Bidirectional Digital Isolator Using Reused Carrier Return Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional digital isolators, such as optocouplers, are large and less reliable in harsh environments, and they require multiple components for bidirectional signal transmission, which complicates their implementation in compact and reliable system ICs, especially in applications requiring high noise immunity and high data rates.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with a first and second chip, and an isolation barrier that modulates and demodulates carrier signals to enable bidirectional digital signal isolation, reusing the carrier signal to reduce the need for additional circuitry and enhance noise immunity, using capacitors or transformers for isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional digital isolators such as optocouplers are used, then bidirectional signal transmission can be achieved, but the device size becomes large and reliability decreases in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bidirectional signal transmission functionality into a single integrated device structure with forward and return paths, eliminating the need for multiple separate components. This merging approach reduces device size while maintaining bidirectional capability and improving reliability through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator device performs multiple functions within a single structure: it provides galvanic isolation, enables bidirectional digital signal transmission, and offers noise immunity. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional circuitry that would increase device size and complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used for bidirectional signal transmission, then signal isolation can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both forward and return signal paths within a single isolator device, combining multiple functions into one component. This reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall system implementation while maintaining effective signal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator uses its own transmitted carrier signal as a reference for demodulation, eliminating the need for external phase-lock-loop circuits or additional reference signal sources. This self-service approach reduces complexity by using internally generated signals for both transmission and reference purposes.
3Reliability
If conventional isolators are used, then signal transmission can be achieved, but noise immunity and data rate performance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional optocoupler-based isolation with a magnetic coupling system using transformers or capacitors, enabling higher frequency operation and improved noise immunity. This substitution allows for higher data rates while maintaining galvanic isolation and providing superior performance in electrically noisy environments.
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 provides a compact, reliable, and high-noise-immunity bidirectional digital isolator that supports high data rates and reduces the complexity of signal transmission, eliminating the need for phase-lock-loop circuits and enhancing phase matching for effective demodulation.
Implementation Method 1
The carrier signal can be received as a delayed carrier signal... transmitting the carrier signal through the isolation barrier can transform the carrier signal into a delayed carrier signal
Implementation Method 2
The isolation barrier can be implemented by, for example, at least one transformer, or capacitor
Implementation Method 3
The isolation barrier can be implemented by, for example, at least one transformer, or capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for isolating digital signals are described. A carrier signal can be modulated using a first signal to generate a first modulated signal. The carrier signal and the first modulated signal can be transmitted through a forward path in an isolation barrier, where transmitting the carrier signal through the isolation barrier can transform the carrier signal into a delayed carrier signal. The first modulated signal can be demodulated to recover the first signal. The delayed carrier signal can be modulated using a second signal to generate a second modulated signal. The delayed carrier signal and the second modulated signal can be transmitted through a return path in the isolation barrier, where the return path and the forward path has opposite directions.