USB Isolator Control for Enumeration and Startup Across Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing USB isolators lack controlled enumeration capabilities and effective communication between upstream and downstream circuit systems, limiting their functionality in galvanically isolated environments.

Innovation Solution

A USB-based isolator system that supports controlled enumeration, provides a multi-mode voltage regulator for various voltage configurations, and includes control systems, refresh timers, and watchdog mechanisms to ensure robust and power-efficient operation across isolation barriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a USB isolator is designed to provide basic data exchange across an isolation barrier, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but controlled enumeration and status communication capabilities are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidcontrolled enumeration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator device is designed to perform multiple functions: basic data exchange across the isolation barrier, controlled enumeration of downstream devices, and status communication between upstream and downstream systems. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the isolator to maintain galvanic isolation while simultaneously providing advanced control features that were previously absent in basic isolator designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolator acts as an intermediary device between upstream and downstream USB systems, mediating both data transmission and enumeration control. By implementing control systems on both sides of the isolation barrier and using the isolator itself for status communication, the device enables controlled enumeration while maintaining galvanic isolation, thus resolving the versatility limitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional isolation devices are added to enable controlled enumeration and status communication, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatus communication capabilityVSAvoidnumber of isolation devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines enumeration control and status communication functions into the same isolator device that provides galvanic isolation. By merging these functions into a single device rather than requiring separate isolation devices for each function, the solution improves versatility while avoiding the complexity and cost increases that would result from adding multiple isolation devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If basic USB isolator design is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but power efficiency and error management capabilities are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveisolator structureVSAvoidpower efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The isolator incorporates control systems with refresh timers and watchdog mechanisms that provide feedback for error detection and management. These feedback mechanisms enable power-efficient operation by allowing the isolator to enter low-power states when appropriate while maintaining the ability to detect and respond to errors, thus improving power efficiency without requiring a fundamentally more complex device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables bi-directional data communication and controlled enumeration between galvanically isolated circuit systems, ensuring persistent and efficient operation while managing communication errors, and supporting multiple voltage supply configurations.

Implementation Method 1

isolator devices such as micro-transformers, capacitors, or GMR couplers for data exchange across an isolation barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

isolator devices such as micro-transformers, capacitors, or GMR couplers for data exchange across an isolation barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

isolator devices such as micro-transformers, capacitors, or GMR couplers for data exchange across an isolation barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetoresistance: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentUS8564327B2USB isolator with advanced control features

Publication Date: 2013.10.22 ANALOG DEVICES INC

AI summary

A USB-based isolator system conveys USB signals between a pair of galvanically isolated circuit systems and supports controlled enumeration by a downstream device on upstream USB signal lines. The isolator system provides a multi-mode voltage regulator to support multiple voltage supply configurations. The isolator system further provides control systems for each of the isolated circuit systems and provides robust control in a variety of start up conditions. Additionally, the isolator system includes refresh timers and watchdog mechanisms to support persistent operation but manage possible communication errors that can arise between the isolated circuit systems.