Semiconductor Circuit Isolation Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuits lack the capability to detect abnormalities that can cause malfunctions in signal transmission via isolation elements, leading to potential errors in controlling downstream objects, such as inadvertently turning on power transistors and causing load malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit configuration that includes a transmission circuit, a reception circuit, an isolation element, an abnormality detection part, and a control part. The abnormality detection part identifies potential malfunctions in signal transmission and outputs a stop signal to prevent the power transistor from being inadvertently turned on, thereby preventing load malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolation elements are used to transmit signals between semiconductor chips operating on different source voltages, then voltage level conversion and isolation are achieved, but the capability to detect abnormalities in signal transmission is lost, leading to potential control errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating an abnormality detection part that proactively monitors signal transmission through the isolation element before control errors can occur. The detection circuit continuously checks for abnormalities in the control signal passing through the isolation transformer, enabling early detection of transmission failures before they affect the power transistor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by creating a monitoring loop where the abnormality detection part observes the control signal transmission through the isolation element and provides feedback information about transmission status. This feedback mechanism enables the system to identify when signal transmission fails, allowing for corrective action to prevent control errors in the power conversion circuit.
2Measurement precision
If abnormality detection capability is added to existing isolation element circuits, then detection precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing abnormality detection specifically at the critical point where the control signal passes through the isolation transformer, rather than adding comprehensive monitoring throughout the entire circuit. The detection circuit is localized to monitor only the control signal transmission path, providing precise abnormality detection where it is most needed without unnecessarily complicating other parts of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent demonstrates multi-functionality by designing the abnormality detection part to serve multiple purposes: it monitors signal transmission integrity, detects transmission failures, and provides information to prevent control errors. This single detection component performs multiple functions that collectively improve system reliability without requiring separate specialized circuits for each function.
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 effectively detects and prevents abnormalities in signal transmission through isolation elements, ensuring the power transistor is not inadvertently activated, thus preventing load malfunctions and maintaining operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor-coupled isolator uses one coil to convert an electric signal to magnetism before getting another coil to convert the magnetism to an electric signal
Implementation Method 2
The inductor-coupled isolator uses one coil to convert an electric signal to magnetism before getting another coil to convert the magnetism to an electric signal, thus ensuring isolation between two semiconductor chips
Implementation Method 3
The photo-coupler uses one chip to convert an electric signal to an optical signal before getting another chip to convert that optical signal to an electric signal
Implementation Method 4
The photo-coupler uses one chip to convert an electric signal to an optical signal before getting another chip to convert that optical signal to an electric signal
Implementation Method 5
The capacitor-coupled isolator uses one electrode of a capacitative element to convert an electric signal to an electric field before utilizing the other electrode of the element to convert the electric field to an electric signal
Implementation Method 6
The GMR element isolator uses a coil to convert an electric signal to magnetism before utilizing a GMR element to convert the magnetism to an electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor integrated circuit capable of detecting an abnormality that can cause a malfunction in signal transmission via an isolation element and of issuing a stop signal to the target to be controlled. The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a transmission circuit generating and outputting a transmission signal reflecting transmission data supplied from outside, a reception circuit reproducing the transmission data based on a reception signal, an isolation element isolating the transmission circuit from the reception circuit and transmitting the transmission signal as the reception signal, an abnormality detection part detecting an abnormality that can cause a malfunction in signal transmission via the isolation element, and a control part outputting a stop signal if the abnormality detection part detects the abnormality, regardless of the transmission data supplied to the transmission circuit from outside.