Signal Isolator Oscillator Using Transformer Winding for Fast OOK Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OOK-based signal isolators have inefficient designs, often requiring separate high-frequency oscillators and being power-hungry, which limits their effectiveness in data exchange across galvanically isolated circuit systems.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an oscillator circuit coupled with a control switch and a quenching switch within the isolator device, along with a kickstart circuit, to efficiently generate and terminate oscillating signals based on input signals, reducing component count and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate high-frequency oscillator is used to generate carrier signals, then signal transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the oscillator circuit with the isolator device into a single integrated unit. The oscillator generates carrier signals that are directly modulated by the input signal and transmitted through the isolation barrier, eliminating the need for separate external oscillators and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining signal transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the isolation barrier and the oscillator that generates carrier signals. This multi-functional design reduces the total component count and simplifies the overall system architecture while ensuring reliable signal transmission across galvanically isolated circuits
2Reliability
If traditional OOK-based isolator transmitters are used, then data exchange across isolation barriers is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs on-off keying modulation where the oscillator is periodically switched on and off based on the input digital signal. The control switch gates the oscillator to generate periodic carrier signals only when needed, and the quenching switch rapidly terminates oscillations during state transitions, minimizing unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reliable data exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator circuit incorporates dynamic switching mechanisms with control and quenching switches that rapidly transition between on and off states. This dynamic operation allows the system to consume power only during active signal transmission periods, significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuously operating transmitters
3Reliability
If separate oscillators and multiple components are used, then signal generation capability is improved, but manufacturing area and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the oscillator circuit, isolation barrier, control switches, and quenching switches into a single compact isolator device. This merging of functions into one integrated structure dramatically reduces the manufacturing area required compared to separate oscillators and multiple discrete components while maintaining full signal generation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator circuit is nested within the isolator device structure, with the isolation barrier embedded in the transmitter path. The control and quenching switches are integrated into the oscillator circuitry, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the overall footprint and manufacturing area while preserving all necessary signal generation functions
Data Source
AI summary
An oscillator for a signal isolator system includes a capacitor and an inductor connected in parallel, two pairs of cross-coupled switches and a control switch. The capacitor, the inductor and the cross-coupled switches form an oscillator. The control switch controls operation of the oscillator between an ON state and an OFF state in response to a data signal to be communicated across an isolation barrier. The inductor may be formed from a winding of an isolation transformer, which reduces component count as compared to a system that provides a separate inductor. Other embodiments may include a current-supplying kickstart circuit and a shorting transistor that can speed transition between the ON and OFF states.