Piezoelectric Acoustic Isolator for Bidirectional Data and Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuits lack effective methods for electrically isolating components while allowing bidirectional data and power transfer without direct electrical connections, particularly in optocouplers, which are prone to damage from overcurrent or over-voltage conditions.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic isolator using piezoelectric materials on an acoustic medium with transducers that convert electrical signals to acoustic signals and back, enabling bidirectional data and power transfer through acoustic propagation, encapsulated in a semiconductor device with mold compound for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optocouplers are used for electrical isolation, then electrical isolation is achieved, but the device is prone to damage from overcurrent or over-voltage conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustic medium as an intermediary between the input and output circuits. Electrical signals are converted to acoustic signals by a first transducer, transmitted through the acoustic medium, and converted back to electrical signals by a second transducer. This acoustic intermediary provides electrical isolation while being inherently immune to overcurrent and over-voltage damage, as acoustic waves do not conduct electricity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic transducers are used for signal transmission, then bidirectional data and power transfer is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic transducers are designed to perform multiple functions: they can transmit both data signals and power signals bidirectionally through the acoustic medium. The same transducer structure handles both information and energy transfer, eliminating the need for separate communication and power transmission systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced transducer technology used.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides electrical isolation while allowing efficient transfer of data and power signals, protecting components from overcurrent and over-voltage damage.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic transducers may include piezoelectric materials. One acoustic transducer vibrates in response to an electrical input signal.
Implementation Method 2
The vibrating acoustic transducer causes an acoustic signal to be generated which then propagates through the acoustic medium to another acoustic transducer
Implementation Method 3
another acoustic transducer where the acoustic signal is converted back to an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
In one example, a semiconductor device includes an acoustic medium, a first transducer on the acoustic medium, a first electrode coupled to the first transducer, a second transducer on the acoustic medium, and a second electrode coupled to the second acoustic transducer. The semiconductor device also includes a semiconductor substrate to support the acoustic medium and first and second transducers. Mold compound encapsulates at least a portion of the acoustic medium, the first acoustic transducer, the second acoustic transducer, and the semiconductor substrate.