Series-Connected Coreless Transformers for High Voltage Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transmission arrangements between voltage domains with different reference potentials face challenges in achieving high voltage differences due to the difficulty in producing thick, accurately reliable dielectric layers compatible with integrated circuit manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of two coreless transformers or capacitors connected in series, with each transformer or capacitor having primary and secondary windings or plates, respectively, to increase the maximum blocking voltage by doubling the distance between windings or plates, thereby enhancing insulation and voltage handling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick dielectric layers are used to increase maximum voltage difference, then voltage isolation capability is improved, but manufacturing accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single thick dielectric layer into multiple thinner dielectric layers (first dielectric layer, second dielectric layer, third dielectric layer) separated by conducting layers. This segmentation allows each thin layer to be manufactured with high precision using standard integrated circuit processes, while the cumulative effect of multiple layers achieves the required total thickness for high voltage isolation capability.
2Strength
If distance between transformer windings is increased to withstand higher voltage difference, then voltage isolation capability is improved, but device area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from increasing distance in one dimension (horizontal spacing between windings) to increasing thickness in another dimension (vertical stacking of multiple dielectric layers). This allows the transformer to achieve high voltage isolation capability through increased dielectric thickness without requiring increased horizontal area, thus maintaining compact device footprint.
3Strength
If thick dielectric layers are produced to achieve high voltage differences, then maximum blocking voltage is improved, but production reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a single thick dielectric layer into multiple thinner dielectric layers that can each be produced with high reliability using standard integrated circuit manufacturing processes. The cumulative blocking voltage of multiple thin layers equals or exceeds that of a single thick layer, while avoiding the production reliability issues associated with manufacturing thick dielectric layers.
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 configuration effectively doubles the maximum blocking voltage that can be achieved with a given dielectric layer thickness, addressing the limitations of existing systems by improving voltage isolation and reliability in integrated circuit technology.
Implementation Method 1
A coreless transformer includes a primary and a secondary winding, these windings being arranged distant from one another and separated by a dielectric
Implementation Method 2
The maximum voltage difference between the two voltage domains the transformer can withstand is dependent on the distance between the transformer windings and the isolation properties of the used isolation material (dielectric layer)
Implementation Method 3
a first capacitor having a first capacitor plate, and a secondary capacitor plate, the first capacitor plate being coupled to the input terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A signal transmission arrangement includes input terminals for receiving an input signal and output terminals for providing an output signal. A first transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding being coupled to the input terminals. A second transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding being coupled to the secondary winding of the first transformer, and the secondary winding being coupled to the output terminals.