Single Isolator for Analog and Digital Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated communication systems require two separate isolators for transmitting and receiving analog and digital signals across an isolation barrier, increasing cost and being impractical for integrated circuit packages due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a single isolation channel by modulating analog and digital signals into a frequency-modulated (FM) signal, allowing both types of signals to be transmitted and received through a single isolator, employing a modulator, transmitter, signal isolator, receiver, frequency discriminator, and filtering circuit to decode and filter the signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate isolators are used to transmit analog and digital signals across an isolation barrier, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate isolators (analog and digital) into a single isolator that can handle both signal types. The modulator converts both analog and digital signals into a common modulated signal format that can be transmitted through a single isolation channel, eliminating the need for separate isolators while maintaining signal transmission reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single isolator is designed to perform multiple functions by receiving both analog and digital signals through a common isolation channel. The modulator and demodulator work together to enable the isolator to transmit different signal types (analog, digital, bidirectional) through the same physical isolation barrier, reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If two separate isolators are used for analog and digital signals, then signal isolation is improved, but area occupied in integrated circuit package increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate isolator circuits into a single integrated isolator unit. By using a common modulation scheme and shared isolation channel, the physical area required in an integrated circuit package is reduced while maintaining the isolation performance needed for both analog and digital signals
3Measurement precision
If two separate isolators are employed, then signal transmission accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two isolator functions into one, reducing the total component count and assembly requirements. This merging approach lowers manufacturing costs while the modulation and demodulation circuitry maintains signal transmission accuracy for both analog and digital signals through the single isolation channel
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
Enables cost-effective and space-efficient transmission and reception of both analog and digital signals across a single isolation channel, maintaining signal integrity and reducing the complexity of integrated circuit designs.
Implementation Method 1
an optical isolator circuit configured to receive as an input thereto the modulated output signal, the isolator comprising an LED driver operably connected to the output of second comparator, the LED driver providing optical output signals, the isolator further comprising a photodetector configured to generate current in response to the LED driver providing the optical output signals thereto
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of systems for transmitting and receiving digital and Various embodiments of systems for transmitting and receiving digital and/or analog signals across a single isolator, solid state lighting systems, or DC/DC converter feedback regulation control systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the digital and analog signals may be modulated into a frequency modulated signal, and each pulse of the frequency modulated signal may be further encoded into a major pulse and a minor pulse. At least some of the circuits, systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented using conventional CMOS design and manufacturing techniques and processes to provide, for example, a single integrated circuit or ASIC.