Single Transformer Isolation for Data Acquisition Noise Immunity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data acquisition systems face challenges in isolating sensors from processing components to prevent damage from hazardous signals and improve noise immunity, while maintaining compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single transformer for isolation between sensors and circuit components, employing transformer switching modulation and current modulation to enable bidirectional data exchange, with control and data decode logic, demodulator circuitry, and power supply to manage clock and chip select signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If isolation circuits are implemented between sensors and processing components, then damage prevention and noise immunity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple isolation functions (signal isolation, power supply isolation, ground loop elimination) into a single isolation circuit architecture. The isolation circuit includes a primary side connected to the sensor, a secondary side connected to the processing component, and a transformer that provides both signal transformation and electrical isolation, merging protection and signal transmission in one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary isolation circuit between the sensor and processing component. This isolation circuit acts as a mediator that blocks hazardous signals and noise while allowing valid data transmission through the transformer. The intermediary includes modulation/demodulation circuits that translate signals across the isolation barrier without direct electrical connection.
2Reliability
If multiple transformers are used for isolation, then isolation effectiveness is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple transformer functions into a single transformer. The same transformer handles both the data signal isolation and the clock signal isolation, eliminating the need for separate transformers for different signal types. This consolidation reduces the overall circuit size while maintaining isolation effectiveness for all signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The single transformer in the patent serves multiple functions: it isolates data signals, isolates clock signals, provides galvanic isolation, and enables bidirectional communication. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized transformers, reducing circuit footprint and component count.
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 solution provides effective isolation, improves noise immunity, and maintains a compact and cost-effective design by enabling efficient data transfer and processing while preventing damage from hazardous signals.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer to isolate a primary side of the circuit from a secondary side of the circuit
Implementation Method 2
Data may be exchanged between isolated sections of a data acquisition circuit in two directions through the single transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A data acquisition circuit may isolate control and data decode logic elements from data acquisition elements such as sensors through the use of a single transformer. A control signal may be supplied to a primary winding of a transformer by alternately opening and closing a push switch and a pull switch. First and second analog to digital converter circuits may receive analog signals and convert them to data signals, which may appear on the secondary winding of the transformer. Data signals may be substantially received by a data demodulator circuit on the primary side of the data acquisition circuit. The data demodulator circuit may compare a voltage associated with the received signal to a threshold voltage and output a result of the comparison to the control and data decode logic element.