Integrated Galvanic Isolator Wireless RF Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated galvanic isolators require complex constructional post-processing steps and wire connections, limiting their efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and they are unable to facilitate radiofrequency wireless transmission.

Innovation Solution

An integrated galvanic isolator design featuring two silicon dice with a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit, where the antennas are formed by dipoles or loop antennas, allowing for radiofrequency signal transfer without the need for connection wires between the dice, and providing a high galvanic isolation of 10 kV with improved common-mode rejection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional transformer-based galvanic isolators are used with separate silicon dice and wire connections, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidconstructional post-processing steps and wire connections

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transmitter circuit, receiver circuit, and transformer into a single integrated silicon die, eliminating the need for separate dice and wire connections. This integration maintains galvanic isolation functionality while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating constructional post-processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical wire connections between separate dice with integrated electrical connections on a single die. This substitution eliminates the need for physical wire bonding and assembly steps, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If optical couplers are used for galvanic isolation, then signal transmission is achieved, but fabrication efficiency is low and bit rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication efficiency and bit rateVSAvoidelectro-optical conversion process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electro-optical conversion process with a direct electrical transformation approach using a transformer. This substitution eliminates the need for LED-phototransistor pairs and associated fabrication processes, improving both fabrication efficiency and potential bit rate while maintaining galvanic isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If capacitive interface devices are used for galvanic isolation, then signal transfer is achieved, but immunity to common-mode voltage transients is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommon-mode voltage immunityVSAvoidcapacitor-based interface structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the capacitive interface with a transformer-based magnetic coupling system. This substitution provides inherent common-mode rejection through the transformer's magnetic coupling mechanism, significantly improving immunity to common-mode voltage transients while maintaining signal transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional galvanic isolators are used, then data transmission is achieved, but radiofrequency wireless transmission is not enabled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiofrequency wireless transmission capabilityVSAvoidwire connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the integrated galvanic isolator with a transformer and antenna structure that can operate in both wired and wireless modes. The same hardware infrastructure supports both traditional data transmission and radiofrequency wireless transmission, enabling multi-functionality without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables efficient radiofrequency wireless data transfer with a single interface, reducing costs and complexity, while achieving high transceiving rates and reliability, and is adaptable for both monochannel and multichannel operations.

Implementation Method 1

a transmitting antenna 33a... and a receiving antenna 33b for transferring radiofrequency signals wirelessly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8364195B2Integrated galvanic isolator using wireless transmission

Publication Date: 2013.01.29 STMICROELECTRONICS SRL

AI summary

An embodiment of a wireless galvanic isolator device is formed by a transmitter circuit, a receiver circuit, and a wireless coupling structure, arranged between the transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit. The wireless coupling structure is formed by a pair of antennas each arranged on an own die and integrated together with the respective transmitter and receiver circuit. The two dice may be arranged adjacent to each other in a planar configuration or arranged on top of each other and bonded together.