Multiplexed Capacitive Isolation for Multi-Receiver Signal Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolation devices require multiple isolation capacitors for each data signal to multiple receivers, increasing die area, complexity, cost, and the probability of defects and failures.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines multiple data signals into a single serial data signal using a multiplexer on the transmitter side, allowing transmission through a single isolation capacitor and demultiplexing on the receiver side to deliver intended data to each receiver, reducing the need for multiple isolation capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple isolation capacitors are used for each data signal to multiple receivers, then signal isolation between high-voltage and low-voltage sections is achieved, but die area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data signals into a single multiplexed signal that travels through one isolation capacitor. The multiplexer on the transmitter side consolidates multiple channels into one, and the demultiplexer on the receiver side separates them, allowing multiple receivers to share a single isolation capacitor instead of each requiring its own capacitor.
Solution Approach 2:
The single isolation capacitor serves multiple functions by isolating multiple data signal channels simultaneously. The capacitive isolation barrier is shared across all channels, making the isolation component universal rather than dedicated to a single channel, thereby reducing the total number of capacitors needed.
2Reliability
If multiple isolation capacitors are used for each data signal, then complete signal isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple isolation functions into a single capacitive isolation barrier. Instead of having separate isolation capacitors for each channel, the system uses one isolation capacitor with multiplexing/demultiplexing circuitry that manages multiple channels through a single barrier, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple isolation capacitors are used for each data signal, then isolation performance is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple isolation functions into a single capacitive isolation barrier, reducing the total component count. This consolidation directly reduces manufacturing costs by requiring fewer capacitors, less packaging material, and simpler assembly processes while maintaining isolation performance through the multiplexing approach.
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 die area, complexity, and cost while enhancing reliability and performance by consolidating data transmission through a single isolation capacitor, ensuring safe and efficient communication across high-voltage and low-voltage sections.
Implementation Method 1
an isolation device includes an isolation layer implemented with, for example, a capacitive isolation barrier
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus to facilitate multi-channel isolation is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a multiplexer including a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal; a modulator including an input terminal and an output terminal, the input terminal of the modulator coupled to the output terminal of the multiplexer; an isolation capacitor including a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal of the isolation capacitor coupled to the output terminal of the modulator; a first receiver die coupled to the second terminal of the isolation capacitor; and a second receiver die coupled to the second terminal of the isolation capacitor.