Isolated Gate Driver Interface for Single-Channel Control Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolation communication systems require multiple channels to transmit control information and configuration data across an isolation barrier, which increases power consumption and silicon area, and can be limited by package constraints.

Innovation Solution

The system transmits both gate information and drive strength information simultaneously over a single isolation communication channel using modified on-off keying (OOK) modulation, allowing for dynamic drive strength control without the need for additional channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple isolation communication channels are used to transmit control information and configuration data, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption and silicon area increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines control information and configuration data transmission into a single isolation communication channel. The system multiplexes different types of data (gate information, drive strength information, configuration parameters) over one channel, eliminating the need for separate channels and thereby reducing power consumption and silicon area while maintaining full communication capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single isolation communication channel is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting gate control information, drive strength parameters, and configuration data. This multi-functional channel replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated channels, achieving the same communication versatility with reduced resource consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple isolation communication channels are used to transmit control information and configuration data, then communication capability is improved, but silicon area increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsilicon area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication functions into a single isolation communication channel, consolidating what would require multiple physical channels into one. This integration significantly reduces the silicon area occupied by the communication interface while preserving the ability to transmit diverse control and configuration information

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces time-division multiplexing and data encoding schemes that allow multiple types of information to be transmitted over a single channel. By adding temporal and informational dimensions to the communication process, the patent achieves multi-channel functionality without proportionally increasing physical channel count or silicon area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple isolation communication channels are used, then control information transmission is improved, but package constraints are exacerbated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol information transmissionVSAvoidpackage constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple communication streams into a single isolation communication channel, reducing the number of external connections required in the package. This consolidation simplifies the package design and reduces packaging complexity while maintaining the ability to transmit comprehensive control information through the unified channel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 power consumption and silicon area by eliminating the need for multiple channels, while enabling precise control of the gate signal's drive strength across the isolation barrier.

Implementation Method 1

transmits both gate information and drive strength information in a modulated signal across a single isolation communication channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOn-off keying (OOK) modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS12218576B2Interface for passing control information over an isolation channel

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

An isolated gate driver has a first portion in a first voltage domain and a second portion in a second voltage domain. The first and second portions are coupled by an isolation communication channel. The isolated gate driver transmits across the isolation communication channel a serial word containing first drive strength information and simultaneously transmits gate information with the serial word across the isolation communication channel. The gate information indicates a state of a gate signal for a transistor coupled to the second portion of the isolated gate driver. A demodulator circuit demodulates a signal containing the gate information and the drive strength information transmitted across the isolation communication channel in the serial word. A gate signal output circuit coupled to the demodulator circuit supplies the gate signal based on the gate information with a drive strength of the gate signal being based on the drive strength information.