Optically Coupled Solid-State Relay With Memory for Low Power Loss
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state relays face challenges with high power consumption due to resistance in switches, size and weight limitations in electronic devices, and increased manufacturing costs from separate processes for light-emitting and light-receiving elements.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state relay design incorporating a semiconductor layer with gallium, where light-emitting elements control the switch state through light conversion to voltage, stored in a memory, and a capacitor, allowing for low-resistance, compact, and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch is used in a solid-state relay to control conduction or non-conduction, then the reliability is improved compared to mechanical contacts, but the resistance value increases causing power consumption problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact systems with a solid-state switch system comprising a light-emitting element, light-receiving element, and transistor-based switch. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact resistance while achieving reliable non-contact switching, thereby improving reliability without the power consumption penalties of traditional mechanical relays
2Reliability
If a solid-state relay with separate first circuit and second circuit is used, then the light-emitting element and light-receiving element can be formed, but the manufacturing cost increases due to bonding and molding processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first circuit and second circuit into a single integrated semiconductor device structure. The light-emitting element and light-receiving element are formed in the same semiconductor substrate without requiring separate bonding or molding processes, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable light transmission between circuits
3Power
If a reed relay is used for high power handling, then the power capacity is sufficient, but the mounting area and weight increase making it unsuitable for mobile devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reed relay structure with a solid-state semiconductor switch system. This substitution dramatically reduces both weight and mounting area while maintaining the ability to handle high power through the transistor-based switch and integrated circuit design, making it suitable for mobile and space-constrained applications
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 a solid-state relay with reduced power loss, smaller size, and lower manufacturing costs, enabling efficient power gating and reliable operation in electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting element is turned on and electromotive force is generated in a light-receiving element
Implementation Method 2
a light-emitting element is turned on and electromotive force is generated in a light-receiving element
Data Source
AI summary
A solid-state relay having favorable electrical characteristics is provided. The solid-state relay includes a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit includes a first light-emitting element. The second circuit includes a first light-receiving element, a memory, and a first switch. The memory includes a second switch. The second switch includes a second semiconductor layer. The first switch and the first light-emitting element are formed using a first semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer contain gallium, and the second semiconductor layer further contains oxygen. On or off of the first light-emitting element is controlled by a first signal supplied to the first circuit. First data, which is generated when the first light-receiving element converts light emitted by the first light-emitting element into voltage, is supplied to the memory. Conduction or non-conduction of the first switch is controlled by the first data stored in the memory.