Optical Isolation Link with Duty-Cycle Self-Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optically coupled insulating devices face challenges in verifying normal transmission during temperature changes and aging degradation of light-emitting elements, requiring simplified testing methods to ensure error-free signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optically coupled insulating device with an optical transmitter and receiver, featuring an analog-to-digital converter, encoder, and electrooptical transducer, which converts analog signals into optical signals with a controlled average duty ratio, allowing for automatic switching between normal and testing states based on input levels, enabling direct-current testing and easy verification of optical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simplified testing methods are used for optical connections, then testing complexity is reduced, but transmission verification accuracy under temperature change and aging conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the light emitting element by applying different current levels (first current level for normal operation, second current level for testing) to enable simplified testing while maintaining transmission verification accuracy. The receiving element responds differently at these current levels, allowing distinction between normal and degraded states without complex testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary testing by applying a specific current level to the light emitting element before actual operation to detect potential transmission errors. This preliminary action at a elevated current level reveals degradation issues that would not be apparent during normal operation, ensuring reliability before the device enters service.
2Ease of operation
If direct-current testing is implemented for optical connections, then testing simplicity is improved, but testing methodology complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pulsed testing methodologies with a simpler direct-current testing approach. By applying a steady current level to the light emitting element and measuring the receiving element's response, the system achieves simplified testing operation while the underlying methodology leverages the electro-optical conversion characteristics to maintain effectiveness.
3Reliability
If error-free transmission is ensured under all conditions, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-testing mechanism where the optically coupled insulating device tests its own optical connection by utilizing its existing components (light emitting element and receiving element) in a testing mode. This self-service approach ensures error-free transmission under all conditions without adding external testing equipment or increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the light emitting element serve dual functions: normal signal transmission at a first current level and transmission error detection at a second current level. This multi-functionality ensures reliable transmission under all conditions while avoiding additional dedicated testing components, thus preventing increase in device complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient and simplified testing of optical connections, ensuring error-free transmission under varying conditions by automatically adjusting operating states and allowing for direct-current testing, thereby reducing costs and complexity in semiconductor circuits.
Implementation Method 1
an electrooptical transducer configured to convert an output of the transmitting controller into an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
The optoelectrical transducer is configured to receive the optical signal and to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an optically coupled insulating device includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter includes an analog-to-digital converter, an encoder, a transmitting controller, and an electrooptical transducer. The encoder is configured to generate a transmitting signal by superimposing an output of the analog-to-digital converter onto a signal based on a clock signal. The transmitting signal is encoded to have an average duty ratio of more than zero and less than one. The transmitting controller is configured to output one of the transmitting signal and the output of the analog-to-digital converter depending on an input level of the analog signal. The electrooptical transducer is configured to convert an output of the transmitting controller into an optical signal. The optical receiver includes an optoelectrical transducer, a decoder, and a receiving controller.