Isolation Barrier Clock Matching via Training Sequence Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing isolation barrier systems require costly and space-consuming one-time programmable (OTP) circuitry to match oscillators across different voltage domains, which increases complexity and cost, and is limited to single-use programming.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an auto-tuning method where a training sequence is used to dynamically adjust the oscillator on the secondary side based on the frequency of the primary side, eliminating the need for OTP circuitry on one side by using a tunable oscillator that can be adjusted via digital means, such as a voltage-controlled oscillator with a digital-to-analog converter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If OTP circuitry is used to match oscillators across isolation barrier, then oscillator matching precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillator matching precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical OTP circuitry with a digital tuning system. A tunable oscillator on the secondary side is controlled by digital tuning signals transmitted from the primary side, substituting the irreversible physical trimming process with a reversible digital control mechanism. This eliminates the need for OTP circuitry while achieving the same oscillator matching function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the oscillator frequency parameter dynamically through digital tuning. Instead of fixing the oscillator frequency at fabrication time via OTP, the system transmits tuning signals that adjust the oscillator frequency parameter in real-time to match the primary side oscillator, enabling precise matching without complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If OTP circuitry is used for oscillator matching, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoscillator matching precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manufacturing-time OTP programming process with a post-manufacturing digital tuning process. The tunable oscillator is adjusted using digital tuning signals transmitted through the isolation barrier, converting a manufacturing complexity issue into a simple operational parameter adjustment that can be performed without specialized fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If OTP circuitry is implemented, then reliability is improved through precise matching, but device space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the oscillator matching function from the physical OTP circuitry and implements it through digital signal transmission. The tuning signals are sent through the existing isolation barrier communication channel, eliminating the need for separate OTP circuitry and reducing device area while maintaining the reliability of oscillator matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If tunable oscillator with digital tuning is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency tuning capabilityVSAvoidtuning circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing isolation barrier communication channel serve multiple functions: both data transmission and oscillator tuning. The same communication infrastructure is used to transmit both operational data and frequency tuning signals, eliminating the need for separate tuning circuitry and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach reduces complexity, cost, and device space by eliminating OTP circuitry, allowing for dynamic frequency tuning and enabling bidirectional communication across isolation barriers without the need for initial precise oscillator matching during device fabrication.

Implementation Method 1

a voltage-controlled oscillator with a digital-to-analog converter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage-controlled oscillation:

Data Source

PatentUS11967933B2Clock matching tune circuit

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

In an example, a system includes circuitry on a first side of an isolation barrier and circuitry on a second side of the isolation barrier, where the isolation barrier is operable to electrically isolate the first side from the second side. The system also includes a trimmed oscillator, a first transmitter, and a first receiver on the first side, the trimmed oscillator coupled to the first transmitter. The system includes a tunable oscillator, a second transmitter, and a second receiver on the second side, the tunable oscillator coupled to the second receiver and the second transmitter. In the system, the first side is configured to transmit a training sequence to the second side, and the second side is configured to tune the tunable oscillator based on the training sequence.