Transformer-Based Isolated Power Converter Data Link

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional isolated power converters require separate isolation barriers for power and data channels, leading to increased complexity and potential issues with common mode transients affecting data decoding accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A transformer is used as a shared isolation barrier for both power and data channels, incorporating a detuning circuit on the secondary side and a receiver circuit with an integrator on the primary side to modulate resonance and decode data signals, respectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate isolation barriers are used for power and data channels, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidisolation barrier structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power isolation barrier and data isolation barrier into a single transformer structure. The transformer's primary and secondary windings provide galvanic isolation for both power transmission and data communication simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate isolation components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transformer is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides power isolation, data isolation, and enables bidirectional data communication through the same isolation barrier. This multi-functional approach allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate isolation barriers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If conventional data decoding is used in isolated power converters, then data transmission is achieved, but common mode transients affect decoding accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoiddata decoding accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of common mode transients into a useful signal characteristic. By detecting the presence and characteristics of these transients during switching cycles, the system uses them as part of the data encoding scheme, where the transient itself carries information that can be decoded to improve accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor the data channel during power switching operations. By continuously observing the interactions between power switching and data transmission, the system can adjust and refine data decoding in real-time, compensating for transient effects and improving overall decoding accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the transformer is used for both power and data isolation, then device complexity is reduced, but data signal differentiation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolation mechanismVSAvoiddata signal detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs resonance phenomena in the transformer circuit to create distinct vibrational patterns for different data states. By modulating the data signals at specific resonant frequencies and detecting these frequency-based patterns, the system can clearly differentiate between binary states even within the complex electromagnetic environment of the shared transformer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 simplifies the isolation mechanism, enhances data decoding accuracy by differentiating between '0' and '1' bits based on slew rate, and reduces the impact of common mode transients on data recovery.

Implementation Method 1

A transformer is used as a shared isolation barrier for both power and data channels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

incorporating a detuning circuit on the secondary side and a receiver circuit with an integrator on the primary side to modulate resonance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20230006559A1Data transfer through an isolated power converter

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

An integrated circuit (IC) assembly includes a first power stage adapted to receive an input voltage and a second power stage adapted to provide an isolated output voltage. The IC also includes a transformer coupled between the first and second power stages. The IC further includes a detuning circuit coupled to the transformer, and a receiver circuit coupled to the first power stage. The receiver circuit includes an integrator configured to integrate a switching signal within the first power stage.