Laterally Coupled Transformer for High Voltage Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional isolators fail to sustain high working voltages while maintaining high transfer efficiencies due to the vertical stacking of metallization layers, which reduces the distance between layers and thus the isolation barrier thickness.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fully symmetrical, laterally coupled transformer design with primary and secondary windings fabricated using a single metallization layer on a substrate, where the windings are galvanically isolated and adjustable in lateral distance, allowing for flexible design and reduced fabrication complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vertical stacking of metallization layers is used to increase isolation barrier thickness, then isolation capability is improved, but transfer efficiency deteriorates due to reduced distance between layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical stacking of metallization layers to lateral coupling of windings. By changing the isolation direction from vertical to lateral, the design achieves both thick isolation barriers and adequate coupling distance within the same planar substrate, resolving the contradiction between isolation capability and transfer efficiency.
2Reliability
If vertical stacking of metallization layers is used to increase isolation barrier thickness, then isolation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies fabrication by using lateral coupling of windings on a single substrate plane instead of vertical stacking across multiple metallization layers. This dimensional change reduces the number of fabrication steps while maintaining isolation capability through lateral spacing.
3Reliability
If lateral distance between windings is increased to improve isolation, then isolation capability is improved, but transfer efficiency deteriorates due to reduced coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable lateral spacing between windings, allowing optimization of the balance between isolation capability and transfer efficiency. The design permits dynamic adjustment of the isolation barrier thickness while maintaining adequate magnetic coupling through the shared magnetic core structure.
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 enables isolators to operate at high working voltages (up to 1800 Vrms) with high transfer efficiencies (30-90%) and improved robustness, reducing radiated emission and costs associated with vertical distance adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The primary and secondary windings may be laterally coupled to and galvanically isolated from each other
Data Source
AI summary
Isolators for signals and/or powers transmitted between two circuits configured to operate at different voltage domains are provided. The isolators may have working voltages, for example, higher than 500 Vrms, higher than 1000 Vrms, or between 333 Vrms and 1800 Vrms. The isolators may have a fully symmetrical configuration. The isolators may include a primary winding coupled to a driver and a secondary winding coupled to a receiver. The primary and secondary windings may be laterally coupled to and galvanically isolated from each other. The primary and secondary windings may include concentric traces. The primary and secondary windings may be fabricated using a single metallization layer on a substrate.