Single Isolator for Analog and Digital Signal Multiplexing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing isolated communication systems require two separate isolation channels for transmitting analog and digital signals, which increases costs and is not feasible in 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 signal, allowing both 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 isolation channels are used to transmit analog and digital signals, then signal transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines analog and digital signal transmission into a single isolation channel by multiplexing both signal types onto one isolator. The modulator multiplexes the analog signal and digital signal onto a single communication channel, which is then transmitted through one isolator rather than requiring separate isolators for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator is designed to handle multiple signal types (analog and digital) through a single channel. The system makes the single isolator universal by enabling it to transmit both analog and digital signals simultaneously through signal multiplexing and modulation techniques.
2Reliability
If two separate isolators are used for analog and digital signals, then signal isolation effectiveness is improved, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges analog and digital signal transmission paths into a single isolation channel. By using one isolator instead of two, the physical footprint and board space required for the isolation functionality is significantly reduced, making it suitable for integrated circuit packages with space constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system nests multiple signal types within a single transmission channel. The analog and digital signals are multiplexed and modulated together, allowing one isolator to perform the work of what would traditionally require two separate isolators, thereby reducing the overall area occupied.
3Reliability
If two separate isolation channels are used, then signal transmission quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functionality of two separate isolators into a single device by multiplexing analog and digital signals. This reduces component count, simplifies the bill of materials, and lowers overall system cost while maintaining signal transmission quality through proper modulation and demodulation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The single isolator is designed with universal capability to handle both analog and digital signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to purchase and install two separate isolator devices, thereby reducing cost while maintaining the isolation effectiveness required for both signal types.
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 an isolation barrier without the need for separate channels, maintaining signal integrity and system functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the modulator is configured to modulate the analog signal according to the first frequency and corresponding logic state of the first digital signal to form a frequency-modulated (FM) signal
Implementation Method 2
the transmitter being configured to encode and transmit the FM signal to the isolator for conveyance thereacross
Implementation Method 3
the frequency discriminator being configured to decode the FM signal and provide a reconstructed first digital signal as an output therefrom
Implementation Method 4
the filtering circuit being configured to filter the FM signal and provide the analog signal as an output therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
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, a first signal may be modulated into a first modulated signal. The first modulated signal is then modulated into a second modulated signal in accordance to a second signal. The second modulated signal is in turn, modulated into a third modulated signal in accordance to a third signal. At least some of the apparatuses, circuits, systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented using conventional CMOS design and manufacturing techniques and processes to provide, for example, at least one or more integrated circuits.