Galvanic Isolation Backplane for Synchronous Modular Instrumentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular instrumentation systems face challenges in achieving tight synchronization between modules while maintaining galvanic isolation, which is essential for preventing energy coupling and ensuring proper performance and operation.

Innovation Solution

The development of a modular instrumentation system architecture that includes a backplane with galvanic isolation capabilities, using serial communications protocols and hardware infrastructure to enable synchronized operations between modules while maintaining isolation, utilizing a ground-referenced controller with embedded microprocessors and opto-couplers or transformers for isolation, and implementing a power distribution system that provides isolated power to each module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If tight synchronization is achieved between modules, then operational coordination is improved, but galvanic isolation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoidgalvanic isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a backplane as an intermediary component that provides galvanic isolation between modules while enabling synchronized operations. The backplane includes isolation circuits that allow signal transmission without direct electrical connection, thus maintaining both synchronization and isolation requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into galvanically isolated modules that can operate independently yet remain synchronized through the backplane interface. Each module is segmented with its own ground reference and power supply, allowing tight synchronization within modules while maintaining isolation between them through the backplane architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If galvanic isolation is maintained between modules, then energy coupling is prevented, but synchronization capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidsynchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane acts as a mediator that transmits synchronization signals between galvanically isolated modules using isolation circuits such as opto-couplers or transformers. This allows synchronization capability to be maintained across the isolation boundary without compromising the galvanic isolation itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct electrical connections (mechanical/electrical coupling) with optical or magnetic coupling methods through the backplane isolation circuits. This substitution allows signal transmission for synchronization while maintaining galvanic isolation, as optical or magnetic fields do not require direct electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular instrumentation is implemented, then system configuration flexibility is improved, but intermodule energy coupling increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidenergy coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The backplane serves as an intermediary between modular instrumentation components, providing galvanic isolation that prevents energy coupling while maintaining the configuration flexibility of modular systems. Each module can be independently configured and connected to the backplane without risking energy coupling with other modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular instrumentation system is segmented into isolated units that interface with the backplane through galvanic isolation barriers. This segmentation prevents energy coupling between modules while preserving the ability to configure different module combinations for various applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution allows for high-performance, synchronized operations across multiple channels with galvanic isolation, ensuring reliable and efficient communication and power distribution, thereby preventing energy coupling and ensuring proper system performance.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a ground-referenced controller with embedded microprocessors and opto-couplers or transformers for isolation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coupling: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a ground-referenced controller with embedded microprocessors and opto-couplers or transformers for isolation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8892791B2Communications system for implementation of synchronous, multichannel, galvanically isolated instrumentation devices

Publication Date: 2014.11.18 KEYSIGHT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

An apparatus and method for synchronous communications using a serial data stream employs a housing with a controller and a back plane. The housing accepts one or more modules for interconnection with the back plane. The back plane distributes power to the modules and provides a communication link from the controller to each module. Each communication link includes a data out line, a data in line and a clock line, where each clock line is derived from one clock source.