, the switching device 300 including the optocoupler devices 300a, 300b may also be used in analog switching applications which require selection of signals.

[0108] FIG. 5A shows a schematic view of a switching device 400, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5B shows a detailed schematic view of the switching device 400 of FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the switching device 400 includes a first optocoupler device 400a. The first optocoupler device 400a includes a first enable pin 404a and a first input pin 414a. The first input pin 414a is configured to be electrically connected to a first input source 406a. The first input pin 414a is configured to receive a first input signal IS1 from the first input source 406a. The first optocoupler device 400a further includes a first output pin 410a configured to provide a first output signal OS1 (shown in FIG. 6A) based on the first input signal IS 1.

[0110] The switching device 400 further includes a second optocoupler device 400b. The second optocoupler device 400b includes a second enable pin 404b and a second input pin 414b. The second input pin 414b is configured to be electrically connected to the first input source 406a. The second input pin 414b is configured to receive the first input signal IS1 from the first input source 406a. The second optocoupler device 400b further includes a second output pin 410b configured to provide the first output signal OS1 (shown in FIG. 6A) based on the first input signal IS 1.

[0111] The switching device 400 further includes a third optocoupler device 400c. The third optocoupler device 400c includes a third enable pin 404c and a third input pin 414c. The third input pin 414c is configured to be electrically connected to a second input source 406b. The third input pin 414c is configured to receive a second input signal IS2 from the second input source 406b. The third optocoupler device 400c further includes a third output pin 410c configured to provide a second output signal OS3 (shown in FIG. 6B) based on the second input signal IS2.

[0112] The switching device 400 further includes a fourth optocoupler device 400d. The fourth optocoupler device 400d includes a fourth enable pin 404d and a fourth input pin 414d. The fourth input pin 414d is configured to be electrically connected to the second input source 406b. The fourth input pin 414d is configured to receive the second input signal IS2 from the second input source 406b. The fourth optocoupler device 400d further includes a fourth output pin 410d configured to provide the second output signal OS3 (shown in FIG. 6B) based on the second input signal IS2.The switching device 400 further includes a first output port 420a and a second output port 420b. As shown in FIGS. 5 A and 5B, the first output port 420a is electrically connected to the first output pin 410a and the third output pin 410c and the second output port 420b is electrically connected to the second output pin 410b and the fourth output pin 410d.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 5B, the first enable pin 404a is configured to be electrically connected to a first control signal source 408a and is configured to receive a first control signal (not shown) from the first control signal source 408a and the second enable pin 404b is configured to be electrically connected to the first control signal source 408a and is configured to receive the first control signal from the first control signal source 408a. Further, the third enable pin 404c is configured to be electrically connected to a second control signal source 408b and is configured to receive a second control signal (not shown) from the second control source 408b and the fourth enable pin 404d is configured to be electrically connected to the second control signal source 408b and is configured to receive the second control signal from the second control signal source 408b.

[0114] It is to be noted that in the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, each of the first, second, third, and fourth optocoupler devices 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d are used in an active high state.

[0115] The first optocoupler device 400a further includes a first cathode pin 402a electrically connected to a first electrical ground Gnd3. The second optocoupler device 400b further includes a second cathode pin 402b electrically connected to the second control signal source 408b. The third optocoupler device 400c further includes a third cathode pin 402c electrically connected to the first control signal source 408a. The fourth optocoupler device 400d further includes a fourth cathode pin 402d electrically connected to a second electrical ground Gnd4.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, in some embodiments, when only the first input signal IS1 is received from the first input source 406a, the first enable pin 404a is electrically connected to the first control signal source 408a and the second enable pin 404b is configured to be electrically connected to the first control signal source 408a. Further, the first output port 420a is electrically connected to the first output pin 410a and the second output port 420b is electrically connected to the second output pin 410b. Therefore, both the first output port 420a and the second output port 420b provide the first output signal OS 1.

[0117] Further, when only the second input signal IS2 is received from the second input source 406b, the fourth enable pin 404d is electrically connected to the second control signal source 408b and the third enable pin 404c is configured to be electrically connected to the secondcontrol signal source 408b. Further, the first output port 420a is electrically connected to the third output pin 410c and the second output port 420b is electrically connected to the fourth output pin 410d. Therefore, both the first output port 420a and the second output port 420b provide the second output signal OS3.

[0118] Furthermore, when each of the first and second input signals IS 1, IS2 are received from the respective first and second input sources 406a, 406b, the first enable pin 404a is electrically connected to the first control signal source 408a and the fourth enable pin 404d is configured to be electrically connected to the second control signal source 408b. Further, the first output port 420a is electrically connected to the first output pin 410a and the second output port 420b is electrically connected to the fourth output pin 410d. Therefore, the first output port 420a provides the first output signal OS 1 and the second output port 420b provides the second output signal OS3.

[0119] Table 1 provided below summarizes the output of the first output port 420a and the second output port 420b when only the first input signal IS 1 is provided, when only the second input signal IS2 is provided, and when each of the first and second input signals IS1, IS2 is provided to the switching device 400.

