Single-Channel Signal Encoding in Isolated Gate Drivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage and high-current applications require efficient signal transmission across isolation barriers in isolated gate drivers, but existing methods often use multiple channels, increasing silicon die area and costs, and complicating the design.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single transmission channel for control and sensing signals, encoded with multiple characteristics using frequency, pulse counting, and voltage levels, facilitated by encoders, decoders, and multiplexers to preserve isolation and reduce silicon die area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transmission channels are used for control and sensing signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but silicon die area and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmission channels into a single channel by multiplexing control and sensing signals in the time domain. The control signal path and sensing signal path share the same physical transmission medium, reducing the number of required channels from multiple to one, thereby decreasing silicon die area while maintaining signal transmission reliability through proper signal separation and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transmission channel is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting both control signals from the low-voltage side to the high-voltage side and sensing signals from the high-voltage side to the low-voltage side. This multi-functional channel replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated channels, reducing overall channel count and silicon die area.
2Reliability
If multiple transmission channels are used for control and sensing signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple channel configurations into a single unified channel that handles both control and sensing functions. This consolidation simplifies the channel configuration from multiple separate paths to one integrated path, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability through careful signal management and isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as multiplexers, encoders, and isolation barriers that mediate between the control and sensing signals sharing the same channel. These intermediaries manage signal separation, encoding, and isolation, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to multiple direct channels while ensuring reliable signal transmission.
3Reliability
If multiple transmission channels are used for control and sensing signals, then signal isolation is improved, but silicon die area and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple isolated channels into a single channel that uses isolation barriers at critical points rather than throughout the entire signal path. This approach maintains necessary signal isolation for reliability while reducing the total silicon die area compared to fully isolated multiple channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs isolation barriers as intermediary elements that provide electrical isolation between high-voltage and low-voltage sides at specific points in the signal path. This targeted isolation approach maintains signal isolation reliability while minimizing the silicon die area required compared to continuous isolation across multiple channels.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to transmit signals in isolated gate drivers. An example apparatus includes a first encoder including: an edge detector coupled to a first sensor; a first clock counter coupled to the edge detector; a first signal selector coupled to the first clock counter; and a first multiplexer coupled to a signal generator, the first clock counter, and the first signal selector; and a second encoder including: a level detector coupled to a second sensor; a second clock counter coupled to the level detector; a second signal selector coupled to the level detector and the second clock counter; and a second multiplexer coupled to the first multiplexer, a reference voltage, the second signal selector, and a modulator.