Transformer Pulse Drive Circuit With LC Damping for Low-EMI Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional signal transmission devices face challenges in reducing noise and power consumption during pulse driving due to high peak values of primary voltage and current, leading to increased electromagnetic interference (EMI) and inefficient energy use.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a capacitor and diodes in the pulse drive circuit to form an LC series circuit between the buffer output and the primary coil, and additional diodes to manage current flow, which reduces the peak voltage and current, and employs a transistor with a back gate connected to the reference potential to manage ESD surges effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional pulse drive circuit is used, then signal transmission is achieved, but high peak voltage and current cause increased noise and EMI

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and EMIVSAvoidpeak voltage and current
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an LC series circuit as an intermediary component between the buffer output and the primary coil. This LC circuit acts as a mediator that smooths the pulse signal, reducing the peak voltage and current while maintaining signal transmission functionality. The capacitor and inductor work together to filter out high-frequency components that cause noise and EMI.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the drive circuit by adding reactive components (capacitor and inductor). This transforms the circuit from a direct resistive connection to an LC resonant circuit, fundamentally altering the voltage and current waveforms to reduce peak values while preserving the pulse transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If conventional pulse drive circuit is used, then signal transmission is achieved, but high peak current leads to increased power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidpeak current
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The LC series circuit serves as an energy management intermediary that stores and releases energy in a controlled manner. The capacitor stores energy during the charging phase and releases it during the discharge phase, while the inductor stores magnetic energy and releases it, thereby reducing the peak current demand and overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic charging and discharging of the capacitor through the LC circuit. This periodic action allows the circuit to operate in cycles, where energy is accumulated and then released, reducing the instantaneous peak current and average power consumption compared to continuous high-current operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Stability of the object's composition

If conventional pulse drive circuit is used, then basic driving function is achieved, but ringing occurs in primary voltage and current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage and current stabilityVSAvoidringing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful ringing effect into a beneficial phenomenon by utilizing the natural resonant behavior of the LC circuit. The LC circuit's resonance is controlled and damped to suppress unwanted oscillations while maintaining the desired pulse transmission, effectively transforming what could be a stability problem into a solution for smooth signal delivery.

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

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

The solution reduces noise and EMI, lowers power consumption, and prevents ringing in the primary voltage and current, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the pulse drive circuit.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a capacitor and diodes in the pulse drive circuit to form an LC series circuit between the buffer output and the primary coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLC circuit resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

reduces the peak voltage and current, and employs a transistor with a back gate connected to the reference potential to manage ESD surges effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference reduction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

Incorporating a capacitor and diodes in the pulse drive circuit to form an LC series circuit between the buffer output and the primary coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiode rectification: Diode

Implementation Method 4

employs a transistor with a back gate connected to the reference potential to manage ESD surges effectively

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectESD surge protection: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS20250015787A1Pulse drive circuit and signal transmission device
Publication Date: 2025.01.09 ROHM CO LTD
  • US20250015787A1 patent drawing
  • US20250015787A1 patent drawing
  • US20250015787A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A pulse drive circuit includes: a buffer configured to receive a transmission pulse signal; a capacitor configured to be provided between the output terminal of the buffer and the primary coil of a transformer; and a first diode configured to be provided between the primary coil of the transformer and a reference potential terminal.