Galvanic Isolation Device Merging Power and Data Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems requiring galvanic isolation between subsystems often use multiple devices for power and data signal transfer, resulting in excessive circuitry, space consumption, and high power usage.
Innovation Solution
A single galvanic isolation device is used to transfer both power and data signals between subsystems, employing a control subsystem with a static and modulated power supply, a parameter measurement subsystem with a capacitor, and switches that modulate the electrical connection via a current pulse train to encode and decode measured parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple galvanic isolation devices are used to transfer power and data signals, then reliable galvanic isolation is achieved, but circuitry complexity, space consumption, and power usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power signal transfer and data signal transfer into a single galvanic isolation device. The transformer's primary winding receives both power input and modulated data input, while the secondary winding provides both power output and data output. This merging eliminates the need for separate isolation devices for power and data, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining isolation reliability through unified galvanic barrier implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single galvanic isolation device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides galvanic isolation for both power and data signals, acts as a transformer for voltage transformation, and enables bidirectional signal transfer across the isolation barrier. The primary and secondary windings are configured to handle both power delivery and data communication, making the device universal and multi-functional, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple galvanic isolation devices are used for power and data transfer, then signal isolation is maintained, but space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power signal paths and data signal paths into a single galvanic isolation device footprint. Instead of requiring separate physical isolation devices for power and data, the unified transformer implementation consolidates both signal types through shared primary and secondary windings, directly reducing the space required on the circuit board while maintaining effective galvanic isolation between subsystems.
3Reliability
If multiple galvanic isolation devices are used, then complete signal transfer is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power signal transfer and data signal transfer through a single galvanic isolation device, eliminating the redundant power consumption associated with operating multiple separate isolation devices. The unified transformer implementation reduces overall energy requirements while maintaining complete signal transfer capability for both power and data across the galvanic barrier.
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 reduces circuitry, space, and power consumption while enabling efficient parameter measurement and data transfer across the galvanic isolation barrier.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer with primary and secondary sides having multiple winding taps
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor coupled to the parameter measurement device
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system comprises a control subsystem comprising a static power supply, a modulated power supply, and a comparator. The system also includes a galvanic isolation device coupled to the static power supply, the modulated power supply, and the comparator. The system further includes a parameter measurement subsystem comprising a parameter measurement device coupled to a capacitor to be charged by the static and modulated power supplies via the galvanic isolation device. The capacitor has an electrical connection to the galvanic isolation device modulated in accordance with a current pulse train output by the parameter measurement device, the current pulse train indicating a parameter measured by the parameter measurement device. The comparator is to produce a signal indicative of the modulated electrical connection between the capacitor and the galvanic isolation device.