Active Rectifier Modulation for Isolated Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated electrical systems, such as those used in wireless charging, face challenges in efficiently communicating across galvanic isolation means without the need for additional hardware components, which is crucial for applications like battery charging status updates.
Innovation Solution
A rectification circuit and method that utilize existing hardware components like transformers and piezo electric elements to modulate current based on encoded information, allowing communication between galvanically decoupled subsystems by adjusting resistance states and switching configurations within the rectification circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If additional hardware components are added to enable communication across galvanic isolation means, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the rectification circuit perform dual functions: power conversion (rectification) and communication. By modulating the switching states of the rectification switches based on encoded information, the circuit transmits data across the galvanic isolation barrier without requiring separate communication hardware, thus achieving multi-functionality with existing components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power conversion function and communication function into a single integrated system. The rectification circuit's switching operations are controlled by both power management requirements and communication data, combining two distinct functions into one unified circuit operation, eliminating the need for separate communication transmitters or modulators
2Reliability
If modulation amplitude is increased to improve communication reliability, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic modulation where the modulation amplitude is adjusted based on the operating phase of the rectification circuit. During phases when the rectification switches are naturally conducting or blocking, minimal modulation is applied, and modulation amplitude is increased only when needed for reliable communication, making the system adaptive and reducing overall energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the modulation parameter (amplitude) dynamically based on communication requirements and circuit state. By varying the modulation depth and frequency according to the encoded information and detection needs, the system achieves reliable communication while minimizing energy consumption, avoiding constant high-amplitude modulation
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 efficient and cost-effective communication across isolated electrical systems by modulating current to convey information through existing galvanic isolation means, ensuring continuous energy flow and reliable data transfer without additional components.
Implementation Method 1
The transformer may be configured to induce the alternating voltage at the coupling means using an alternating current through a corresponding induction coil of the transformer at the decoupled electronic subsystem
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively the coupling means may e.g. comprise a piezo electric element which is coupled to another piezo electric element at the decoupled electronic subsystem. As such, an alternating voltage at the piezo electric element of the decoupled electronic subsystem may be coupled to the piezo electric element of the coupling means
Implementation Method 3
The rectification circuit may comprise a half-wave rectifier (configured to generate a direct current during a first phase, e.g. the positive or negative phase, of the alternating voltage) or a full-wave rectifier (configured to generate a direct current during a first and second phase, e.g. the positive and the negative phase, of the alternating voltage)
Data Source
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AI summary
The present document relates to isolated electrical systems coupled e.g. by a transformer / inductor system, a piezo transformer, a capacitor or other isolation means. In particular, the present document relates to a method and system for communicating across isolation means in isolated electrical systems. A rectification circuit (500) configured to generate a direct current at an output of the rectification circuit (500) subject to an alternating voltage at an input of the rectification circuit (500) is described. The rectification circuit (500) comprises coupling means (506) at the input, configured to receive the alternating voltage from a galvanically decoupled electronic subsystem; a first switch (514) arranged between the coupling means (506) and the output, configured to block current in a first direction and to conduct current in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, thereby contributing to the direct current; wherein a resistance of the first switch (514), when conducting current in the second direction, is adjustable; and a first modulation unit (520) configured to receive encoded information; map the encoded information to a first modulation state from a plurality of different modulation states of the resistance of the first switch (514); wherein each of the plurality of modulation states specifies a resistance value and/or a temporal evolution of the resistance value of the resistance of the first switch (514); and adjust the resistance of the first switch (514) according to the first modulation state, thereby modulating the current conducted by the first switch (514) according to the first modulation state.