Micro-Transformer Signal Isolator for High-Speed Galvanic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signal isolators face challenges with high cost, inefficiency, and poor performance at high frequencies, particularly in optical isolators, and require improved bidirectional signal transmission capabilities and configurations for diverse applications.
Innovation Solution
A micro-transformer-based digital signal isolator with a primary and secondary winding, where the transmitter circuit drives the primary winding with distinct signals in response to different edge types, and the secondary winding, galvanically isolated, reconstructs the logic signal, enabling bi-directional and multi-channel signal transfer with reduced size and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical isolators are used to achieve galvanic isolation, then isolation capability is improved, but device size increases and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical isolators with a micro-transformer-based electrical isolation system. The micro-transformer uses electromagnetic induction to achieve galvanic isolation without requiring optical components, thereby reducing device size while maintaining isolation capability. The transformer couples primary and secondary circuits through magnetic flux, eliminating the need for bulky optical transmitters and receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the isolation mechanism from optical to electromagnetic by modifying the fundamental operating parameters. The micro-transformer operates at electrical frequencies with magnetic coupling, transitioning the isolation approach from photon-based to electron-based electromagnetic induction, which enables compact integration.
2Reliability
If optical isolators are used to achieve galvanic isolation, then isolation capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-hungry optical isolators with an efficient micro-transformer system. The electromagnetic coupling mechanism requires minimal driving power compared to optical transmitters, significantly reducing overall power consumption while maintaining galvanic isolation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from optical parameter domains (light intensity, wavelength) to electromagnetic parameter domains (voltage, current, magnetic flux), enabling operation at lower power levels through efficient electromagnetic induction in the micro-transformer.
3Reliability
If traditional transformers with magnetic cores are used for isolation, then isolation capability is improved, but high-frequency performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the magnetic core from traditional transformer designs, creating an air-core or planar spiral micro-transformer. This removal of the magnetic core reduces magnetic losses and parasitic effects that limit high-frequency operation, enabling the isolator to function effectively at high speeds while maintaining isolation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional stacked windings with magnetic cores to two-dimensional planar spiral windings on a substrate. This dimensional change enables better high-frequency performance by reducing parasitic inductance and improving electromagnetic coupling efficiency at high speeds.
4Area of stationary object
If capacitively coupled isolators are used, then device size is reduced, but common-mode transient immunity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces capacitive coupling with electromagnetic induction coupling through the micro-transformer. The magnetic coupling mechanism inherently provides common-mode rejection because it responds only to differential signals, naturally blocking common-mode transients while maintaining compact device dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-transformer acts as an intermediary that couples the primary and secondary circuits through magnetic flux while blocking common-mode interference. The transformer windings serve as a magnetic mediator that transfers only differential signal energy, filtering out common-mode transients through its inherent electromagnetic coupling characteristics.
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 provides high-speed, low-power, and high common-mode immunity digital signal isolation with reduced cost and size, enhancing integration and performance across various signal transmission configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding... the secondary winding being referenced to a second ground which is galvanically (i.e., electrically) isolated from the first ground
Data Source
AI summary
A logic signal isolator including a micro-transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding. A transmitter circuit drives the primary winding in response to a received input logic signal such that, in response to a first type of edge in the logic signal, at least a first amplitude signal is supplied to the primary winding and, in response to a second type of edge in the logic signal, a second different amplitude signal is supplied to the primary winding. A receiver circuit receives corresponding first amplitude and second amplitude signals from the secondary winding and reconstructs the received logic input signal from the received signals.