Transformer-Isolated ADC Feedback Without Isolated Clock Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power switching circuits with high power/high voltage systems require isolation from digital control and measurement circuits, but existing solutions necessitate additional clock and power supplies at the isolated sensing side of the transformer, increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A transformer-isolated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) circuit that eliminates the need for clock or power supply components at the isolated sensing side by using a transformer to transmit digital feedback, with a demodulator to generate a digital representation of the analog input signal and an isolation circuit for providing a clock and/or power supply waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an ADC is used for sensing in digital control systems, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional clock and power supply components required at the isolated sensing side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (power supply, clock signal generation, and ADC operation) into a single integrated circuit located at the non-isolated side of the transformer. The ADC, clock generator, and power management functions are merged into one chip, eliminating the need for separate clock and power supply components at the isolated sensing side, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer serves as an intermediary device that transfers both power and digital signals from the non-isolated side to the isolated sensing side. By using the transformer as a mediator, the system provides isolation benefits while delivering both power and clock signals to the ADC without requiring additional components at the isolated side
2Reliability
If isolation circuitry is implemented using a transformer, then reliability is improved through electrical isolation, but device complexity increases due to additional power supply and clock signal requirements at the isolated side
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply and clock signal generation functions into a single integrated circuit at the non-isolated side, which then delivers both through the transformer to the isolated side. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components required at the isolated sensing side while maintaining reliable electrical isolation through the transformer
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated circuit at the non-isolated side performs multiple functions simultaneously: it generates power supply waveforms, generates clock signals, and interfaces with the ADC. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while the transformer provides universal isolation for all signals
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 efficient digital feedback without the need for additional components at the isolated sensing side, reducing costs and complexity while maintaining isolation in high-power/high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a first winding that receives a modulated output of the analog-to-digital converter. A second winding of the transformer provides an isolated data output of the ADC
Implementation Method 2
an isolation circuit for introducing a clock signal and/or a power supply waveform at the second winding of the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer-isolated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) feedback apparatus and method provides reduction of circuit complexity in high power/high voltage systems having a transformer-isolated sensing circuit. The feedback apparatus is a circuit including an ADC for receiving an analog input signal and a transformer having a first winding that receives a modulated output of the analog-to-digital converter. A second winding of the transformer provides an isolated data output of the ADC. A demodulator is coupled to the second winding of the transformer and demodulates the isolated output to generate a digital representation of the analog input signal. The ADC may be a delta-sigma converter and the demodulator may be the corresponding decimation filter. The circuit further includes an isolation circuit for introducing a clock signal and/or power supply waveform at the second winding of the transformer, so that the ADC circuit is supplied with an isolated clock and/or an isolated power supply.