High Voltage Isolation Capacitors for Regulated Supply Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical isolation methods, such as optical couplers, are limited in data rate and unable to transfer isolated DC power, while inductive and capacitive methods are costly and inefficient for high-voltage applications, necessitating a solution for generating a regulated supply voltage across different voltage domains with maintained isolation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of high voltage rated isolation capacitors or transformers with a waveform generator, AC-to-DC converter, voltage regulator, and pulse width modulator, integrated into a primary and secondary circuit, allowing for efficient AC power transfer and regulation across isolation barriers, using insulating layers and dielectric materials like silicon dioxide for high voltage withstand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical couplers are used for isolation, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but data rate is limited to less than 1 MHz and the device is bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical coupling mechanisms with capacitive or inductive coupling mechanisms. Specifically, capacitive isolation using high-voltage rated capacitors (e.g., 100 pF to 1 nF capacitance values) or inductive isolation using transformers are employed to achieve galvanic isolation while enabling higher data rates and DC power transfer capabilities that optical couplers cannot provide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the isolation mechanism from optical to electrical (capacitive or inductive), fundamentally altering the physical parameter of the isolation medium. This allows the system to achieve both galvanic isolation and high-speed data transmission simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between isolation reliability and data rate
2Reliability
If optical couplers are used for isolation, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but the device is bulky to integrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes bulky optical components with planar capacitive or inductive structures that can be integrated into printed circuit boards or surface-mount packages. The capacitive isolation implementation uses thin-film capacitors with capacitance values in the range of 100 pF to 1 nF, which occupy minimal space compared to optical couplers while maintaining galvanic isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation device is designed to perform multiple functions: galvanic isolation, DC power transfer, and data communication. By integrating capacitive or inductive isolation with power transfer capabilities in a single compact structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate optical couplers and power transfer components, reducing overall device volume
3Productivity
If inductive or capacitive isolation is used, then high data rates and DC power transfer are enabled, but cost increases for high-voltage applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the voltage rating parameters of capacitors or transformers for specific high-voltage applications (e.g., 1 kV to 10 kV ratings). By selecting appropriate capacitance values (100 pF to 1 nF) and voltage ratings, the patent achieves cost-effective solutions that balance performance requirements with manufacturing costs, avoiding over-engineering for applications that don't require extreme voltage isolation
4Adaptability or versatility
If isolation devices are used for both data communication and DC power transfer, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs capacitive or inductive isolation structures that inherently support both data communication and DC power transfer functions. The capacitive coupling structure with high-voltage rated capacitors can simultaneously pass AC data signals and block DC while allowing controlled DC power transfer through the isolation barrier, eliminating the need for separate optical couplers and power transfer components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges data communication and power transfer functions into a single capacitive or inductive isolation device. By combining these functions in one structure, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced versatility, as the same physical structure handles both signal and power isolation
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 solution enables efficient, cost-effective, and high-voltage isolation between different voltage domains, supporting both data communication and DC power transfer, with regulated supply voltage generation and remote monitoring, meeting the demands of modern electronic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a high voltage rated dielectric layer on a portion of a respective first electrically conductive layers
Implementation Method 2
providing an alternating current (AC)-to-direct current (DC) converter in the secondary integrated circuit and having inputs coupled to respective ones of the second electrically conductive layers, whereby AC power may be transferred from the waveform generator to the AC-to-DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
High voltage rated isolation capacitors of inductors are formed on a face of a primary integrated circuit die. The isolation capacitors or inductors AC couple the primary integrated circuit in a first voltage domain to a second integrated circuit in a second voltage domain. The isolation capacitors or inductors DC isolate the primary integrated circuit from the second integrated circuit die. Isolated power transfer from the first voltage domain to the second voltage domain is provided through the high voltage rated isolation capacitors or inductors with an AC oscillator or PWM generator. The AC oscillator voltage amplitude may be increased for an increase in power through the high voltage rated isolation capacitors or inductors.