Magnetic Signal Isolator with Magnetoresistive Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional signal isolators are prone to data transfer disruptions due to electrical interference and struggle to quickly recover from such disturbances, especially when using pulse-based encoding methods, which often result in high power consumption and output errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a signal isolator using magnetoresistive elements that latch data magnetically, allowing for quick recovery from electrical interference and employing a bi-stable magnetoresistive structure to monitor and correct data transmission across an isolation barrier, with feedback mechanisms to ensure data integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pulse-based encoding methods are used for data transfer across isolation barriers, then data transmission can be achieved, but the system is prone to data transfer disruptions and slow recovery from electrical interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical pulse-based encoding with magnetic field-based signaling. The transmitter generates magnetic fields that couple through the isolation barrier to the receiver, substituting electrical signal transmission with magnetic field transmission. This substitution eliminates vulnerability to electrical interference while maintaining data transfer capability, directly resolving the reliability and recovery time contradictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for data transmission across the isolation barrier. Instead of direct electrical signal transmission, the system uses magnetic fields that can couple through the barrier without being affected by electrical interference on either side. This intermediary approach enables reliable data transfer while providing immunity to electrical disturbances.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional signal isolators are used, then data transfer across isolation barriers is possible, but power consumption is high and output errors occur during disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic magnetic field signaling where the transmitter generates alternating magnetic fields at specific frequencies to encode data. This periodic magnetic signaling allows for efficient power consumption while maintaining signal integrity across the isolation barrier, avoiding the continuous high-power electrical signaling used in conventional isolators.
3Loss of time
If magnetic field signaling is used instead of electrical pulses, then recovery from electrical interference is faster, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the magnetic field signaling system to perform multiple functions: data transmission, interference immunity, and automatic recovery from disturbances. The magnetic coupling mechanism inherently provides isolation and recovery capabilities without requiring separate complex recovery circuits, reducing overall system complexity while enabling fast recovery.
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
The solution effectively maintains data integrity by latching data magnetically, quickly recovering from electrical disturbances while maintaining low power consumption and ensuring accurate data transfer across the isolation barrier.
Implementation Method 1
data is transmitted across the isolation barrier as a magnetic field and received by a by magnetoresistive structure
Implementation Method 2
a first signal is provided to the first coil, and the first coil converts the signal into a time-varying magnetic field. The magnetic field couples with the second coil, which produces a corresponding second signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for transmitting signals that are magnetically latched at a receiver. In embodiments, a signal isolator comprises a transmitter and a receiver on separate die. Signal disruptions may be minimized. In embodiments, the transmitter and/or receiver can be monitored for proper operation.