Isolator Receiver Calibration for Peaking Frequency and Gain Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolation technologies face challenges in accurately measuring and calibrating receiver signal paths to compensate for manufacturing variations and mismatch in isolation channels, leading to performance degradation due to frequency response shifts and gain variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and circuit configuration for an isolator product that includes a diagnostic mode for calibrating the peaking frequency and gain of the receiver signal path by transmitting calibration signals with different frequencies during non-overlapping intervals, generating diagnostic codes, and adjusting programmable elements to match target configurations, thereby compensating for mismatch and improving common mode transient immunity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manufacturing variations occur in the receiver signal path, then production cost and ease of manufacture are improved, but frequency response and gain vary leading to performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the peaking frequency and gain of the receiver signal path through calibration. The system measures the actual frequency response and gain of each receiver signal path and modifies these parameters to compensate for manufacturing variations, thereby maintaining consistent performance across different manufactured units without requiring tighter manufacturing tolerances.
2Reliability
If isolation barrier is implemented between processor system and load system, then safety and reliability are improved, but measurement and calibration of receiver signal path becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing calibration of the receiver signal path before the isolation barrier prevents access. The system includes calibration circuitry and procedures that allow measurement and adjustment of the receiver signal path parameters while the isolation barrier is still accessible or in a test mode, enabling compensation for manufacturing variations before final assembly and isolation.
3Measurement precision
If diagnostic mode is added for calibration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the diagnostic and calibration circuitry to serve multiple functions. The same circuitry used for calibration can also be used for normal operation, and the calibration procedures can verify both frequency response and gain characteristics. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated calibration components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still achieving improved measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a receiver of an isolator product includes adjusting a peaking frequency of a receiver signal path of a first integrated circuit die of the isolator product and a gain of the receiver signal path based on a predetermined peaking frequency, a predetermined gain, a first level of a diagnostic signal during a first interval, and a second level of the diagnostic signal during a second interval. The first interval and the second interval are non-overlapping intervals. The method may include receiving a calibration signal on a differential pair of nodes of the receiver signal path of the first integrated circuit die. The method may include generating a diagnostic signal corresponding to an average amplitude of a received version of the calibration signal.