Bidirectional Digital Isolator Using Direction Control Logic
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signal transmission between devices lacks effective isolation, leading to safety hazards and noise introduction due to insufficient electrical isolation, and requires bi-directional communication management to determine signal direction for proper isolation.
Innovation Solution
Employing direction control logic with edge detection techniques to manage and control the direction of bi-directional digital signals across an interface, utilizing uni-directional isolator channels for high-voltage electrical isolation in open collector/open drain interfaces, such as I2C signals, between microprocessors and peripheral devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uni-directional isolator channels are used for electrical isolation, then safety hazards and noise are reduced, but bidirectional signal transmission requires multiple isolator channels increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two uni-directional isolator channels into a single bi-directional isolator channel. The direction control logic manages signal flow in both directions through this single channel, eliminating the need for separate isolator channels for each direction and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining electrical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-directional isolator channel serves multiple functions by handling signal isolation in both directions. The direction control logic enables this single channel to dynamically adapt to different signal transmission directions, making it a universal component that replaces what would traditionally require two separate uni-directional channels.
2Reliability
If direction control logic is implemented to manage signal direction, then proper isolation is achieved, but the system requires additional control mechanisms increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The direction control logic automatically detects signal direction and configures the isolator channel accordingly without external intervention. The system self-manages the isolation process by monitoring signal edges and dynamically switching the isolator channel configuration, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The direction control logic uses edge detection to monitor signal transitions and provides feedback to the isolator channel configuration. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to changing signal directions, ensuring proper isolation is maintained while using simple, efficient control logic.
3Measurement precision
If edge detection techniques are used to determine transmitting device, then signal direction is accurately determined, but the system requires additional detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or hardware-based direction detection mechanisms with electronic edge detection logic. By monitoring voltage transitions and signal edges, the system accurately determines signal direction using simple electronic circuits rather than complex mechanical switches or sensors.
Data Source
AI summary
An open collector/open drain interface, such as I2C interface between two or more integrated circuit devices, employs isolation techniques to provide electrical isolation of a digital signal for transmission of the signal between the devices. Uni-directional isolator channels are utilized to transmit bidirectional digital signals, and a selection of an isolator channel operating in an intended transmission direction is performed by direction control logic. Edge detection logic is utilized to determine changes in edges of a digital signal, thus determining a transmitting device and a transmission direction. The direction state is held in a direction state register. This state is held until the appropriate edge is detected on the transmit side, returning the isolator to the idle state. In the idle state neither side of the isolator is in a driven state. During transmission, the digital signal is transmitted through an isolator channel and sent to a receiving device.