Semiconductor Device Single-Input Multi-State Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photo relays require complex control signal designs and increased input signals when the number of relays increases, leading to complications in circuit design and footprint, especially when switching between multiple states.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor device with light-emitting and light-receiving elements, a selection circuit, and control circuits that allow for the control of multiple switches with a single input signal, using optical shielding and distinct light frequencies to reduce crosstalk and package size, enabling efficient switching between multiple states with reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of relays is increased in a conventional photo relay system, then more switching functions are achieved, but the number of input signals increases proportionately, resulting in complicated control signal design and control substrate pattern design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single input signal to control multiple relay outputs through a selection circuit. The selection circuit can select different light-emitting elements based on the input signal, allowing one input to trigger multiple different relay switching functions, thus reducing the number of required input signals while increasing switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple relay control functions into a single integrated semiconductor device structure. Multiple light-emitting elements, light-receiving elements, and switch elements are merged into one package with a shared control mechanism, consolidating what would traditionally require separate relay circuits into a unified multi-functional unit
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of relays is increased in a conventional photo relay system, then more switching functions are achieved, but the control substrate pattern design becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple relay control functions into a single integrated semiconductor device where all components (light-emitting elements, light-receiving elements, switch elements, and control circuits) are fabricated together on one substrate. This integration eliminates the need for complex external wiring patterns and simplifies manufacturing by using standard semiconductor fabrication processes
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-emitting elements are used to control multiple switches, then more switch states can be controlled with a single input, but crosstalk between elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving each light-emitting element a specific emission wavelength characteristic. Different elements emit at different wavelengths, and corresponding light-receiving elements are designed to be sensitive only to their matched wavelength, creating localized, selective optical channels that prevent crosstalk between adjacent elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different emission wavelengths (colors) for different light-emitting elements to achieve wavelength-division multiplexing. By assigning distinct spectral characteristics to each element and using corresponding wavelength-selective receivers, the system can simultaneously control multiple switches with a single input signal while preventing optical interference between channels
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 semiconductor device simplifies circuit design, reduces power consumption, and minimizes the footprint by allowing multiple switch states to be controlled with a single input signal, improving the degree of freedom in circuit design and reducing complexity compared to traditional photo relays.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of light-emitting elements 14A, 14B, a plurality of light-receiving elements 20A, 20B
Implementation Method 2
The light-receiving elements are each configured to receive light of each of the light-emitting elements and generate a signal for driving a switch
Implementation Method 3
using optical shielding and distinct light frequencies to reduce crosstalk
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes light-emitting elements, a selection circuit, a control circuit, light-receiving elements, and switch elements. The selection circuit is configured to accept one input signal and output a signal for selecting an element to emit light among the light-emitting elements. The control circuit is configured to control the light-emitting elements, based on the signal outputted from the selection circuit. The light-receiving elements are each configured to receive light of each of the light-emitting elements and generate a signal for driving a switch, based on a light-receiving state. The switch elements are each configured to be driven by application of voltage outputted from each of the light-emitting elements.