Optical Voltage Source Segmentation for Isolated Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical voltage sources for sensors in high-voltage or explosive environments require high output voltage but lack efficient and galvanically isolated power supply with high-speed data transmission capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A monolithically integrated optical voltage source comprising a stack of semiconductor diodes with a p-n junction and an antiserially connected PIN diode with a p-i-n junction, forming a multi-junction photodiode that provides galvanically isolated power and high-speed data transmission by minimizing capacitance through negative biasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high-voltage diode is used for galvanically isolated power supply, then output voltage is improved, but data transmission speed deteriorates due to high capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate stacks: a first stack of semiconductor diodes for power transmission and a second stack with a PIN diode for data transmission. This segmentation allows each stack to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between high voltage output and fast data transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical voltage source serves multiple functions: it provides galvanically isolated power supply through the first stack and enables high-speed data transmission through the second stack with the PIN diode. This multi-functionality allows a single device to meet both power and data transmission requirements without compromise.
2Speed
If a PIN diode is used for data transmission, then switching speed is improved, but power transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate stacks: a first stack of semiconductor diodes for power transmission and a second stack with a PIN diode for data transmission. This segmentation allows each stack to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between high voltage output and fast data transmission capability.
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 enables efficient, galvanically isolated power transmission and high-speed data transmission, with the PIN diode achieving low capacitance and fast switching capabilities, suitable for control signals and power supply in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
III-V semiconductors such as GaAs very efficiently convert light with a suitable wavelength into electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
By means of the negative preload, that is, the negative bias, the capacitance of the further semiconductor diode is minimized so that the further diode has a particularly low capacitance at the operating point
Data Source
AI summary
An optical voltage source and decoupling device is provided, wherein the optical voltage source has a number N of series-connected semiconductor diodes, each having a p-n junction, the semiconductor diodes are monolithically integrated and together form a first stack with an upper side and an underside, and the number N of the semiconductor diodes of the first stack is greater than or equal to two, the decoupling device has a further semiconductor diode. The further semiconductor diode has a pin junction and, the further semiconductor diode is anti-serially connected with the semiconductor diodes of the first stack. An underside of the further semiconductor diode is materially connected with the upper side of the first stack and the further semiconductor diode forms a total stack together with the first stack.