Galvanically Isolated Transmitter Circuit With Transient Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing semiconductor communication systems are vulnerable to transient electrical events, which can disrupt signal transmission and operation, particularly in galvanically isolated circuits.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a transient compensation circuit within the transmitter circuit that detects transient events and generates a compensation signal to minimize their impact, allowing continuous signal transmission by conducting transient currents away from the oscillator and bias circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If galvanic isolation is used to separate transmitter and receiver sections, then electrical isolation between sections is achieved, but the system becomes vulnerable to transient electrical events that can disrupt signal transmission

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission reliabilityVSAvoidtransient electrical event impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transient compensation circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the oscillator and the isolation transformer. This circuit detects transient events and generates compensation signals that counteract the transient effects, thereby protecting the signal transmission without compromising the galvanic isolation structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transient compensation circuit performs preliminary anti-action by detecting transient events before they can fully disrupt the signal transmission. The circuit generates compensation signals in advance to counteract the transient effects, preventing them from reaching the receiver section and disrupting communication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If traditional galvanic isolation structures are used, then electrical isolation is achieved, but transient currents can couple energy into the system and disrupt operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation continuity during transient eventsVSAvoidtransient current coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transient compensation circuit serves as a mediator that intercepts transient currents before they can couple energy into the isolated sections. The circuit provides an alternative path for transient currents through the compensation signal generation, preventing them from disrupting the transmitter or receiver operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transient compensation circuit converts the harmful transient currents into beneficial compensation signals. By detecting transient events and generating corresponding compensation signals, the circuit transforms the disruptive transient energy into a protective mechanism that maintains signal integrity during transient events

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentUS10785064B1Semiconductor device and method therefor

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 SEMICON COMPONENTS IND LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a transmitter circuit may be configured to transmit a signal to a receiver. The transmitter circuit may also be configured to detect receiving energy from a transient event, for example detect a transient current, and to direct at least a portion of the energy away from the transmitted signal while the transmitter circuit is transmitting the signal.