A power converter comprises a direct current (DC)-DC converter configured to receive an input voltage in a primary domain, a transformer coupled to and driven by the DC-DC converter and supplying an output voltage in a secondary domain, and a transmission path configured to pass a digital feedback signal through an isolation barrier from the secondary domain to the primary domain.

Dc-dc converter with isolation

A method for transferring power and information across an isolation barrier comprises transferring power across a power transfer isolation barrier between a primary circuit and a secondary circuit while maintaining isolation between the primary and secondary circuits, and transferring data between the powered system and the isolated system across a communication isolation barrier that is distinct from the power transfer isolation barrier.

Partitioned Signal and Power Transfer Across an Isolation Barrier

A method for transmitting an information signal across an isolation barrier comprises receiving an input signal, preconditioning the input signal according to a modulation function, passing the preconditioned signal through the isolation barrier, and recovering the passed signal according to a demodulation function corresponding to the modulation function, the recovered signal being operative as a feedback signal.

Signal communication across an isolation barrier

An automotive drive system for a high voltage electric motor comprises a microcontroller and ECU powered by a low voltage (12 volt) bus net which controls the drives of a high voltage inverter powered by a 100 volt or higher source, which, in turn, drives the motor. To provide good electrical insulation between the low voltage and high voltage systems, the low voltage control signals are produced by a low voltage signal transmitter chip which has a small integral antenna which wirelessly communicates with the antenna of a high voltage driver IC which drives the power devices of the high voltage inverter. The two IC chips are separated by a suitable isolation distance and may be bare chips, individually packaged chips or co-packed chips. Plural control IC chips and driver IC chips can communicate with one another for adverse control functions, including “smart” functions.

Driver IC with HV-isolation, especially hybrid electric vehicle motor drive concept

A transient blocking unit (TBU) with integrated over-current protection and discrete over-voltage protection. In one example embodiment, the present innovations are embodied as a unit for protecting a circuit from high voltage and high current, comprising a core transient blocking unit with at least one high voltage device wherein the core transient blocking unit is integrated, and wherein the at least one high voltage device is discrete.

Integrated transient blocking unit compatible with very high voltages

Merged devices for transient blocking. A pass transistor (44) is placed so that upon a transient being applied to Input terminal (40), transistor (44)'s body potential drives the gate (81) of a depletion-mode JFIET-type blocking transistor (71). Simultaneously a potential difference VD is applied to external gate (52) in order to deplete channel (77). Thus a transient which appears on an external terminal is very rapidly propagated to deplete channels (77) and (85) thereby effectively disconnecting In terminal (40) from Out terminal (42) before damage can occur to a device connected to Out terminal (42). Once the transient subsides the device (37) resumes its normally conductive state.

Richard Allen Harris

Papers

Integrated electronic disconnecting circuits, methods, and systems