Isolated Pulse Signal Transmission via Transformer Chip Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transmission devices require high-withstand-voltage processes, which are costly and increase manufacturing complexity, especially in applications like vehicle-mounted power supply and motor driving devices.
Innovation Solution
A signal transmission device using a transformer chip that isolates primary and secondary circuit systems with spiral coils, allowing for common low-to-middle-withstand-voltage processes, reducing the need for dedicated high-withstand-voltage processes and lowering manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-withstand-voltage processes are used to ensure electrical isolation between primary and secondary circuit systems, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformer chip as an intermediary device between the primary and secondary circuit systems. This transformer chip provides galvanic isolation through magnetic coupling, eliminating the need for direct high-voltage isolation structures in the semiconductor device itself. The isolation function is transferred to the transformer chip, which is a dedicated component optimized for this purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the signal transmission system into separate functional modules: a primary-side circuit, a transformer chip for isolation, and a secondary-side circuit. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently, with the transformer chip handling the isolation requirement and the semiconductor devices focusing on signal processing at lower voltage levels.
2Reliability
If high-withstand-voltage processes are used to ensure electrical isolation, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer chip serves as an intermediary that provides the expensive high-voltage isolation function externally, allowing the main semiconductor devices to be manufactured using cheaper low-to-middle withstand-voltage processes. This separates the isolation function from the signal processing function in terms of manufacturing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical isolation structures (which require complex high-voltage semiconductor processes) with magnetic isolation through a transformer. This substitution allows standard semiconductor manufacturing processes to be used while achieving the same isolation effect through electromagnetic coupling.
3Reliability
If dedicated high-withstand-voltage processes are used, then electrical isolation is ensured, but the number of manufacturing processes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer chip acts as a mediator that handles the isolation requirement in a separate component, allowing the main semiconductor devices to be manufactured using standard processes. This eliminates the need for specialized high-voltage process steps in the primary signal transmission device manufacturing flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer chip provides a universal isolation solution that can be applied to various signal transmission applications. By using this standardized component, the patent avoids developing and maintaining multiple specialized high-voltage processes for different applications, improving manufacturing efficiency through standardization.
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 device effectively transmits signals between isolated circuit systems while reducing manufacturing costs and complexity, suitable for vehicle applications such as engine, electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a signal transmission device including a transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmission device includes a first chip fed with an input pulse signal and a second chip that drives a switching device by generating an output pulse signal according to the input pulse signal through isolated communication with the first chip. The second chip includes a self-diagnosis circuit that checks whether individual parts of the second chip are operating properly in response to a self-diagnosis instruction transmitted from the first chip only when the output pulse signal is at a logic level corresponding to an off state.