Opto-Isolated Power Supply Control via Multi-Signal PWM Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply systems require multiple opto-isolators to transmit multiple signals, leading to increased cost and space occupancy due to the limitation of each opto-isolator transmitting only one-bit information.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit and method that converts multiple signals into a single PWM signal carrying multi-bit information, transmitted through a digital opto-isolation coupler, reducing the number of opto-isolators needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple opto-isolators are used to transmit multiple signals, then the communication reliability between isolated circuits is improved, but the hardware cost and occupied space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate opto-isolators into a single integrated opto-isolation coupler that can transmit multiple digital signals simultaneously. This merging approach maintains communication reliability by providing isolated transmission for all signals while reducing the total number of discrete components and occupied space.
Solution Approach 2:
The opto-isolation coupler is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple digital signals (e.g., 4-bit data) through a single device. This universal component performs the isolation function for all signals concurrently, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated opto-isolators and reducing both cost and space requirements.
2Loss of information
If multiple opto-isolators are used to transmit multiple signals, then the communication completeness is improved, but the hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple opto-isolators are merged into a single opto-isolation coupler that transmits multiple digital signals simultaneously. This integration ensures all signal information is transmitted complete and accurately while reducing the total component count and associated hardware costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the opto-isolation system by using a single coupler to transmit multi-bit digital signals through frequency or pulse position modulation. This parameter change allows multiple signals to be transmitted through one channel, reducing hardware cost while maintaining communication completeness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple opto-isolators are used to transmit multiple signals, then the signal transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete opto-isolators into a single integrated opto-isolation coupler that handles multiple digital signals. This reduces device complexity by eliminating multiple separate components and their interconnections, while the internal structure of the coupler maintains the capability to transmit multiple signals independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The opto-isolation coupler internally segments the transmission channel to handle multiple digital signals separately, allowing each bit of multi-bit data to be transmitted independently through the single device. This segmentation approach maintains signal transmission capability while presenting a simplified external interface.
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
Reduces hardware cost and space by enabling efficient transmission of multiple signals using a single opto-isolator, maintaining effective communication between isolated circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The digital opto-isolation coupler is configured to provide isolated communication between the primary control unit and the secondary control unit and transmit the PWM signal from the primary control unit to the secondary control unit in optical form
Data Source
AI summary
A control circuit and method of a power supply system is provided. The power supply system includes an AC/DC circuit and an isolated DC/DC circuit. The control circuit includes primary and secondary control units and a digital opto-isolation coupler. The primary control unit receives and converts operational parameter signals of the AC/DC circuit into one PWM signal. The secondary control unit is isolated from the primary control unit. The digital opto-isolation coupler transmits the PWM signal from the primary control unit to the secondary control unit in optical form. The secondary control unit decodes the PWM signal into digital status signals, corresponding to the operational parameter signals respectively, and provides the isolated DC/DC circuit with control signals according to the digital status signals.