Semiconductor Isolator Reducing Chip Area via Signal Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increase in the number of signal lines in semiconductor devices using SPI communication leads to a significant increase in chip area due to the need for multiple isolators, which are large elements, making it challenging to efficiently transmit and receive signals between circuits operating at different power supply voltages.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device that uses a transmission circuit to sample data and synchronization clock signals, generating drive pulse signals synchronized with the rising and falling edges of these signals to drive a single isolator, allowing for the transmission of both data and synchronization signals using one isolator, thereby reducing the number of isolators required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple isolators are used for SPI communication with multiple signal lines, then signal transmission between different power supply voltages is achieved, but chip area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal lines (data signal line and clock signal line) into a single isolator by using differential signaling. The transmission circuit generates differential signals on two output lines that are coupled through a single isolator, allowing bidirectional communication while reducing the number of isolators from three to one, thereby significantly reducing chip area.
Solution Approach 2:
The single isolator is designed to handle multiple functions: transmitting data signals in both directions (from first circuit to second circuit and vice versa) and transmitting clock signals for synchronization. This multi-functional approach allows one isolator to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate isolators for each signal line.
2Area of stationary object
If one isolator is used to transmit multiple signals, then chip area is reduced, but signal synchronization and integrity become more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic clock signals to synchronize data transmission. The transmission circuit generates clock signals that periodically sample and transmit data bits through the isolator. This periodic action ensures that data is transmitted in synchronized bursts, maintaining timing integrity even though multiple signals share a single isolator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the receiving circuit detects received signals and generates feedback information that is transmitted back to the transmitting circuit through the same isolator. This feedback loop allows for error detection and correction, ensuring signal integrity and synchronization accuracy despite the shared isolator pathway.
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 the chip area by minimizing the number of isolators needed and effectively transmits both data and synchronization signals, improving signal integrity and reducing the probability of erroneous transmission caused by jitter.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating coupling element that couples the transmission circuit and the receiving circuit with a magnetic field or an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
The sampling data signal and the sampling synchronizing clock are generated by sampling the data signal and the synchronizing clock, and the first driving pulse signal and the second driving pulse signal are generated based on the sampling data signal and the sampling synchronizing clock, and the isolator is driven by the first driving pulse signal and the second driving pulse signal.