Nested Helical Coil Isolator for Compact Circuit Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolators face challenges in maintaining insulation between transmitter and receiver circuits while minimizing size, reducing production complexity, and enhancing yield due to coil displacement and increased area requirements.
Innovation Solution
The isolator module incorporates helically shaped primary and secondary coils within a single insulator, allowing for reduced size and area, improved yield, and enhanced freedom in arrangement through flip-chip bonding and reduced bonding wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional isolator structures are used to maintain insulation between transmitter and receiver circuits, then insulation is achieved, but the device size and area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the primary coil and secondary coil into a single insulator housing, eliminating the need for separate insulators for each coil. This consolidation reduces the overall device area while maintaining the necessary insulation between transmitter and receiver circuits through the single integrated insulator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the first coil and second coil are positioned within the same insulator space, with one coil effectively nested within or adjacent to the other. This spatial nesting optimizes the use of available area while preserving circuit insulation through the insulator material.
2Reliability
If multiple separate insulators are used to maintain insulation, then insulation is achieved, but production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple insulation functions into a single insulator component that houses both the primary and secondary coils. This reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, handled, and assembled, thereby simplifying production processes while maintaining reliable insulation between circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The single insulator is designed with distinct internal regions or compartments that separately accommodate the first coil and second coil, providing segmentation of insulation zones within a unified structure. This segmentation maintains circuit insulation while simplifying production compared to multiple separate insulators.
3Reliability
If traditional coil arrangements are used, then insulation is maintained, but coil displacement occurs reducing yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates coil retaining structures or positioning features directly into the insulator design during the insulator manufacturing process. This preliminary action secures the coils in their correct positions before assembly, preventing displacement during subsequent handling and assembly operations, thereby improving production yield while maintaining insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement of coils within the single insulator provides inherent positional stability, as the coils are confined within the insulator boundaries. This structure prevents coil displacement during assembly and operation, improving manufacturing yield while maintaining the necessary insulation between circuits.
4Reliability
If larger area is allocated for coil arrangement, then insulation is easier to maintain, but the isolator module size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes coil arrangement by utilizing three-dimensional space within the single insulator rather than spreading coils out in two dimensions. By arranging coils in different spatial planes or orientations within the insulator volume, the design maintains adequate insulation distances while minimizing the overall module volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested coil configuration allows one coil to be positioned within or adjacent to the other coil's spatial envelope, maximizing space utilization. This nesting approach maintains necessary insulation clearances while minimizing the external dimensions and volume of the isolator module.
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 configuration maintains insulation, reduces production complexity, enhances yield, and allows for increased coupling coefficient without enlarging the isolator module, while minimizing displacement and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator module including: a first coil and a second coil, each being helically shaped
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an isolator includes an isolator module, the isolator module including: a first coil and a second coil, each being helically shaped and having a central axis that extends in a first direction; and a first insulator configured to seal the first coil and the second coil, wherein the first coil and the second coil are separated from each other, and the first coil is positioned inside the second coil when viewed in the first direction.