Multi-Channel Isolated Power Supply Using Shared Magnetic Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-channel power supply subsystems in high-density test and measurement instruments face challenges in providing N isolated power supplies with efficient space utilization and maintaining galvanic isolation, especially for bipolar, analog Source Measure Units (SMU) designs, which often require custom magnetic components that do not scale well.
Innovation Solution
Repurposing a digital interface magnetic component, typically used in telecommunications, to provide multiple isolated transformers within a compact power supply block, incorporating a driver circuit to generate isolated power channels efficiently, reducing physical space and maintaining isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If N isolated power supplies are provided for each channel in a multi-channel system, then galvanic isolation and output independence are achieved, but space efficiency deteriorates due to large magnetic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple isolated power supply channels into a single integrated power supply block. Multiple transformers are integrated within one magnetic component, allowing N isolated power supplies to share a common physical structure and footprint, thereby reducing the total area while maintaining galvanic isolation between channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply block is designed to provide multiple isolated power channels simultaneously from a single integrated structure. The magnetic component serves multiple functions by providing galvanic isolation, voltage transformation, and power distribution across N channels within one unified component, improving space efficiency.
2Reliability
If custom designed magnetic components are used for bipolar analog SMU designs, then channel isolation is achieved, but scalability deteriorates and achieving small sizes becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply block is designed as a modular segmented structure where multiple isolated channels are organized within a standardized footprint. Each channel can be independently configured while sharing common magnetic components, allowing the design to scale from 2-channel to 8-channel or more configurations without requiring custom designs for each channel count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using high-frequency switching power supply architecture instead of traditional low-frequency transformer designs. This parameter change allows the magnetic components to be significantly smaller while maintaining isolation performance, and enables the same magnetic component structure to support multiple channel configurations through parameter adjustments rather than physical redesign.
3Power
If traditional power supply designs are used, then adequate power delivery is achieved, but power consumption increases beyond 5 W per 8-channel design
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply block employs periodic high-frequency switching action to transfer power between primary and secondary sides of the transformers. This switching mode power supply architecture delivers adequate power while minimizing losses compared to linear power supply designs, achieving power delivery capability with consumption under 5 W for an 8-channel configuration.
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
Achieves a substantial reduction in physical space requirements while maintaining isolation, with a footprint under 1000 mm² and power consumption under 5 W per 8-channel design, compared to traditional solutions exceeding 1000 mm².
Implementation Method 1
an interface magnetic component having multiple windings, each winding connected to a separate one of the isolated channels
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply block has multiple isolated power channels, the power supply comprising an interface magnetic component having multiple windings, each winding connected to a separate one of the isolated channels. A test and measurement instrument has a connector to allow the instrument to connect to a device under test, and a power supply block having multiple isolated power channels, the power supply block comprising an interface magnetic component having multiple windings, each winding connected to a separate one of the isolated power channels.