Common Isolator for Power and Feedback Signal Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated DC-DC converters require separate communication channels for power and feedback signals, increasing component count and cost due to the need for multiple transformers.
Innovation Solution
A single transformer is used to transfer both power and feedback signals across an isolation barrier, reducing component count and cost by employing a common communication channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate communication channels are used for power and feedback signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power signal transmission and feedback signal transmission into a single transformer. The primary winding carries both the power signal from the primary circuit and the feedback signal from the secondary circuit, eliminating the need for separate transformers for each function. This merging reduces component count while maintaining galvanic isolation between circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides galvanic isolation, transmits power signals from primary to secondary circuit, and transmits feedback signals from secondary to primary circuit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated separate components for each function, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple transformers are used for power and feedback signals, then signal isolation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple transformers into a single transformer component. By using one transformer to handle both power and feedback signal transmission with galvanic isolation, the bill of materials is reduced, manufacturing complexity is lowered, and overall production cost decreases while maintaining the required isolation performance.
3Reliability
If separate communication channels are used, then signal interference is reduced, but circuit space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and feedback signal channels into a single transformer, significantly reducing the space required for magnetic components. The single transformer occupies less board area than multiple separate transformers would require, while the galvanic isolation within the transformer prevents signal interference between power and feedback paths.
4Device complexity
If a common isolator is used for power and feedback signals, then device complexity is reduced, but signal transfer precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing separate winding configurations within the single transformer. The primary winding is optimized for power signal transmission with appropriate turns ratio and impedance, while the secondary winding is optimized for feedback signal transmission. This localized optimization within each winding maintains signal transfer precision despite using a common transformer structure.
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
This approach simplifies the circuit design, saves space, and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining efficient power transfer and control, as demonstrated in various applications including portable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary and secondary windings being isolated from each other
Implementation Method 2
a drive circuit coupled to the primary winding and configured to generate a power signal
Implementation Method 3
a rectifier circuit coupled to the secondary winding and configured to rectify the power signal received by the secondary winding from the primary winding
Data Source
AI summary
Isolated DC-DC converters are described. A DC-DC converter is a device which converts a direct current (DC) signal from one voltage to another. An isolated DC-DC converter performs the conversion across an electrical isolation barrier separating two voltage domains. The signal converted from one voltage to another, and transferred from one voltage domain to another, may be a power signal. Described are isolated DC-DC converters which transfer a power signal from one voltage domain to another via an isolator, and a power feedback signal back across the isolator. The isolator is a transformer in some situations.