RF Isolator Using Dielectric Confinement for Voltage Domain Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical isolators fail to effectively communicate radio frequency signals between circuits operating in different voltage domains while preventing voltage cross-over, which is crucial for applications like high voltage industrial machinery and medical equipment control systems.

Innovation Solution

A radio frequency isolator is designed using microfabricated antennae separated by a dielectric layer with a high dielectric constant, confining and transmitting signals between the antennae, allowing for efficient communication across different voltage domains.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional electrical isolators are used to prevent voltage cross-over between different voltage domains, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but radio frequency signal communication is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidRF signal communication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional electrical/isolator mechanisms with an optical communication system. Transmitters convert electrical signals to optical signals that can pass through the isolation barrier, while receivers convert them back. This substitution allows RF signal communication to occur while maintaining galvanic isolation, as the optical signals do not create electrical pathways between voltage domains.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary optical communication system between the high voltage and low voltage circuits. The isolation barrier with transmitters and receivers acts as an intermediary that transfers information without allowing direct electrical contact, thus maintaining isolation while enabling communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an isolation barrier is introduced to prevent voltage cross-over, then circuit safety is improved, but signal transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage isolationVSAvoidsignal transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission across the isolation barrier. This replacement overcomes the efficiency losses typically associated with isolation barriers, as optical transmitters and receivers can achieve high transmission efficiency while maintaining voltage isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical to optical. By using optical signals with specific wavelengths and the appropriate transmitters/receivers, the system achieves both voltage isolation and high signal transmission efficiency, resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If galvanic isolation is implemented between different voltage domains, then voltage cross-over is prevented, but communication capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage domain isolationVSAvoidcommunication between circuits

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an intermediary optical communication system consisting of transmitters and receivers positioned on either side of the isolation barrier. This intermediary enables bidirectional communication between isolated circuits by converting electrical signals to optical signals that can traverse the isolation barrier without creating electrical pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct electrical communication with optical communication across the isolation barrier. Transmitters convert electrical signals to optical signals, which pass through the barrier, and receivers convert them back, thereby enabling communication while maintaining voltage domain isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reliable and efficient communication of radio frequency signals between circuits in different voltage domains, providing galvanic isolation and maintaining signal integrity across a wide range of frequencies, suitable for various industrial and medical applications.

Implementation Method 1

Layers of materials having different dielectric constants may be arranged to confine the emission along a path to the receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a dielectric layer having a dielectric constant between 5 and 500 for frequencies between 5 GHz and 200 Ghz

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric confinement: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS10505258B2Radio frequency isolator

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 ANALOG DEVICES INT UNLTD CO

AI summary

Radio frequency (RF) isolators are described, coupling circuit domains operating at different voltages. The RF isolator may include a transmitter which emits a directional signal toward a receiver. Layers of materials having different dielectric constants may be arranged to confine the emission along a path to the receiver. The emitter may be an antenna having an aperture facing the receiver.