Opto-isolator with Optical Modulator Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional opto-isolators lack flexibility and adaptability, and require continuous maintenance of control signals for additional signal modulation, which increases complexity, reduces reliability, and increases energy costs.
Innovation Solution
An opto-isolator with an additional level of signal modulation and a memory, featuring a light emitter, light guides, a light recorder, an optical signal modulator, and an optical modulator memory that stores the modulation level, allowing autonomous control and non-volatile modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional signal modulation is provided in conventional opto-isolators, then signal control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the modulator and memory into a single integrated unit where the memory is optically coupled to the modulator. This merging eliminates the need for separate control circuits and reduces device complexity while maintaining signal control capability. The memory stores modulation states that directly control the modulator, creating a unified component that performs both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated memory-modulator unit serves multiple functions: it provides signal modulation, stores modulation states, and maintains control information without external intervention. This multi-functional design improves signal control capability while avoiding the complexity of separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional signal modulation is provided in conventional opto-isolators, then signal control capability is improved, but reliability reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The memory-modulator unit is self-sufficient, using its internal memory to store and retrieve modulation states without requiring external control signals. This self-service capability eliminates dependency on external control circuits, reducing points of failure and improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory pre-stores modulation states that are ready for immediate use by the modulator. This preliminary preparation of control information eliminates the need for real-time external control, reducing operational complexity and potential failure points, thereby improving reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional signal modulation is provided in conventional opto-isolators, then signal control capability is improved, but energy cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory-modulator unit operates by retrieving pre-stored modulation states from memory rather than continuously receiving external control signals. This periodic access to stored information eliminates continuous energy consumption associated with external control circuits, reducing overall energy cost while maintaining signal control capability.
4Device complexity
If simple opto-isolator design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the modulator and memory into a single integrated unit with optical coupling, the patent achieves enhanced adaptability through the memory's storage capability while keeping the overall device structure simple. The integration avoids the complexity of separate control circuits that would otherwise be needed.
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 stability, autonomy, and independence from external fluctuations, eliminating the need for continuous maintenance of modulation control signals and enhancing the reliability and adaptability of the opto-isolator.
Implementation Method 1
Opto-isolators with LEDs
Implementation Method 2
a photodiode, a phototransistor
Implementation Method 3
The optical signal modulator modulates an optical signal within the opto-isolator
Data Source
AI summary
An opto-isolator has a light emitter, at least one light guide, a light recorder optically connected to the light emitter via the light guide, an optical signal modulator optically connected to the light emitter, the light guide or the light recorder, and an optical modulator memory connected to the optical signal modulator. The optical signal modulator modulates an optical signal within the opto-isolator, and is controlled by the optical modulator memory.