[0120] Table 1

[0121]

[0122] FIG. 6A shows exemplary respective graphs 540a, 540b, 540c depicting the first input signal IS1 and the output signals OS1 at the first output port 420a and the second output port 420b when only the first input signal IS1 is provided.

[0123] FIG. 6B shows exemplary respective graphs 560a, 560b, 560c depicting the second input signal IS2 and the output signals OS3 at the first output port 420a and the second output port 420b when only the second input signal IS2 is provided.

[0124] FIG. 6C shows exemplary respective graphs 580a, 580b, 580c depicting the first input signal IS 1 , the second input signal IS2, and the output signals OS 1 , OS3 at the first output port420a and the second output port 420b when each of the first and second input signals IS 1 , IS2 is provided.

[0125] Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B and 6A-6C, the switching device 400 including the first, second, third, and fourth optocoupler devices 400a, 400b, 400c, 400d may therefore be used in analog switching applications which require selection of signals, such as audio signals. Specifically, the switching device 400 may provide same or different output signals OS1, OS3 from the first and second output ports 420a, 420b based on a presence of the first and second input signals IS 1, IS2.

[0126] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific exemplary embodiments, elements, structures, features, details, arrangements, configurations, etc., that are disclosed herein can be modified and / or combined in numerous ways. In summary, numerous variations and combinations are contemplated as being within the bounds of the conceived invention, not merely those representative designs that were chosen to serve as exemplary illustrations. Thus, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the specific illustrative structures described herein, but rather extends at least to the structures described by the language of the claims, and the equivalents of those structures. Any of the elements that are positively recited in this specification as alternatives may be explicitly included in the claims or excluded from the claims, in any combination as desired. Any of the elements or combinations of elements that are recited in this specification in open-ended language (e.g., comprise and derivatives thereof), are considered to additionally be recited in closed-ended language (e.g., consist and derivatives thereof) and in partially closed-ended language (e.g., consist essentially, and derivatives thereof). Although various theories and possible mechanisms may have been discussed herein, in no event should such discussions serve to limit the claimable subject matter. To the extent that there is any conflict or discrepancy between this specification as written and the disclosure in any document that is incorporated by reference herein but to which no priority is claimed, this specification as written will control. In the present detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to be exhaustive of all embodiments according to the invention. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0127] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” encompass embodiments having plural referents, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0128] Spatially related terms, including but not limited to, “proximate,” “distal,” “lower,” “upper,” “beneath,” “below,” “above,” and “on top,” if used herein, are utilized for ease of description to describe spatial relationships of an element(s) to another. Such spatially related terms encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the particular orientations depicted in the figures and described herein. For example, if an object depicted in the figures is turned over or flipped over, portions previously described as below or beneath other elements would then be above or on top of those other elements.

[0129] As used herein, when an element, component, or layer for example is described as forming a “coincident interface” with, or being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled with,” “stacked on” or “in contact with” another element, component, or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, directly coupled with, directly stacked on, in direct contact with, or intervening elements, components or layers may be on, connected, coupled or in contact with the particular element, component, or layer, for example. When an element, component, or layer for example is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” “directly coupled with,” or “directly in contact with” another element, there are no intervening elements, components, or layers for example.

[0130] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. An optocoupler device configured to amplify an input signal by a predefined factor, the optocoupler device comprising:an enable pin configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground;an input pin configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and an input source and further configured to receive the input signal from the input source;a first output pin configured to provide an in-phase output signal when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground, wherein the in-phase output signal is based on the input signal and the predefined factor; anda second output pin configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal based on the input signal and the predefined factor when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground.

2. The optocoupler device of claim 1, wherein the optocoupler device further comprises:an input resistor electrically connected between the input source and the input pin of the optocoupler device;a first resistor electrically connected to the first output pin of the optocoupler device; anda second resistor electrically connected to the second output pin of the optocoupler device;wherein the predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor and the first resistor if the in-phase output signal is obtained from the first output pin, and wherein the predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor and the second resistor if the out-of-phase output signal is obtained from the second output pin.

3. The optocoupler device of claim 2, wherein the optocoupler device defines a ratio of an output current measured at the first output pin or the second output pin to an input current measured at the input pin, wherein the predefined factor is further based on the ratio.

4. The optocoupler device of claim 2, wherein the in-phase output signal obtained from the first output pin and the out-of-phase output signal obtained from the second output pin have substantially equal magnitude when the first and second resistors have equal values of resistance.

5. The optocoupler device of claim 2, wherein the optocoupler device further comprises an additional resistor electrically connected between a first point and a second point, wherein the first point is electrically disposed between the input resistor and the input pin of the optocoupler device, and the second point is disposed between the power supply and the second resistor of the optocoupler device, and wherein the additional resistor is configured to adjust a linearity of the amplification of the input signal by adjusting an input current at the input pin.

6. The optocoupler device of any of claims 1-5, wherein the input pin is an anode pin of the optocoupler device.

7. The optocoupler device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the optocoupler device is a Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) optocoupler device.

