Optoelectronic Isolation Circuit for Compact High-to-Low Voltage Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optoelectronic devices face challenges in achieving a compact design while requiring high-voltage supplies with low current consumption and ensuring galvanic isolation under varying ambient conditions, particularly for applications like AR-VR glasses and automotive systems.

Innovation Solution

The device integrates semiconductor light emitters and photodiodes to convert high-voltage inputs into low-voltage outputs optically, using a compact design without inductive elements, ensuring galvanic isolation and magnetic field immunity, and allowing for voltage conversion between AC and DC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional optoelectronic devices are used, then voltage conversion and galvanic isolation can be achieved, but the device size and footprint are large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidvoltage conversion reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the transmitter and receiver into a single integrated optoelectronic device housing, merging voltage conversion and galvanic isolation functions into one compact unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate components while maintaining full functionality, directly reducing device footprint without compromising reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional magnetic or inductive voltage conversion mechanisms with an optoelectronic system using LEDs and photodiodes. This substitution eliminates bulky magnetic components and inductive elements, achieving voltage conversion through optical coupling instead, which dramatically reduces device size while maintaining conversion reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If compact design is achieved, then device footprint is reduced, but susceptibility to electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice footprintVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces magnetic/inductive systems with an optoelectronic system that uses light for energy transfer. Since optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference, this substitution provides intrinsic protection against EMI while enabling compact design. The optical coupling mechanism does not generate or respond to electromagnetic fields in the same way conventional systems do

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical radiation as an intermediary between the electrical input and output circuits. The LED converts electrical energy to optical energy, which then triggers the photodiode to generate output voltage. This optical intermediary provides galvanic isolation and protects against electromagnetic interference, as the optical path is immune to EMI

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Power

If high-voltage supply is used, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcurrent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pulsed or periodic operation of the LED transmitter, activating it only when voltage conversion is needed. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high power conversion efficiency during active periods while maintaining low average current consumption, as the high-current LED operation is time-limited rather than continuous

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the optoelectronic components, specifically operating the LED at high current during brief pulses to achieve efficient voltage conversion, then returning to low or zero current state. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to achieve high peak power efficiency while maintaining low average current consumption suitable for portable applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables efficient, compact energy and voltage transformation with galvanic isolation, reducing size, cost, and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, suitable for sensitive applications.

Implementation Method 1

the transmitter comprises at least one surface emitter... configured to emit electromagnetic radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

the receiver comprises at least one photodiode... configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation and to convert it into electrical energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12597808B2Compact optoelectronic transmitter and receiver device

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 AMS OSRAM INT GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an optoelectronic device including a transmitter designed to emit electromagnetic radiation and to be operated with an input voltage, and a receiver designed to receive the electromagnetic radiation and to provide an output voltage, the transmitter including at least one surface emitter, and the receiver comprising at least one photodiode.