Bidirectional Digital Isolator for USB Signal Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital signal isolation technologies are inadequate as they often require separate uni-directional isolator channels for each direction of signal transmission, leading to safety hazards and noise introduction due to insufficient isolation, and lack efficient direction management across interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional digital isolator solution that employs direction/line state control logic and USB hub functions to determine the signal direction, enabling appropriate isolator channels to isolate and transmit digital signals across interfaces, such as USB interfaces, using capacitive, magnetic, optical, or acoustical means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate uni-directional isolator channels are used for each transmission direction, then electrical isolation and noise reduction are improved, but device complexity and component quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate uni-directional isolator channels into a single bi-directional isolator channel that can handle both transmission directions. The isolator channel is configured to isolate signals in both directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate isolators for each direction while maintaining electrical isolation and noise reduction benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator channel is designed with multi-functionality to operate in both transmission directions (A to B and B to A). By implementing bidirectional isolation capability within a single channel, the system achieves universal isolation coverage without requiring direction-specific isolator channels, thereby reducing component quantity while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If direction control logic is implemented to manage signal direction, then signal transmission accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator channel incorporates self-service capability through automatic direction detection and isolation activation. The system autonomously determines the signal transmission direction and activates the appropriate isolation path without requiring complex external control logic, thereby improving signal direction detection accuracy while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The direction control logic implements feedback mechanisms to monitor signal direction and adjust isolation channel activation accordingly. By using feedback from signal detection to control isolator channel operation, the system achieves accurate signal direction management with relatively simple control logic that adapts to real-time transmission conditions.
3Device complexity
If bi-directional isolator channel is used, then component quantity is reduced, but isolation effectiveness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bi-directional isolator channel is segmented into separate isolation paths for each transmission direction (A to B and B to A). Each direction has its own isolation mechanism within the unified channel structure, ensuring that isolation effectiveness is maintained for both directions simultaneously while using a single component rather than two separate isolators.
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 effectively manages bi-directional digital signal transmission, ensuring electrical isolation and reducing safety hazards and noise, while allowing seamless communication across interfaces, even in high-speed USB applications, by utilizing uni-directional isolator channels in the determined direction.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing capacitive, magnetic, optical, or acoustical means
Implementation Method 2
utilizing capacitive, magnetic, optical, or acoustical means
Implementation Method 3
utilizing capacitive, magnetic, optical, or acoustical means
Implementation Method 4
allowing the transmission of the digital signal
Data Source
AI summary
An interface between USB devices employs isolation techniques to provide electrical isolation of a USB signal for transmission of the USB signal between the devices. Unidirectional isolator channels are utilized to transmit the USB signals, and a selection of an isolator channel operating in an intended direction is performed by either direction control logic or a USB hub function. Logic may be employed to detect a device attempting to initiate a USB signal. The logic operates to enable a transmitter on a receiving side and isolate the USB signal through an isolator channel operating in a transmission direction.