Multiplexed Isolator System for Measurement and Status Data

Solution Overview

Problem

Isolated measurement systems require multiple isolators for separate signaling paths for measurement data and power feedback, leading to increased area and cost due to the consumption of significant resources by isolator devices.

Innovation Solution

A system where power feedback data is multiplexed with measurement data for transmission across a common isolator, using a power controller to regulate power transmission based on status data, reducing the number of isolators needed by synchronizing operations with a master clock signal and modulating power delivery accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate signaling paths are provided for measurement data and power feedback data, then communication reliability is improved, but device area and manufacturing cost increase due to multiple isolators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate signaling paths for measurement data and power feedback data into a single shared isolator. The measurement system and power monitor both transmit their respective data through the same isolator device, eliminating the need for separate isolators and reducing overall device area while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-based data separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator device is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles both measurement data transmission from multiple channels and power feedback data transmission simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single isolator to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated isolators, reducing area and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate signaling paths are provided for measurement data and power feedback data, then communication reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases due to multiple isolators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate signaling paths for measurement data and power feedback data into a single shared isolator. The measurement system and power monitor both transmit their respective data through the same isolator device, eliminating the need for separate isolators and reducing overall device area while maintaining communication reliability through protocol-based data separation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator device is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles both measurement data transmission from multiple channels and power feedback data transmission simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single isolator to replace what would traditionally require multiple dedicated isolators, reducing area and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If power transmitter and rectifier operate continuously to ensure continuous power supply, then power supply reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic power transmission instead of continuous operation. The power transmitter operates in periodic bursts, transmitting power only when needed based on the energy buffer status in the measurement system. This periodic action maintains power supply reliability by ensuring power is available when required while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system monitors its own power status and controls when power transmission occurs. The system uses an energy buffer to store power locally and only requests additional power when the buffer is depleted, allowing the system to self-regulate power consumption and avoid continuous power transmitter operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 minimizes the number of isolators required, conserving area, reducing costs, and enabling efficient power management while maintaining galvanic isolation between voltage domains.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer that bridges an isolation barrier between the two domains

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a common first isolator device for transmitting the measurement data and the status data to one another across the isolation barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2658277B1Isolator system with status data integrated with measurement data

Publication Date: 2018.08.01 ANALOG DEVICES INC

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AI summary

An isolator system is disclosed in which a pair of circuit systems is separated by an isolation barrier but engage in mutual communication by an isolator device that bridges the isolation barrier. A first circuit system may include a measurement system generating measurement data and status monitor generating status data. The first circuit system also may include a communication system that multiplexes the measurement data and the status data for transmission across a common isolator device. In this manner, the number of isolator devices may be reduced over conventional designs.