3.3 V CAN Transceiver Diode Switching for EMC Noise Immunity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automotive CAN transceivers designed for 3.3 V supply fail to meet electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards due to inability to handle high voltage and noise, requiring additional 5 V regulators and lacking sufficient voltage for blocking diodes.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of switch diode control and reverse recovery compensation circuitry in a 3.3 V CAN transceiver to block reverse currents and maintain operation during high voltage and noise conditions, using field effect transistors to convert transistors between switch and diode modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a 3.3 V supply is used in CAN transceivers to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but the ability to handle high voltage and noise deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidelectromagnetic compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transistor operates dynamically in two distinct modes: switch mode during normal communication and diode mode during high voltage events. The control circuit dynamically transitions the transistor between these modes based on voltage detection, allowing the same component to serve multiple functions and maintain EMC standards while operating from a 3.3 V supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters of the transistor by altering its configuration between switch and diode modes. This parameter change allows the transistor to block reverse currents during high voltage events without requiring a higher supply voltage, thus maintaining both low power consumption and electromagnetic compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If additional 5 V regulators are added to handle high voltage conditions, then electromagnetic compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic compatibilityVSAvoidpower regulator circuits
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transistor serves multiple functions: it acts as a switch during normal operation and as a blocking diode during high voltage events. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protection circuits or additional voltage regulators, reducing device complexity while maintaining EMC compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transistor automatically transitions to diode mode when high voltage is detected, providing self-protection without requiring external control circuits or additional regulators. The control circuit monitors voltage conditions and triggers the mode transition, allowing the system to protect itself against high voltage events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If blocking diodes are used to protect against reverse currents, then reliability is improved, but the voltage requirement increases beyond 3.3 V

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse current blockingVSAvoidsupply voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The transistor dynamically switches between operating modes to provide diode-like blocking functionality during high voltage events while maintaining switch functionality during normal operation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to achieve reverse current protection without permanently operating in diode mode, which would require higher supply voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operational parameters of the transistor are changed temporarily during high voltage events by transitioning to diode mode. This parameter change enables reverse current blocking without permanently altering the transistor's operating point, allowing the system to continue operating from a 3.3 V supply during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If transistors are operated in diode mode to block reverse currents, then reverse current protection is improved, but switching capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverse current blockingVSAvoidswitching performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transistor alternates between switch mode and diode mode based on periodic voltage conditions. During normal communication, it operates as a switch with high switching performance. During high voltage events, it transitions to diode mode for protection. This periodic switching between modes ensures both switching capability and reverse current protection are maintained as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transistor's operating mode is dynamically adjusted based on real-time voltage conditions. The control circuit monitors the voltage and triggers mode transitions only when necessary, preserving the transistor's switching capability during normal operation while providing diode-like protection during high voltage events. This dynamic adaptation maintains productivity when needed and provides protection when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables 3.3 V CAN transceivers to meet automotive EMC standards by effectively managing high voltage and noise, ensuring reliable communication without additional power regulators.

Implementation Method 1

using field effect transistors to convert transistors between switch and diode modes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor operation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20260031810A1Low voltage can transceiver
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC
  • US20260031810A1 patent drawing
  • US20260031810A1 patent drawing
  • US20260031810A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In an example, a CAN transceiver includes a first transistor having a control terminal, having a drain coupled to a voltage supply terminal, and having a source. The CAN transceiver includes a second transistor having a drain coupled to a control terminal of the first transistor, a source coupled to the source of the first transistor, and a control terminal. The CAN transceiver includes a bias circuit coupled to the control terminal of the second transistor, the second transistor configured to convert the first transistor to a diode configuration responsive to detecting high voltage noise.