Active Rectifier with Load Impedance Switching for Full-Duplex Transformer Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems across an isolation barrier transformer are limited to half-duplex digital communication, reducing bandwidth and requiring multiple transformers for full-duplex communication, which is costly and space-consuming, while also failing to support simultaneous power transfer.
Innovation Solution
The method involves active rectification and load impedance switching, allowing for full-duplex communication by modulating the load impedance on the secondary side of the transformer to recover receive data, while simultaneously transferring power and data across the transformer using doubly DC-balanced encoding and predicting magnetizing inductance current to isolate load current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transformers are used to achieve full-duplex communication, then communication bandwidth and directionality are improved, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a power transfer medium and a data communication channel for both transmit and receive directions. The secondary side circuitry is configured to simultaneously support full-duplex data communication and power rectification, eliminating the need for separate transformers for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines power transfer and full-duplex data communication functions into a single transformer system. The transmit and receive data paths are merged through the same transformer secondary, with load impedance modulation enabling bidirectional communication without requiring separate physical channels or multiple transformer units.
2Device complexity
If a single transformer is used for full-duplex communication, then cost and space are reduced, but the electrical characteristics of the transformer make it difficult to simultaneously drive transmit signal and detect receive signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameter of load impedance on the secondary side to enable full-duplex operation. By dynamically modulating the load impedance in accordance with receive data while maintaining a DC component for power transfer, the system can simultaneously drive transmit signals and detect receive signals through the same transformer port without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The load impedance on the secondary side is made dynamic rather than static. The impedance is continuously modulated according to receive data requirements while maintaining the necessary DC operating point for power transfer. This dynamic adjustment allows the single transformer to adapt to simultaneous transmit and receive operations.
3Productivity
If load impedance modulation is used for receive data communication, then full-duplex capability is achieved, but power transfer across the transformer must be maintained simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the load impedance into two functional components: a DC component that enables power transfer and an AC component that carries receive data through modulation. This segmentation allows the load impedance to independently fulfill both power delivery and data communication requirements simultaneously across the transformer.
Solution Approach 2:
The load impedance acts as an intermediary that couples both power transfer and data communication functions. By modulating the impedance, the system enables receive data transmission while the DC component of the impedance maintains the power transfer pathway, allowing both functions to coexist through the same transformer.
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
Enables simultaneous, bi-directional data and power transfer across a single transformer, enhancing communication bandwidth and reducing costs by eliminating the need for multiple transformers and supporting full-duplex signaling.
Implementation Method 1
communication of data and power across an isolation barrier transformer
Implementation Method 2
active rectification and load impedance switching for communication across a transformer
Data Source
AI summary
Active rectification with load impedance switching for communication across a pulse transformer is presented. Load impedance switching is used for communicating data from the secondary side of the transformer to the primary side during data frames. During power frames, the load impedance is switched to a capacitor for the storage of charge from received power pulses, which may then be converted into a power source. The active rectifier circuit is configurable to accommodate different power requirements and transformer characteristics, and may be implemented with half-wave or full-wave configurations. In active mode, switches are enabled to short out diodes such that diode voltage losses are overcome in the recovered power supply voltage.