Digital Isolator Refresh-Path Masking for Data Conflict Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital isolator systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting data across galvanic isolation barriers while maintaining high data transfer rates and low power consumption, particularly in preventing direct current signals from interfering with alternating current signals and managing noise interference.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a transmitter, encoder, refresh clock generator, and refresh edge generator to create and mask refresh clock signals, ensuring that only combined edge indicator signals are transmitted through a capacitive isolation barrier, preventing interference and noise, and using glitch filters to manage data edges and refresh pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a capacitive isolation barrier is used to transmit data at high rates, then data transfer speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic refresh cycles where the capacitive isolation barrier is actively maintained only when needed for data transmission. The refresh operation occurs periodically to recharge the capacitors, rather than maintaining continuous power supply. This allows high-speed data transfer when required while reducing average power consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the refresh rate of the capacitive isolation barrier based on data transmission activity. When data transmission is active, the barrier is refreshed at higher rates to maintain signal integrity for high-speed transfer. During idle periods, the refresh rate is reduced or suspended, lowering power consumption while maintaining the capability for rapid resumption of high-speed transfer.
2Reliability
If DC signals are blocked by the isolation barrier, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but signal transmission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the signal parameters by converting DC or low-frequency signals into AC signals with higher frequency components. The encoder modulates the data onto AC carriers, which can pass through the capacitive isolation barrier that blocks DC signals. The receiver then demodulates these AC signals to recover the original information, maintaining both galvanic isolation and signal transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive isolation barrier acts as an intermediary that couples the transmitter and receiver sides while blocking direct DC signal transmission. The barrier allows AC signal coupling through capacitance, enabling galvanic isolation while maintaining signal transmission. The encoder and decoder on either side of the barrier facilitate the conversion between isolated and non-isolated signal domains.
3Reliability
If refresh clock signals are continuously transmitted, then data integrity is maintained, but noise interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by pre-conditioning the refresh clock signals through edge filtering and synchronization mechanisms. The receiver anticipates the timing of refresh signals and prepares to filter out noise components before they can interfere with data interpretation. This preliminary preparation reduces the impact of noise on data integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial refresh operations where only the necessary portions of the signal path are refreshed at full intensity. Instead of continuously refreshing all signal paths at maximum strength, the system applies refresh operations selectively and partially, maintaining data integrity in critical paths while reducing overall noise generation from excessive refresh activity.
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 enables reliable data reconstruction across isolated systems with high data transfer rates and low power consumption, effectively preventing direct current interference and managing noise, thus enhancing the resolution and accuracy of data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A capacitive isolation barrier, which employs one or more capacitors, is especially useful where a high rate of data transfer and low power consumption are desirable
Data Source
AI summary
An encoding and transmitting system for a digital isolator system includes a transmitter for transmitting combined edge indicator signals through an isolation barrier, an encoder for generating the combined edge indicator signals based on first and second signals, a refresh clock generator for generating a refresh clock signal based on the first signal, and a refresh edge generator for masking at least a portion of the refresh clock signal, such that the portion of the refresh clock signal is not reflected in the second signal. The isolation barrier of the digital isolator system may be a capacitive isolation barrier for galvanically isolating a receiver from the transmitter. If desired, the refresh edge generator may include a refresh mask generator, one or more logic gates, and a glitch filter. A method of operating a digital isolator system is also described.