8. The optocoupler device of claim 7, wherein the first output pin is an emitter pin of the BJT optocoupler device, and the second output pin is a collector pin of the BJT optocoupler device.

9. The optocoupler device of any of claims 1 -8, wherein the optocoupler device is a Metal -Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MOSFET) optocoupler device.

10. The optocoupler device of claim 9, wherein the first output pin is a source pin of the MOSFET optocoupler device, and the second output pin is a drain pin of the MOSFET optocoupler device.

11. The optocoupler device of any of claims 1-10, wherein the enable pin is a cathode pin of the optocoupler device.

12. The optocoupler device of claim 11, further comprising a switch disposed between the enable pin and the electrical ground.

13. A switching device comprising:a plurality of optocoupler devices, each of the plurality of optocoupler devices comprising:an enable pin configured to be electrically connected to an electrical ground; an input pin configured to be electrically connected to a power supply and an input source and further configured to receive an input signal from the input source; andat least one output pin configured to provide an output signal based on the input signal when the enable pin is electrically connected to the electrical ground; and an output port electrically connected to the at least one output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices,wherein the enable pin of only one selected optocoupler device from the plurality of optocoupler devices is electrically connected to the electrical ground at a time, and wherein the output port is configured to provide the output signal from the at least one output pin of the selected optocoupler device.

14. The switching device of claim 13, wherein the at least one output pin comprises: a first output pin configured to provide an in-phase output signal; anda second output pin configured to provide an out-of-phase output signal, wherein the output port is electrically connected to the first output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices or the second output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices, wherein when the output port is electrically connected to the first output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices, the output signal is the in-phase output signal, and wherein when the output port is electrically connected to the second output pin of each of the plurality of optocoupler devices, the output signal is the out-of-phase output signal.

15. The switching device of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of optocoupler devices further comprises:an input resistor electrically connected between the input source and the input pin of the optocoupler device;a first resistor electrically connected to the first output pin of the optocoupler device; anda second resistor electrically connected to the second output pin of the optocoupler device,wherein each optocoupler device from the plurality of optocoupler devices is configured to amplify the input signal by a predefined factor, wherein the predefined factor isat least based on the input resistor and the first resistor if the in-phase output signal is obtained from the first output pin, and wherein the predefined factor is at least based on the input resistor and the second resistor if the out-of-phase output signal is obtained from the second output pin.

16. The switching device of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of optocoupler devices defines a ratio of an output current measured at the first output pin or the second output pin to an input current measured at the input pin, wherein the predefined factor is further based on the ratio.

17. The switching device of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of optocoupler devices further comprises an additional resistor electrically connected between a first point and a second point, wherein the first point is electrically disposed between the input resistor and the input pin of a corresponding optocoupler device, and the second point is disposed between the power supply and the second resistor of the corresponding optocoupler device, and wherein the additional resistor is configured to adjust a linearity of the amplification of the input signal by adjusting an input current at the input pin of the corresponding optocoupler device.

18. A switching device comprising:a first optocoupler device comprising:a first enable pin;a first input pin configured to be electrically connected to a first input source and further configured to receive a first input signal from the first input source; and a first output pin configured to provide a first output signal based on the first input signal;a second optocoupler device comprising:a second enable pin;a second input pin configured to be electrically connected to the first input source and further configured to receive the first input signal from the first input source; anda second output pin configured to provide the first output signal based on the first input signal;a third optocoupler device comprising:a third enable pin;a third input pin configured to be electrically connected a second input source and further configured to receive a second input signal from the second input source;a third output pin configured to provide a second output signal based on the second input signal;a fourth optocoupler device comprising:a fourth enable pin;a fourth input pin configured to be electrically connected to the second input source and further configured to receive the second input signal from the second input source; anda fourth output pin configured to provide the second output signal based on the second input signal;a first output port electrically connected to the first output pin and the third output pin; anda second output port electrically connected to the second output pin and the fourth output pin;wherein the first enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to a first control signal source and is configured to receive a first control signal from the first control signal source, the second enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to the first control signal source and is configured to receive the first control signal from the first control signal source, the third enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to a second control signal source and is configured to receive a second control signal from the second control signal source, and the fourth enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to the second control signal source and is configured to receive the second control signal from the second control signal source.

19. The switching device of claim 18, wherein:when only the first input signal is received from the first input source, the first enable pin is electrically connected to the first control signal source and the second enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to the first control signal source, the first output port is electrically connected to the first output pin and the second output port is electrically connected to the second output pin;when only the second input signal is received from the second input source, the fourth enable pin is electrically connected to the second control signal source and the third enable pinis configured to be electrically connected to the second control signal source, the first output port is electrically connected to the third output pin and the second output port is electrically connected to the fourth output pin; andwhen each of the first and second input signals are received from the respective first and second input sources, the first enable pin is electrically connected to the first control signal source and the fourth enable pin is configured to be electrically connected to second control signal source, the first output port is electrically connected to the first output pin and the second output port is electrically connected to the fourth output pin.

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