Galvanically-Isolated Data Transmission Device Using Multifrequency Acoustic Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing galvanically-isolated data transmission devices are limited in their ability to transmit multi-frequency signals and require complex decoding systems, which reduce the maximum input frequency and increase design complexity.

Innovation Solution

A galvanically-isolated data transmission device is designed with a first array of ultrasonic transducers on one surface of a wafer converting signals into multifrequency acoustic signals, and a second array with at least two assemblies of transducers having different resonance frequencies, allowing for the transmission of binary data coded over various frequencies without the need for complex decoding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-resonance-frequency transducer array is used for galvanic isolation, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot transmit multi-frequency signals and requires complex decoding systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-frequency signal transmission capabilityVSAvoidtransducer array structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer array is segmented into multiple sub-arrays, where each sub-array is designed to resonate at a specific frequency. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple frequencies simultaneously while maintaining a structured and manageable configuration, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer array is designed with multi-functional capability by incorporating sub-arrays that can respond to different frequencies. Each sub-array serves a specific frequency function, while the overall system provides universal multi-frequency signal transmission capability, eliminating the need for complex external decoding systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex decoding systems are added to handle multi-frequency signals, then signal transmission capability is improved, but the maximum input frequency is reduced and design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-frequency data transmissionVSAvoidmaximum input frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding complex decoding systems to handle multi-frequency signals after transmission, the invention inverts the approach by embedding frequency-specific resonance capabilities directly into the transducer array structure. This allows the system to naturally handle multi-frequency signals without requiring complex post-processing decoding, thereby maintaining high input frequencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex decoding systems are implemented, then multifrequency signal handling is improved, but design complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultifrequency signal handlingVSAvoiddecoding system design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer array is designed to be self-sufficient in handling multi-frequency signals through its inherent multi-resonance structure. Each sub-array automatically responds to its designated frequency without requiring external complex decoding systems, making the system self-service capable and reducing overall design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables the simple and efficient transmission of multifrequency data without requiring complex decoding systems, effectively overcoming the limitations of existing devices by allowing higher input frequencies and reducing design complexity.

Implementation Method 1

A first array of ultrasonic transducers with a vibrating membrane is formed on a first surface of a wafer and is capable of converting the signal into a multifrequency acoustic signal propagating in the wafer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic transduction: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

A second array of ultrasonic transducers is formed on a second surface of the wafer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic transduction: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

A first array of ultrasonic transducers with a vibrating membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9537582B2Galvanically-isolated data transmission device

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 STMICROELECTRONICS (TOURS) SAS

AI summary

A data transmission device includes a coder configured to code the data into a multifrequency signal. A first array of ultrasonic transducers with a vibrating membrane is disposed on a first surface of a wafer. The first array configured to convert the signal into a multifrequency acoustic signal propagating in the wafer. A second array of ultrasonic transducers is disposed on a second surface of the wafer. The second array includes at least two assemblies of vibrating membrane ultrasonic transducers having resonance frequencies equal to two different frequencies of the multifrequency signal.